Struggling to Receive Adequate Medical Care
At the age of 23, I suffered a fracture to my L1 vertebra in a car crash five years ago. As time passed, my situation became increasingly complex. While pregnant with my first child three years ago, I underwent an MRI that revealed the fracture had yet to heal. It also indicated that I have a mild disc protrusion affecting my L1 nerve roots, in addition to mild stenosis in the lateral recess. Furthermore, my L5/S1 region displayed a mild disc protrusion that could potentially irritate my S1 nerve roots, which I suspect has already begun. The diagnosis I received was degenerative disc disease. In my quest for relief, I've tried various over-the-counter medications and physical therapy sessions. I’ve been informed that my balance is significantly impaired, and I struggle to support any weight on my left side. It has been over two years since I received any therapeutic intervention, all while having carried two additional pregnancies during this time. I often experience issues with bladder control and have noticed that my back tends to lock up if I remain in a fixed position for too long, making it almost impossible to get up in the mornings without considerable effort to maneuver myself into a better position. Despite my escalating difficulties, my doctor continues to recommend physical therapy. I feel lost and uncertain about what options are left for me. Would it be prudent to request another MRI after this lengthy interval to assess the current state of my injuries and progression?
Answers (1)
6/26/2025, 4:40:41 PM
OpenHealth AI
I'm sorry to hear about the difficulties you've been facing with your back and the impact it's had on your daily life and well-being. Your medical history indicates complex issues stemming from your initial injury, and it's understandable that you're seeking an updated assessment and potential relief from your symptoms.
Given your situation, here are the main points to consider:
-
Requesting an Updated MRI: It is indeed a reasonable step to request another MRI. This imaging can provide information about the current condition of your vertebra, discs, and any changes in nerve root involvement that may have occurred since your last MRI. Regular follow-ups are important for monitoring chronic conditions, especially given your symptoms.
-
Exploring Treatment Options: Physical therapy continues to be an essential treatment, but if you feel it's not helping or you're not seeing progress, discuss this openly with your doctor. They may consider adjusting your therapy approach or exploring alternative treatments such as pain management options, referral to a specialist, or evaluating for potential surgical options if indicated.
-
Managing Symptoms: While waiting for an appointment or MRI, here are practical steps you can take:
- Maintain Mobility: Try gentle movements or stretches recommended for your condition. Avoid long periods of sitting or standing in one position.
- Pain Management: Consider discussing with your physician whether alternative pain management techniques (like acupuncture, massage therapy, or even meditation) could be beneficial.
- Bladder Control: Since you mentioned issues with bladder control, it might be beneficial to discuss this symptom specifically with your doctor, as it can indicate spinal cord involvement.
Next Steps:
- Contact Your Doctor: Request an updated MRI to reassess your injuries and progression.
- Discuss Treatment Options: Schedule a discussion with your doctor about the effectiveness of your current therapy and explore other treatment modalities if needed.
- Implement Symptom Management: Start with gentle mobility exercises and pain management strategies that feel comfortable for you.
Please remember, your symptoms are valid, and you deserve to find the right combination of treatments to improve your quality of life. Don't hesitate to advocate for yourself in discussions with your healthcare team.
Related Questions
Upper Eyelid Irritation Post Lower Blepharoplasty
Subject is a 38-year-old female, standing at 5 feet 5 inches tall and weighing 120 pounds, identified as Caucasian. She has been experiencing discomfort localized to the waterline of her upper eyelid for the past three days. It is noteworthy that she recently underwent lower blepharoplasty. Currently, she is not taking any medications, nor does she have any significant medical history pertinent to this issue.
Encountering the Effects of a Mauve Stinger Sting
A 35-year-old male shares his recent experience with a mauve stinger incident that occurred eight days ago. Fortunately, aside from being affected by the fine tentacles which resulted in minor red rashes on the rest of his body, his arm endured a more severe sting. At that moment, the pain felt akin to an electric shock, followed by an intense burning sensation that oddly left him feeling euphoric. Two days post-incident, the minor rashes faded, and the pain from the arm began to subside as well. However, after a week, the small rashes reappeared with an uncomfortable itch, while the original sting site continued to burn intensely. Upon visiting a physician, he was advised to use a cortisone cream to alleviate the discomfort and was reminded to protect the affected areas from sun exposure. Concern is growing as the individual worries about the state of his skin. Although he understands that stings from such creatures typically aren't life-threatening, the rash appears to be deteriorating. He is now coming to terms with the possibility of developing a noticeable scar below his wrist. He is open to any suggestions or insights regarding this setback.
Is Swelling and Pain After Peritonsillar Abscess Drainage Expected Within 24 Hours?
