Something is wrong with me - how can I get GP to take me seriously?

[muminthecity]

I am generally in good health, I have a good diet, plenty of exercise and rarely get ill. However, for the last 6 weeks or so I haven't felt myself at all. Constantly exhausted and a constant stream of coughs and colds.

For the past 2 weeks I have had pain in my lower back, especially bad when I'm standing or walking for a long time, then on Monday this week I pulled something in my groin and couldn't walk at all, the pain was excruciating. After lots of rest and ibuprofen it improved but the pain is still there, as well as the lower back pain and I can't stand or walk for any length of time. Yesterday, I started getting the same sort of pain in my neck and it's still there. Hurts especially when I turn my head to the side.

As well as all of the above, I've been having trouble going to the toilet. Every time I go for a wee I feel like it hasn't all come out and I have to go back to the toilet after a few mins and squeeze the rest out (sorry if TMI!) I don't have any pain when I wee though, so that is currently the least of my problems.

I've already been to the GP twice in the last 2 weeks and he just tells me to take painkillers and rest - not easy as I'm a single parent and work full time. He did examine my groin on Tuesday and said it was just a sprain but it feels like more than that. I just don't feel like he's listening to me or taking me seriously.

I have another appointment today at 10.30, what can I do/say to get him to listen? What should I be asking/expecting him to do? Any advice greatly appreciated!

See a different gp?

If you are having trouble passing urine then it is likely something is compressing a nerve. Not referring you to an orthopaedic surgeon at that point is disgraceful. Please don't give up. You obviously are suffering a lot and a fist full of pills isn't the answer.

Can you self fund a decent physiotherapist? They might help initially to at least untie any muscular spasms. If it's a disc it's a long term recovery.

Thank you for the replies. There is only one GP at my practice, I am planning to try to move to a bigger practice a bit further away but it's not possible at the moment, I wouldn't be able to get there.

I can't afford to pay for any treatment myself unfortunately, I wish I could! Will ask about physio/orthopaedics today.

I'm not a Dr, but i would ask they do urine and bloods if not done already. Good luck op, sounds horrible

Not being able to pee associated with back pain is a problem.

I don't want to worry you, but, phone NHS 24/101 for advice. They'll run through questions to rule out anything that needs to be seen today.

ARe you under stress recently which could be affecting your resistance to bugs/viruses.

Sorry, think you're you seeing GP today?

Say clearly what your pee symptoms are, they are an important symptom.

Most cases of low back pain get better within 6 weeks. It's a horrible thing, but, most people will experience it at some point. And, most get better with keeping active/rest as appropriate, painkillers and time.

Kidney infection?

Inability to pass all urine can also be a sign of a cystocle, which is a prolapsed bladder. Backache can also be associated (as with the prolapse, nerves can be squished, ligaments moved etc) so I would consider/rule that out also.

Thank you again for your replies. I have been under a bit of stress at work but that's nothing unusual unfortunately. I will definitely ask them to do urine and blood tests, hopefully that will either confirm or rule out everything mentioned above.

With the lower back pain I was thinking of kidney infection too.

A urine and blood test won't confirm a prolapse (for info). If tests come back ok, consider a referral to a urogynaecologist if prolapse is suspected after everything else ruled out.

Thank you shakey I will do.

Does anyone know the rules about time off work? I've never been off sick before (well not for a good few years anyway) and I've had 3 days off already this week, and it's not looking likely I'll make it in to work tomorrow either. Do I need to ask the GP for a certificate? Should I call work first and ask if it's required?

Should be getting called in soon so quick answers would be appreciated!

Hope you have got on ok but lower back pain and inability to pee well could be a prolapse of the bladder/ uterus/ bowel or all 3.
It can also cause a 'dragging' feeling in the abdomen.

Ask for a referral.

I think you are allowed 5 days off work, self certified. Dr will know.

Thanks polly will bear that in mind. I'm still waiting to be called.

Any news? I came on to say it sounds like Thyroid issues.

Does anyone in your family have problems with Thyroid or other autoimmune conditions? Have you ever had glandular fever? Have you undergone any hormonal upheaval lately (baby, menopause etc)?

These can all be triggers.

Hopefully they will check for this in any blood tests but if not, google symptoms and see if any more match up, then you can go back with more details.

Don't let them fob you off, you deserve to be properly diagnosed and treated

Thank you, doctor took a urine sample and did the dip test, he said it looks like there might be an infection but it was inconclusive so urine has been sent away for further testing. He also examined me and after pulling my legs about a bit (so painful!) he said it seems like the problem is in my right hip so sent me to the hospital for an X-ray which I've now had.

Should get the results of both next week.

Oh and he's signed me off from work until next Wednesday, without me asking which is good! At least that's a weight off my mind. I've spoken to my boss and she's been lovely and understanding.

Well that is good news at least, hope you can rest up and that you have someone capable of making you a

The only thing I find with GPs is they are ok at treating the symptoms but they don't join them up to try and find what's causing them. Do make sure you are an advocate for your own health because nobody else will push for you to get better if you don't. x

Internet diagnosis is dangerous and discouraged but I worry from what you've said about cauda equina syndrome - a slipped disc compressing nerve roots giving you sciatica and affecting bladder function. Impossible to tell over the Internet but I would phone 101 or ask your GP to specifically consider this or if getting worse go to a and E

It could be something functional like a disc issue, but there are many other things it could be so they'll just have to do it one by one.

D'you have any pins and needles or numbness in your legs or feet?