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sciatica problem-xray results
hello again,finally got xray results from spine and feet. i had to open new thread,as the last one was closed. it showed degenerative disc disease in the lower spine,my dr was not specific where.but i guess this could account for the sciatic pain?
also,the xray on feet showed arthritic changes,my arches have collapsed.
i always had flat feet, and ankle deformity from rheumatoid arthritis,i have had RA since 1995,thats when all the damage was done.the ankle is leaning inwards and the feet turned outwards.with the changes,it hurts more now.
i am taking enbrel once a week,50 mgs. prednisone 5 mg 2x a day .ketoprofen 75 mgs 2x a day,and plaquenil 200mgs 2x a day.i have been taking these meds since 1997.at any rate, my fam. doctor told me 'nothing'
could be done! and it was at the end of the day and she was rushing.i am hoping that there is something that could be done.i have read websites that tell you about surgerys to correct the feet, even ppl with diabetes,which i also have.as far as blood circulation, i do have good supply to both feet.went to see podiatrist a month ago and he agreed.
anyways,my fam. doctor is painting it black./ but then again,i hate to say it,but she is only good for writing prescriptions ,basically.
i guess my question now is, is there something that can be done. and what doctor should i be seeing? should i increase meds or change meds? can i keep walking with better shoes maybe? the pain isnt a 10 exactly,but can be painful indeed. also,the sciatic nerve is involved, in my opinion, because i still get painsd down back of leg ,on side of leg all the way down to the feet,around the ankle,on soles, and lately the little toes twitch along with thigh muscle with pain below the outside ankle. at times the sole and heel will feel numb. and btw, blood sugars are being kept extremely normal.
i am sorry for the long post and appreciate any advice,
john m
Answer:
sciatica problem-xray results
Hi painful,
So sorry you have both the Rheumatoid Arithritis and Degenerative Disc disease. Both present problems of their own and symtoms associated with each. I have encluded a few links, even though I'm sure you have researched many on your own. Degenerative is as it states degenerative, and when discs are involved there could quiet possibly be nerves being irritated such as the sciatic nerve. As far as your spine, to be sure nothing eles can be done for you a second opinion with a neurosurgeon might be worth it taking your xrays with you.
As far as the rheumatoid arithritis in your feet, it never hurts to have specially made shoes esp. for collasped arches. There are several medication options and conservative measures to bring you the most comfort. I'm not a dr and I wouldn't know if joint replacement is even an option for you. You may have even tried heat and physical therapy and a proper diet etc. Is your prednisone short term therapy or has it been long term?
If your Dr. said nothing can be done you feel she just isnt addressing you in a non hurried manner, and you are not satisfied then get another opinion. She knows your medical history the best, schedule a visit where you can talk to her, and even get referrals to specialists for their opinions.
Good luck to you,
Purple98Lady:smile:
Answer:
sciatica problem-xray results
thx for the reply and the links purplelady.i never got a detailed answer from my doctor on the xray results, she only told me, 'degenerative disc disease"
in the spine,and arthritic changes in the feet.guess i'll have to get copy of the report and films and start looking for another doctor, as far as the feet go, i've heard of surgeries where they repostion the foot and "fuse" the metatarsals? anyone hear of that?