Understanding Slipped Discs and My Health Journey
For nearly a decade, I've been on a quest for answers regarding ankylosing spondylitis, only to recently discover that I have four slipped discs—three located in my cervical spine and one in my lumbar region. Surprisingly, these were identified through two MRI scans since 2018, yet only one was explained to me in detail. After enduring severe pain and a constant level of discomfort, I sought help from a general practitioner, who, after reviewing my MRI results, indicated that my inability to feel my arms was indeed linked to my spinal issues. There have been numerous strange symptoms that led me to suspect various other conditions, ranging from multiple sclerosis to motor neuron disease. I've battled persistent pins and needles and intense pain in my arms. My issues with the lumbar spine and sacroiliac joints have persisted for over a decade, leading me to suspect they might be linked to axial spondyloarthritis or a similar condition. I find myself uncertain about what steps to take next in order to receive the necessary care. The general practitioners I've encountered often treat disparate issues as unrelated, despite the evidence that suggests a broader connection. For instance, I’ve learned that my interstitial cystitis might indeed be part of this overarching health dilemma. Currently, I am taking Zapain and gabapentin, but the results have been lackluster. I'm undergoing physiotherapy related to this ongoing pain; however, I am questioning if I should request another MRI, even though my last one was only a year ago. The wait for orthopaedic specialists is reportedly two to three years, which feels frustrating. At this point, I might consider financing a private consultation, but I need to ensure it leads to substantial outcomes. Can such a visit facilitate a referral to an NHS specialist afterward? I apologize for the lengthy message, but I am coming to terms with this new realization—that various symptoms I previously attributed to different ailments might all be interconnected. The impact on my nervous system appears quite serious, and my greatest concern is that my condition worsens to a point where work becomes untenable. Additionally, I have experienced issues with a slipped rib that seems to keep dislocating. Is it possible that this could all be related?
Answers (1)
6/22/2025, 8:50:43 AM
OpenHealth AI
It sounds like you are navigating a complex and painful health journey with significant challenges related to your back and nervous system symptoms. Having multiple slipped discs can indeed lead to interconnected issues, including pain, numbness, and other neurological symptoms. Here’s how you can better understand your situation and take practical next steps.
Summary of Key Points
- Interconnected Symptoms: Your experiences of pain, numbness, and previous diagnoses suggest a connection that can be overwhelming but requires a focused approach to address.
- Current Management: You’re on medications, but their effectiveness is limited, and physiotherapy is ongoing.
- Seeking Clarifications and Specialists: Private consultations may expedite the process of gaining further insights and access to specialist care.
Explanation
Ankylosing spondylitis, axial spondyloarthritis, and the presence of slipped discs can contribute to a complex pain network affecting your quality of life. The neurological symptoms (like the pins and needles and numbness) can be related to nerve compression caused by the slipped discs in your cervical (neck) and lumbar (lower back) spine. Your rib dislocation might also be part of this broader musculoskeletal issue.
The connection between all these symptoms is crucial as they can be manifestations of underlying inflammatory conditions, such as ankylosing spondylitis. It’s important to remember that while managing pain is essential, identifying the root cause will help guide effective treatment.
Next Steps
-
Document Your Symptoms: Keep a detailed diary of your symptoms, including when they occur, their intensity, and how they affect your daily life. This information will be invaluable in consultations.
-
Explore Private Consultation: Consider financing a private consultation with a specialist who understands your symptoms and history. A specialist can provide focused assessments and clearer guidance, and can often expedite the referral process to NHS specialists if required.
-
Request Additional Testing: During your consultation, discuss the possibility of more imaging or tests, particularly if your symptoms have changed or worsened. This could provide updated insights into any progression of your condition.
-
Discuss Medication Adjustments: Address with your healthcare provider the limited effectiveness of your current medications (Zapain and gabapentin). There may be alternative medications or treatment strategies that better address your symptoms.
-
Continue Physiotherapy: Stay consistent with your physiotherapy; engage with your therapist about your concerns regarding the connection of your symptoms. They may provide tailored exercises that help alleviate some discomfort and strengthen supporting muscles.
-
Seek Support: Connect with support groups for individuals dealing with chronic pain or ankylosing spondylitis. Sharing experiences can provide emotional relief and additional resources.
Reassurance
It's completely natural to feel frustrated with the slow pace of the healthcare system and the complexity of your symptoms, but you are taking proactive steps by seeking advice and considering alternatives. Keep advocating for yourself, and don’t hesitate to seek the answers and care needed to improve your quality of life.
Related Questions
Experiencing a Sudden Greenish Tint in Vision – Feeling Anxious (28M, UK)
Hello Everyone, Recently, I have been experiencing an unusual greenish-yellow hue in my vision, particularly apparent when I look at bright white objects like cars or screens, human skin, and even overcast skies. This phenomenon has arisen without any accompanying headache, which is worth mentioning. Additionally, I’ve noticed a surge in ‘visual floaters’ within the past month. After visiting an optometrist last week, no clear issues were identified regarding my sight. This greenish tint is quite alarming and has led to considerable anxiety about whether it’s a genuine visual disturbance or merely a manifestation of my growing concerns about my health. At present, I am taking Sulfasalazine, which I started at the beginning of the month. I have been gradually increasing my dosage each week as directed, and I am currently prescribed three pills each day (over the maximum recommendation of two pills taken twice daily). Furthermore, I had been on Naproxen twice daily since January, but I stopped taking it about two weeks ago. These medications were initially recommended to treat chronic joint inflammation and slight psoriasis, which have persisted without a definitive diagnosis since December 2024 (I am currently consulting a rheumatologist on this matter). Initially, the Sulfasalazine caused some gastrointestinal discomfort and diarrhea for about a week, but those symptoms have subsided. Following a recent blood test that indicated low potassium levels, my GP prescribed potassium tablets, and I plan to begin taking them as soon as the pharmacies reopen tomorrow. I’m feeling uncertain about the next steps; I do not want to unnecessarily revisit the optometrist if my concerns would be better addressed by my GP or rheumatologist. Could this green tint in my vision be a known side effect of the medications I’m taking or related to the potassium deficiency? Alternatively, should I consider seeking further evaluation for any potential neurological issues?
