Mom's Degenerative Disk Disorder in Lumbar - Spinal Cord Disorders Message Board

JNJ · 04-24-2006, 05:19 PM

My mom has ddd and has been taking Hydrocodone and Soma for quite a while now, but her pain is so severe at times, she has seriously considered surgery. She went in for a appointment today with an orthropedic surgeon who was harsh, judgemental, and apathetic. Despite the fact that she was seeking surgery to eliminate the need for any medication, he basically called her a drug addict, even though he never ask to know the amount she took each day. He than proceded to tell her that she was "to old" to consider surgery (my mom is only 42) and instead needed to quit her medications and rely only on advil and physical therapy. My mom runs a daycare, but this insensitive brute declared that he would never allow her to watch his children. At this point, tears were rolling down her face and the "doctor" pretended not to notice. She has been the best mom I could ever ask for. She is in no way a druge addict and it pains me when this doctor insulted her. She has been have epidermals for roughly two years and has tried every available avenue except for surgery, and this idiot treated her like cattle and never once asked about her pain, feelings, ect. I was wondering if anyone else hear has had an experience like this and what they did to resolve it. I'm sorry if this feels like a rant, but my family is in a bind and we would appreciate any advice possible.

SpineAZ · 04-24-2006, 09:47 PM

Sorry to rush to judgement but this doctor sounds totally out of line

. First of all 42 is in no way too old for surgery. If she was 92 I might agree

. What you may need to do is some internet searching and/or discussion with other doctors for a referral (I got the referral to my Primary Care through the doctor who took out my husband's tonsils). So even your moms ob/gyn or primary care may have a reccomendation for who she should see. Also, not sure if she has, but your mom should probably have an MRI if she has not already - then take that to whichever doctor she sees next.

Let us know how it goes.

Reba46 · 05-03-2006, 05:00 PM

JNJ, I would have your MOM go to a Pain clinic. If she had surgery she would probably be worse anyhow. I have been to 3 of them and they have all told me surgery would cause more pain. I have been going to the pain clinic since Sep last yr. She needs some control on her pain, and they have so many safer ways of helping her with her pain. Good Luck Hon,
Becky

ThoreauFan · 05-03-2006, 07:07 PM

I hate to be the bigmouth here.

A pain clinic is fine. But a pain clinic treats symptoms (pain), not a disease. You might give your mother cough syrup if she had lung cancer. It may even stop the coughing. But there is a bigger picture. Often times, much, much bigger.

You mentioned DDD. I'd be looking for a good Neurologist. The pain can mean any number of things. But until a qualified specialist clinically evaluates your mother, views her films, etc., nobody is going to know exactly what needs or doesn't need to be treated.

Maybe it's just some inflammation. Maybe nerves are being compressed, which can lead to long term damage. Maybe even the spinal cord is involved.

A good Dr., along with the appropriate tests and exams, should give you some answers.

I hope your mom finds some relief soon!

jessblue · 05-03-2006, 09:04 PM

I have DDD. After a few surgeries and injections etc... 3 years ago I had a double spinal fusion with instramentation at L4-5, S1. Since this surgery my lower back issues have all but disappeared. I would encourage your mom to continue and not take the first offer. Docters can be too full of themselves at times . Its unfortunate that this doctor had no professionalism.
Tell her there is hope!
I still have bad days from time to time but... they are few and far between. Good luck