Help please! TMI Warning

[PickledSpaceRaider]

I’m at my wits end. I have terrible persistent (months!) of lower back pain which is so bad I’m struggling to stand and walk. My GP refuses to refer me for an MRI and insists I see physio first. I’ve been to physio twice (I paid privately as I’m so desperate) and the Physio says I need to go back to my GP as they don’t believe it’s a mechanical problem. I have tendonitis in other joints too.

My GP has referred me back to a specialist team at Physio but I won’t see them for another three months.

I take daily pain meds but I also have awful reflux which I’m taking medication for.
I take the pain meds and I get stomach pain. I don’t take the pain meds and my lower back pain is bad.

I’m feeling ‘off’ the past couple of days; a bit sickly, no appetite and very irritable (due to ducking back pain!).

I’m mid cycle (ovulation was a few days ago) and today , I’ve noticed I have bloody discharge (dark brown , almost black). I’ve never had this before.

Could it be linked to back pain? I’m really fed up and I don’t know what to do.

These were my MIL's symptoms. I don't want to worry you, but she had bowel cancer. If I were you, I would complain to your GP of a change in bowel habit and see if that gets you a scan.

speak to your GP about this mid cycle bleeding. It could be connected.

Should I bother the GP now with it or wait to see if it happens again mid cycle next month? My GP seems to be fed up with me but I can’t stomach the thought of waiting three months to be prodded by a physio and sent away with more exercises . They don’t help.

Black sticky blood is old blood . You should get it checked out , as your GO for a 2nd opinion or an urgent hospital appointment.

My last period was also different; I cramped for the full five days which is unusual. Period before that was heavier too. I put it down to hormonal changes but I’m under 40 so I’m not aware if it’s possible to be peri menopause.

I will call for a triage appointment with my GP tomorrow. If I can get past reception.

Be very insistent - don't let them fob you off!

Agree that you need an urgent appointment. Abdominal, mid-cycle bleeding and low back pain could be linked. You must insist that you are seen to and referred to gynae.

Yes, absolutely speak to the GP for an urgent gynae referral. It could be anything from fibroids to something more serious but I'd consider the back pain, stomach issues and gynae symptoms to have a possible link and want to get it checked out ASAP.

The pain is slightly worse tonight but bearable; my back has gone in to a spasm so I’ve been stretching to ease it.

However, I’ve just passed a very small black discharge clot and I have very mild dull pelvic pain. I have also felt like I’ve needed to pee on and off all day and I’ve noticed I’m leaking small amounts of urine <blush>. It just feels a bit odd in my bladder and pee shoot region.

Could it be an infection?

Back pain is the most bothersome. Ranging from sharp pain to burning across my lower back.

I don't think it's likely to be an infection in your wee / bladder if you're sure the blood clots are coming from your vagina (I'm no medic though). Please phone your GP for an urgent appointment first thing, or phone 111 tonight if the pain is unbearable.

Have you managed to get an appointment ?

If you have 'saddle anaesthesia' numbness to the perineal area, urinary and or bowel incontinence , that's indicative of cauda equina which is an emergency (and warrants an urgent scan). You should go to ED with this.

The bleeding etc isn't anything to do with your spine though.

Without further investigation it's impossible to diagnose but there's a myriad things is could be.

I called this morning but all appointments were gone and the receptionist said to try tomorrow.

I’m just fed up. My back is so tight I can’t sit, I can’t walk. I feel like I constantly need to pee. I’ve had pins and needs on and off in my foot and a weird tingly sensation down the back of my calves.

I’m aware of CES but I don’t think I fit the criteria for this.

You need to phone back and stress it's an emergency. Insist on speaking to a Dr (politely ask the receptionist if they are willing to be held to account if you take a turn for the worse because they wouldn't allow you access to a qualified medical professional). If no joy, call 111. That level of pain and the other symptoms like incontinence, numbness and PV bleeding suggests something amis with your pelvic organs.

Not saying this to be nasty , but I think you are being a little passive .
if I were having the problems that you are I would be insisting , failing that if you were to go to A & E they will triage you . Yes you will be in a long line of people but you will be seen.

Agree with pp.

If you do decide to go to A&E in desperation, pack a day bag (drinks, food, phone charger, meds, cushion if you need it, etc) in preparation for a long wait.

But kick up a stink with gp first to get seen by someone else today.

Push for a GP appointment ASAP and don’t take no for an answer — with those symptoms you need testing for a UTI, and a fast referral for a bladder/ovarian ultrasound at the very minimum. Hope you can get seen tomorrow. Tell the receptionist you have unusual pelvic bleeding, pain and possible UTI. They should try to get you an urgent appointment.