Concerns Regarding Rabies Exposure
Age: 23, Height: 5'7" Hello, I'm reaching out from the Philippines where stray dogs are a common sight in my neighborhood. Just last night, as I was walking, a dog passed in front of me. I have some wounds on my hand and I can't help but be anxious about the possibility of contracting rabies. My concern arises from the fact that the dog was close enough that its saliva or breath might have aerosolized and inadvertently come into contact with my injury, even though I didn’t actually touch the dog. P.S. I apologize if I seem overly anxious. I faced an incident with a stray dog last year, which resulted in my receiving both tetanus and anti-rabies vaccinations. Since that event, I have found myself feeling uneasy around dogs, to the extent that I now avoid not just strays but also my own family's pets.
Managing Zoloft Withdrawal Symptoms
Age: 25; Weight: 60 kg; Occasionally smokes (gradually reducing vaping, currently using low nicotine levels of 3mg/ml e-juice, taking just a few puffs three times a day). [Seeking advice primarily from psychiatrists] I have been off Zoloft, which I usually take at a dose of 100 mg daily, for six days now and am feeling quite unwell. My cessation wasn't intentional; it stemmed from a combination of poor time management and oversight, as I miscalculated the timing of my appointment and couldn’t get my prescription renewed in time. Currently, I am grappling with severe dizziness, trembling, fatigue, and difficulty focusing my vision. I also have a strong urge to cry, although I don’t have any thoughts of self-harm, since my use of Zoloft was intended to manage anxiety rather than depression. A few hours ago, my symptoms significantly intensified. I’ve arranged for a sooner consultation with an internist today in hopes of getting a temporary prescription until I can meet with my psychiatrist. My inquiry is: if I resume taking my medication today, how quickly can I anticipate the withdrawal symptoms to diminish or at least become more manageable? Is there anything I can do to hasten this process or alleviate my discomfort in the meantime? I have propranolol available, as well as some over-the-counter ginger anti-nausea tablets, and I also keep methylphenidate on hand for my ADHD. Additionally, I have some leftover nikethamide and glucose lozenges, along with electrolytes, which have helped with dizziness in the past during hangovers; I wonder if they might assist in this situation as well. Today, I managed to get 10 hours of sleep, continued my usual eating schedule, and had a cup of coffee. I need to be at least somewhat functional tomorrow for a college exam. Is there anything specific I can do to ensure I can see clearly for the exam? Will any of the medications I mentioned possibly provide relief?
Mysterious Leg Bruising
I’m uncertain about when these bruises first surfaced, but I've been observing them for three days now. They appear to be a mix of brown and reddish hues. Initially, they didn’t cause me any discomfort, but as of day three, there’s a bit of soreness. I haven't experienced any significant injuries, falls, or accidents, and these marks are only visible in this one area. For the past four months, I’ve been taking 300mg of bupropion and occasionally use 1mg of prazosin to help with nightmares and sleep disturbances. My diet mainly consists of wholesome foods, and I lead a very active lifestyle. Historically, my sleep habits haven't been the best. Recently, there haven’t been any substantial changes; the bupropion did help me shed weight quickly, but I’ve managed to stabilize my weight after the initial six weeks. Additionally, I experienced a minor “rash” about a month ago, characterized by random spots on my forearms and a bit on my wrist, which did not itch or feel painful. Yet, I did have episodes of coldness and tingling in my hands and arms during the night. I also noticed a round, painful lesion on my abdomen that resembled a burn. After seeking care, I was advised to take Claritin during the day and a different allergy medication at night for five days; if my condition didn’t improve, I was told to return for further evaluation. I chose not to follow through because I felt dismissed and believed it was not merely a rash. Ultimately, those spots faded, though a couple still remain on my hand. I realize I should have followed up with my doctor, but I haven’t done so yet. Perhaps this is just a strange coincidence? Is it advisable to visit immediate care again? I typically use the VA for my healthcare, and I worry they may send me back to immediate care without further insight.
Seeking Advice on Swollen Ringworm After Swimming
Hello everyone! I’ve been dealing with a ringworm infection for approximately five months. For the last three months, I’ve been applying antifungal cream—specifically, I used over-the-counter miconazole for two months and was recently prescribed ketoconazole, which I have been using for a little over three weeks. The infection seemed to show improvement, as it had stabilized into a dry and dark ring, and the itching subsided once I began the treatments. However, while on a trip, I went swimming in a lake and was wet for several hours. Since the infection had been stable for a while, I didn’t think it would pose a problem. When I returned to my hotel, everything seemed normal. I showered, dried off, and applied the ketoconazole cream as I normally do. But overnight, things took a turn for the worse—it became excessively swollen and irritated, even more than when I first discovered it. Could this now be a secondary infection? The area was quite dry, and I didn’t notice any open wounds, which makes me question the likelihood of that. I hadn’t been scratching it at all. Is it possible that being in the wet conditions allowed the ringworm to thrive, leading to this flare-up? I’m worried about how quickly this has escalated. Additionally, since I am traveling internationally, I am uncertain about what treatment options I may have available. I would appreciate any insights or tips on managing this situation. Thank you in advance!