[*krista*]

So, I'm seeing an orthopedist about my back, and I'm not getting any better... actually, I'm getting worse. It's been almost 6 months since the accident. I don't have any bulging discs or anything that I am aware of, my problem is damage to the nerves. So, I think I need to see a neurologist instead.

How do I tell my orthopedist that he just isn't doing it for me without it sounding like "dude, you suck." He is the only doctor I'm seeing right now, so he has to give me the referral.

[*Mrs.J.2011*]

I would say something like "I really appreciate all you've done for me, but I am still in pain and I think it might be damage to my nerves. Do you think I should see a neurologist?"

that way you get the point across that he is not helping you, and that you have a clear direction you are headed to, but it doesnt break any bridges. KWIM?

[Alison81]

Can you see your regular doctor? I would probably go to my regular doctor, and say you want a second opinion. If not, tell your current doctor that you'd really like to get a second opinion. People do it all the time, so if he's a good doctor, he shouldn't be too offended. I've flat out told my eye doctors when things weren't getting better with my corneal abrasion that I appreciate them trying, but it's not working, and I need to see if someone else has a better idea. They were really understanding about it, as they were stumped too.

[Mod-LadyCoconut]

Just be direct. Tell him that you appreciate his time & efforts, but with it not succeeding, you're suspecting possible nerve damage and would appreciate it if he would give a recommendation so you could check out that route. He's a professional, and you're seeking professional advice, I wouldn't worry about hurting his feelings.

Sorry you're still in pain!

[BaconsMama]

If I were you I'd be straight up. If you have any sort of nerve injury in your back, an orthopedist is not going to help you. You will definitly want to see a neurologist. Have you had any epidural steroid injections? What modes of treatment has your ortho tried? Has he actually told you that you have nerve damage? I'm assuming you have had MRI's, and that's how you know you don't have a disc bulge? Has he given you a specific diagnosis?

I'm just curious, I see this stuff all day....I read medical reports for exams (for quality assurance, I make sure the doctor makes sense and doesnt condradict themself lol), and the majority of these issues are back issues *from work comp cases* I know that if there is nerve damage, an orthopedist isn't going to be able to do too much. Sometimes they will actually refer you to a neurologist. If the neurologist thinks that after conservative treatment (such as physical therapy, pain meds, injections, etc) they might suggest surgery at that point in which you would need to see a neurological surgeon.

Whew...I'm sorry if I spilled out too much info here...but I hope I helped and good luck getting a referral. Just explain to him that you would like to explore another avenue for treatment and that after 6 months you have only been having minimal benefit.
Keep us updated

[soImarriedAnerd]

^^^ they covered it for me!

[*krista*]

Thanks for all the info and advice ladies! Well, I told him. They didn't seem to take it too well, but I got the referral. And I know that the neurologist that I'm going to is a good doctor, so I am excited to go see her.

To answer your questions, yes I have had ESIs... didn't help much. I had a clean MRI but my EMG was not clean, which makes me think nerve damage. I've been in PT for 5 months now. All they really did after the ESIs is throw medicine and talk about how I don't have bulging discs. So I need a doctor that thinks outside the discs! He hasn't really given me any real concrete diagnosis.

[BaconsMama]

for getting the referral! Sometimes doctors get weird when they think you are "undermining their opinion". It's usually just an ego thing. I wouldn't really worry about it.

Considering you had a series of ESI's with no real relief AND 5 months of PT, there has got to be something there. Since your EMG had some positive findings, I would definitely think there is something going on with your nerves. Doctors will sometimes treat a patient forever, even if they aren't getting better. It's sad, but sometimes they think more about the money than getting you figured out and better. Usually this happens with chiropractors, but it does happen in other practices as well. I hope that the neurologist that you see can help figure out a better diagnosis and figure out a better treatment plan.
Let me know how it works out


ETA: my spelling sucks tonight heh

[soImarriedAnerd]

KUP with the neurologist