What would you do??? Doctor related.

[EdiePA]

I've had an on-going problem with my hip. In April, it was originally diagnosed as a pulled muscle, then as bursitis. I've been through 3 cortisone injections and 11 weeks of physical therapy. Still in pain. Finally, the did an MRI and I have a partial tear of a tendon. Tried nitro patches and couldn't take the headache and nausea.

So, the sports medicine doc sent me to a surgeon. She spent a couple minutes with me -- looked at my MRI (missed the hole in the tendon, but saw where it was partially pulled away from the bone) and basically said there is nothing she can do for me. Actually, this was after I turned down being sent to her personal training center. (I explained that that wouldn't be covered by insurance and she said, "Well, give up your cable. You have to have priorities." Excuse me?) It isn't torn enough for surgery and cortisone injections haven't worked, so she has nothing to offer, except to send me back to PT.

I'm so frustrated, I could cry. Basically, I'm still in pain and back to square one, only $1000 poorer in co-pays. So, should I call the sports medicine guy back and ask his opinion (the surgeon says that she consulted him) or should I just "suck it up" and say that I'm going to hurt for the rest of my life?

Six months of chronic pain is really taking it's toll.

Any advice?

TIA
Edie

 

[cm8]

I've had an on-going problem with my hip. In April, it was originally diagnosed as a pulled muscle, then as bursitis. I've been through 3 cortisone injections and 11 weeks of physical therapy. Still in pain. Finally, the did an MRI and I have a partial tear of a tendon. Tried nitro patches and couldn't take the headache and nausea.

So, the sports medicine doc sent me to a surgeon. She spent a couple minutes with me -- looked at my MRI (missed the hole in the tendon, but saw where it was partially pulled away from the bone) and basically said there is nothing she can do for me. Actually, this was after I turned down being sent to her personal training center. (I explained that that wouldn't be covered by insurance and she said, "Well, give up your cable. You have to have priorities." Excuse me?) It isn't torn enough for surgery and cortisone injections haven't worked, so she has nothing to offer, except to send me back to PT.

I'm so frustrated, I could cry. Basically, I'm still in pain and back to square one, only $1000 poorer in co-pays. So, should I call the sports medicine guy back and ask his opinion (the surgeon says that she consulted him) or should I just "suck it up" and say that I'm going to hurt for the rest of my life?

Six months of chronic pain is really taking it's toll.

Any advice?

TIA
Edie

, get another opinion if you can or go back to the other physician and tell him what she recommended and go from there. Pain is hard to deal with period.I hope you get some relief!

 

[IFLOSIRI]

How about going to a pain management doctor.
He may recomend epidurial injections.

 

[Art 1]

Well, you need another opinion. I am sorry that you are in pain and hope that you soon find relief.

 

[ClarabelleCowFan]

How far are you from Baltimore? I know an AMAZING orthopedic surgeon on staff at Johns Hopkins. He did my rotator cuff surgery and 3 of DH's knee surgeries. He's one of those Doctors who tells it to you straight and honest. We totally trust him.

I would make the trip from PA to see him if it were me.

 

[Christine]

I'd be getting a second opinion with a "top" doctor.

 

[lovetoscrap]

Get another opinion, and if that doesn't work go and get another one (lather, rinse, repeat).

I have suffered for almost 8 years from my foot problems and have been to numerous podiatrists, orthopedists and other drs, including pain management with some help, but not much. A chance encounter with a Sports Meds guy with a great attitude and absolute desire to get me out of the damn wheelchair/cam walker/pain has been the turning point. I am now at about 60% and even though I will most likely never be 100% I am back to a level or normal that I can live with! Everyone is amazed at my improvement (even the dr!)

Seriously, consult another Sports Medicine practice, see an orthopedist, and keep trying until you find one that can help. I had given up and decided I would never see another dr for my feet again, but the right one finally came along. Don't give up.

 

[KPeveler]

Find a new doctor. Remember, doctors are there to provide a service - you pay them, they treat you.

I have a rare chronic illness and I can count the number of doctors who were helpful on one hand. I have seen dozens, and few even bothered to learn how to spell the name of what I have.

definitely get a new dr!

I've had an on-going problem with my hip. In April, it was originally diagnosed as a pulled muscle, then as bursitis. I've been through 3 cortisone injections and 11 weeks of physical therapy. Still in pain. Finally, the did an MRI and I have a partial tear of a tendon. Tried nitro patches and couldn't take the headache and nausea.

So, the sports medicine doc sent me to a surgeon. She spent a couple minutes with me -- looked at my MRI (missed the hole in the tendon, but saw where it was partially pulled away from the bone) and basically said there is nothing she can do for me. Actually, this was after I turned down being sent to her personal training center. (I explained that that wouldn't be covered by insurance and she said, "Well, give up your cable. You have to have priorities." Excuse me?) It isn't torn enough for surgery and cortisone injections haven't worked, so she has nothing to offer, except to send me back to PT.

I'm so frustrated, I could cry. Basically, I'm still in pain and back to square one, only $1000 poorer in co-pays. So, should I call the sports medicine guy back and ask his opinion (the surgeon says that she consulted him) or should I just "suck it up" and say that I'm going to hurt for the rest of my life?

Six months of chronic pain is really taking it's toll.

Any advice?

TIA
Edie

 

[minkydog]

Another vote for a third opinion. This doctor sound like a real pill. I'm always suspicious when docs push their own personal clinic--they're not exactly unbiased. I'm not so sure that surgery is off the table for you. It seems like the pain is really more than bothersome, it's negatively impacting your life. I know you've spent a lot of money already, but I don't think you've gotten to the bottom of this yet. Best of luck to you.