Should I be disappointed by my physio session?

[FifiFerusha]

Hello,

I put out a very long thread previously about really bad( and what I thought were sciatica) pains. Everyone on here have been so helpful and I thank you all for that. Anyway, I had got to a point where I couldn't walk but am now on other meds although they are not really that effective, I can manage waking in great pain and try and do most tasks sitting down. So They booked me in for urgent physio(I have a 9mo so am struggling). however the physio doesn't seem to know what it is. She doesn't really seem that interested. None of the usual tests show anything obvious but I am still in constant pain. I can't bear it anymore. I have spent my time looking into this that and the other, thinking about the anatomy, and playing about with positions to show her which one give me the most pain sensations etc... In attempt to help her figure it out I guess(but. I don't think she was too bothered about it) Today I asked her what she thought the problem might be. She kind of said 'mmm, maybe a disc thing, but definitely a nerve thing, not sure which nerve though'. I explained to her the muscles that give me pain and wondered if these could unveil a clearer idea or which part of the sling might effect these, or is a problem with these muscles that are pressing on a nerve. I was polite kind and enthusiastic. She just said that she didn't really have the time to go through the anatomy with me(it was nearing lunch hour I think). I never complain about anyone but it made me feel so sad and unimportant. I can't cope with this anymore and it is making me so low. It is through the NHS and my appointment lasted only 10 minutes. She changed the exercises she gave me but I am not confident really. I think she was given me generic exercises for something or other. She said she might not be able to see me for a while as she is on holiday soon. Wanted to cry, surely they should fit me in with someone else. Half the time I can hardly walk. Sorry to vent but is this normal? Is it just a thing we have to live with, constant pain. Am I suppose to be fobbed off. Feel gutted and really really low x x

If you are southwest side of London I know a brilliant physio who's exceptionally good. If you are, I can pm you her details. She's extremely well priced too.

You know, my biggest problem for getting help seems to be based in the fact that my pain Is time dependent. Do understand that when my appointment is before 12 it seems like can get on with it. My symptoms are heavily based on time of day. Six hours ago I could function, now the pain is agonising. If they saw me now it would make a difference. I don't want the painkillers, If for some paranoid reason that is what they think I want. . .i only need to fffffing know what is wrong with me. What is the best first private step for this situation. Immense pain in evening and morning. Tell me and I will do it. I keep thinking by 10 am everyday that I am better but evening hits and nothing I take will effect that. This is killing me. I know some of you have been there. Did you ever get the feeling that the nhs think you are a hyperchodriac. I am Losing it now. No one to help me but back to work In two weeks. Having a shit time trying to make the last day of mat leave count for my beautiful DS. Feel sad x x

Can't read and not post.....
It sounds like you've had a bad experience. You may be seeing a junior physio who may be on a rotational post (which most do to gain experience in different areas ......but she may not like musculoskeletal-skeletal work). I suggest you phone the Dept and ask to be seen by a more senior physio who is likely to specialise in that area.
Good luck x

I think the steps are:

1. Make an appointment with the GP
2. Walk in and say "I would like a referral to a consultant for my crippling back pain right now".
3. Wait until it's done.

They cannot deny you this. You don't have to prove how awful it is. You just say you need a referral.

If you can, you should also try to see a more specialist physio or osteopath in the mean time as you will probably have a wait for the specialist and it would be good if someone could be helping you in the mean time although I realise it can be costly.

My pain is also worse as the day goes on and also first thing before I have got going. This, in my case,mand quite possibly yours,mis because the muscles become more and more tired and tight as the day wears on. The muscles are protecting an injury which is, likely,much the same throughout the day.

If you need to know what is wrong then get a scan. Most likely it will give you a diagnosis but it won't improve your pain. If you knew you had a specific injury would you feel better about taking pain killers? I have no issue with pain meds, pain is a total misery. I live my life around managing it. That consists of pacing activities very carefully, taking regular meds, doing my exercises and generally being alert to it all the time.

The vast majority of back injuries do get better without intervention but the management of them is all important. My experiences of physio were patchy. None really made a difference until much later when I wanted to rehab and regain some of my previous fitness.