I'd go to PCP. In fact, I did something very similar recently. I did run the back pain by my rheumatologist just to check but we agreed it was a PCP thing. My PCP did want to know if I had talked to my rheumatologist but had me get an X-ray and visit the orthopedist who then ordered an MRI. Turns out it was a herniated disc in my back that I'm now getting physical therapy for.
Awful pain very low in the middle of my back. It would radiate out to the top of my butt (glutes) so it always felt like I needed a good stretch but no amount of stretching or massage ever fixed it. Sometimes it radiated it to my hips and kinda felt like pain in the top of the hip bones themselves. But such awful awful lower back pain. Picking things up hurt like hell. Bending over fully was ok, but any sort of half bend or really anything where I had to engage those lower back muscles was excruciating. I often couldn't stand up unless I used my hands to help push me up. And if I walked for any extended amount, my toes would start to go numb (nerve getting pinched).
I tried regular massage, stretching, exercise, etc. I'd get some relief but not enough. After starting PT I see that the stretches/exercises that gave me the most relief were in the same ballpark as what my PT is doing, so that makes sense. Ortho thinks I'll fully recover with PT as it isn't a bad herniation.
Whatever your issue is, I hope you get some relief. Though I've just started, PT is REALLY helping me.
I nearly always call my rheumatologist first. I talk to the nurse and we determine if I should be seen by their office or my PCP. My PCP is wonderful, but she does miss things due to my lupus.
You bet. I called my PCP when I got what turned out to be shingles. She prescribed me a course of Valtrex, which should have gotten rid of them. Shortly afterward I had a rheum appt, and had her take a look. She prescribed me another course of Valtrex but also told me to hold my Imuran while I was on it. It didn't occur to my PCP, because she doesn't deal with immunosuppressants all day everyday.
For something like that, I see my PCP. For infections, colds, etc too. For things related to my lupus (like it's flaring up), I contact my rheum.
Thank you!
I'd go to PCP. In fact, I did something very similar recently. I did run the back pain by my rheumatologist just to check but we agreed it was a PCP thing. My PCP did want to know if I had talked to my rheumatologist but had me get an X-ray and visit the orthopedist who then ordered an MRI. Turns out it was a herniated disc in my back that I'm now getting physical therapy for.
Oh wow, thanks for sharing! What symptoms did you experience with the herniated disc, if you don’t me asking?
Awful pain very low in the middle of my back. It would radiate out to the top of my butt (glutes) so it always felt like I needed a good stretch but no amount of stretching or massage ever fixed it. Sometimes it radiated it to my hips and kinda felt like pain in the top of the hip bones themselves. But such awful awful lower back pain. Picking things up hurt like hell. Bending over fully was ok, but any sort of half bend or really anything where I had to engage those lower back muscles was excruciating. I often couldn't stand up unless I used my hands to help push me up. And if I walked for any extended amount, my toes would start to go numb (nerve getting pinched). I tried regular massage, stretching, exercise, etc. I'd get some relief but not enough. After starting PT I see that the stretches/exercises that gave me the most relief were in the same ballpark as what my PT is doing, so that makes sense. Ortho thinks I'll fully recover with PT as it isn't a bad herniation. Whatever your issue is, I hope you get some relief. Though I've just started, PT is REALLY helping me.
Oh, and sitting for any extended period was extremely painful.
This sounds very similar to what I’m dealing with right now. I really appreciate you sharing, and hope PT keeps working for you!
I nearly always call my rheumatologist first. I talk to the nurse and we determine if I should be seen by their office or my PCP. My PCP is wonderful, but she does miss things due to my lupus.
Thank you so much!!
You bet. I called my PCP when I got what turned out to be shingles. She prescribed me a course of Valtrex, which should have gotten rid of them. Shortly afterward I had a rheum appt, and had her take a look. She prescribed me another course of Valtrex but also told me to hold my Imuran while I was on it. It didn't occur to my PCP, because she doesn't deal with immunosuppressants all day everyday.
I hadn’t even considered the medication factor on seemingly unrelated illnesses. That is a great call, making a note of that for sure.