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Chronic pain

Misdiagnosed for years!

11 replies

beinglikedisoverrated · 19/05/2021 22:17

Have had back pain for over 20 years. It's been "diagnosed" as sciatica. BUT I don't have ANY of the symptoms of sciatica that I've just seen on NHS website- see attached. Thoughts?

Misdiagnosed for years!
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Alternista · 19/05/2021 22:27

Well...
Who diagnosed you?
What are your symptoms?
If you don’t have those symptoms, you don’t have sciatica!

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beinglikedisoverrated · 19/05/2021 22:34

A doctor!! I DID ask another doctor a couple of years later " Can I just check, I've been diagnosed as having sciatica for years but I don't have pains down my legs etc". And was informed that my diagnosis WAS correct!!!! I think ( after seeing the NHS website-tonight ) that I'll be ringing my new doctor and querying it! I've had SOOOO many MRI'S, you would've thought someone might have picked up on it before now........

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beinglikedisoverrated · 19/05/2021 22:35

My symptoms are ....Mid to Lower back pain.......

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Akire · 20/05/2021 18:49

You can always ask for a second opinion. Are they giving you any treatment is it working? Worth looking into it if there is something else that could help if different issue.

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doadeer · 22/05/2021 12:36

What has the MRI shown?
What are your symptoms?
What kind of doctor did you see? Can you ask for referral to rhematologist or orthopaedic?

Is sciatica usually managed through exercise? Do you see a physio?

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beinglikedisoverrated · 23/05/2021 17:42

MRI shows wear and tear on discs.
Symptoms are mid to low back ache/ pain ( but now affecting my hips)
Rheumatologist discharged me
Physio emailed me some exersizes to do which didn't really make much difference so discharged from them too
The only thing that used to help was swimming, so I'm going to get back into that ASAP.

But, I don't think it IS sciatica as the symptoms don't match ......

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doadeer · 23/05/2021 18:19

Can you request to see someone else? Or pay for a private appointment? It's so frustrating when you have horrendous pain I know. I've just come off three years of hell with my back. I would recommend pilates to ensure your core and back are strong to minimise the pressure but it's not a cure. Hope you get some answers

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beinglikedisoverrated · 24/05/2021 15:47

Thanks. Am waiting to see results from hip and knee scan I've got booked end of June - then do I need orthopaedic or neutogical if no progress?

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doadeer · 24/05/2021 16:25

Well my experience is... Sometimes they can't see anything on an MRI - it's very frustrating all you an do is try a different type of scan like a nuclear scan or CT scan or seek a second opinion. They typically all prescribe lots of exercise related treatment for back and hip pain in my experience.

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StateOfTheUterus · 24/05/2021 16:40

Irritation of the sciatic nerve could be causing the hip pain? Were the exercises targeted at your piriformis muscle?
Did the MRI show any signs of stenosis?

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SecretDoor · 26/05/2021 00:09

Mechanical lumbar spine pain?

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