Epidural recommended but specialits did no physicla check or x-rays?

[Surfer01]

I have been having severe back pains for some time and my doctor recommended me to a specialist. It took 3 months for the appointment to come through.

A few minutes prior to seeing this specialist, in the waiting room I had to complete a 5 page questionaire. By the time I completed it I was in severe discomfort. On seeing me he started asking exactly the same questions that I had completed on the questionaire. I happen to mention that back in 2006 I had paid to go private for injections to my back as it had been taking too long on the NHS. The specialist then tried to interogate me in depth about the injection wanting to know all the ins and outs as if it was the first time he had heard about it. As it was nearly 5 years previous I could not remember the exact type of injection.

I also mentioned that due to my arthritis, two or three times year I had an steriod painkiller injections to help with the pain but unfortuantley they were no longer effective as they wore off within 2 or 3 days. I believe the epidural injection is very similar, but into the spine and again this raises doubts in my mind about the specialist as he seem to ignore the facts regarding the other injections.

At no time did he do a physical examination and the x-rays he was using was from an issue I had with my kidneys from 3 years previously. These x-rays picked up that there was wear on some of my lower joints in my back which is what is causing me discomfort. This specialist then said that they would arrange another appointment in about 3 months time.

I have received a letter asking me to present myself at the local hospital. On phoning and questioning this I was told it was for epidural injections into my spine. I am wondering how a specialist can determine that an epidural is required without a physical examination and without recent x-rays. Obviously I am concerned as I lack confidence in this foreign specialist who is that young he looks as if he left school very recently. I don't want to end up being a cripple due to mis-diagnosis and needles being poked into the wrong place.

Any one advise or put my mind at rest. thanks.

[Night Owl]

Hi Surfer01.

 

Sorry to hear about your ongoing back pain which can be very frustrating in that its very nature restricts your every movement.

 

You say you have not had any recent X rays of your back.

Depending on the results of your previous Renal X Rays this may have been enough information to exclude any physical cause of your pain, but a specific spinal X Ray should be performed to assess the structures in your back.

A specific Spinal X Ray would show degredation of bone density and any abnormal positioning of the structures of the spine.

You say that your Renal X Ray showed wear on the joints of your lower back. Has a Physiotherapist assessed your back pain?

Physical examination of a patient prior to any procedure is essential and allows free questioning between the doctor and the patient. A paper questionaire can only ask specific question on your health and pain but should be used in conjunction with a physical examination.

 

However sorry, I have no knowledge of the benifits of an epidural for relief of back pain.

 

If you have any concerns then you should make another appointment to see your specialist so that your concerns can be expressed. Call the secretary and make an appointment to see or speak to the specialist.

Whilst every doctor goes through some strict training you have every right to question the specialists abilities, and the local hospital who will to carry out this procedure, the current research behind the procedure, and alternatives, and the benifits to you.

This is informed consent and is based on good communication of the treatment involved.

 

Good luck x

[Surfer01]

My thoughts exactly! I am still waiting for a call back from the secreatry reagridng a few queries but not holding out much hope of a return call. In the meantime i have booked an appointment to see the doctor that originally recommended me to a specialist.

[Night Owl]

Well done.

It's your body and you have every right to question who or what is done to it!

 

Good luck x