Hello everyone, I'm reaching out for some insights. I’m a 34-year-old woman, standing at 5'3" and weighing 140 pounds. Typically, I don’t take medication, but in the last fortnight, I’ve encountered several prescriptions due to a rough time healthwise, detailed below: I might be a bit overly cautious sharing here, but it has been a tumultuous couple of weeks, and I would really value some advice. On June 13, I visited urgent care because I was experiencing a mild sore throat that had persisted for about a week, accompanied by noticeable swelling and white spots on my right tonsil. The physician's assistant suggested the issues were likely due to tonsil stones. She attempted to remove them with no success and advised me to try doing it at home while prescribing chlorhexidine mouthwash. In my attempts to extract the “stones” myself, I accidentally caused bleeding. I continued using the mouthwash for about a week, but by the end of that period, I observed that the once localized white spots were now more widespread across the tonsils, with the other one developing similar marks. I returned to urgent care on June 21. This time, the PA noted signs of infection, but given the negative rapid strep test, he was uncertain about the exact cause. He prescribed azithromycin. Unfortunately, my condition deteriorated daily while on azithromycin, with escalating swelling and pain, prompting a visit to the ER on June 24 due to inadequate support from urgent care. At the emergency room, I was informed that my situation appeared to be typical tonsillitis and that azithromycin was not the appropriate treatment; clindamycin was suggested instead. The staff administered that along with a single dose of dexamethasone (8 mg total) to help reduce the swelling. They also arranged for an ENT consultation on June 25 and performed a blood test to rule out mono. However, that night my situation grew worse. When I saw the ENT on June 25, she indicated that while there were no obvious signs of an abscess, the ER’s choice of medication was incorrect, and I should have been prescribed clarithromycin instead of clindamycin (considering my childhood allergy to amoxicillin, which an allergist will assess next month). She recommended switching to clarithromycin if there were no improvements by June 26, and she took another throat swab for culture, with results expected soon. Later that day, I experienced a significant increase in swelling on the affected side of my face and neck. It became increasingly difficult to breathe, talk, and even swallow liquids, which led me back to the ER. They conducted a CT scan that revealed an abscess, which they drained twice, provided an IV antibiotic, and administered another steroid. They advised me to see the ENT the following morning. I felt better this morning compared to the previous days, switched to clarithromycin as recommended, and revisited the ENT. She wanted to ensure complete drainage of the abscess, so she administered local anesthesia and attempted to drain it again twice, though she was unable to extract more pus. Now, a few hours later, I find myself in significant pain again, and the swelling in my face and neck has returned. Given all of this, I presume I know the likely answer, but I seek reassurance after everything: Should this discomfort and swelling be expected following multiple needle insertions in my tonsil? Is it safe for me to consider this a normal part of recovery? I truly appreciate any guidance you might provide!
Insights Needed on Recurring Jaw Swelling and Dry Mouth During Pancreatitis Episodes
I am a 58-year-old woman, 5'4" tall, weighing around 150 pounds, grappling with a history of chronic pancreatitis alongside psoriatic arthritis. **Medication Regimen:** My current medications include Lyrica and Tramadol. **Psoriatic Arthritis Treatment History:** I was previously treated with Cosentyx but have paused this due to experiencing a pulmonary embolism last December. **Symptoms of Pancreatitis:** During flares of pancreatitis, I suffer from intense burning pain beneath my left rib cage that often radiates to my back. Lying on my side and rolling forward provides me with some much-needed relief. **Jaw and Salivary Gland Concerns:** Alongside my pancreatitis symptoms, I notice swelling and discomfort with a hard, painful lump that forms beneath my left rear jawbone, potentially linked to the submandibular salivary gland. Unfortunately, neither Lyrica nor Tramadol seem to ease this discomfort. When I express the gland, it produces a foul-tasting discharge. I've attempted remedies like lemon juice and salt water, yet I also experience considerable dry mouth at these times, making it challenging with food and causing my teeth to stick to my lips. **ENT Consultation Background:** An ear, nose, and throat specialist once suggested that I might have a salivary stone and proposed opening the gland for treatment. Nevertheless, the fact that this swelling typically coincides with my pancreatitis flares makes me wonder if it is a separate issue altogether. By the time I secure an appointment with the ENT, the swelling often subsides, which adds to my frustration, especially since my ENT has recently retired. **Current Management and Concerns:** My pancreatitis generally remains stable, with flare-ups occurring every few months, which I manage by fasting for 24 to 48 hours. The salivary gland issue leads to discomfort that typically requires manual expression for relief or results in prolonged resolution. It has been some time since I visited my gastroenterologist due to the chronic nature of my pancreatitis, and my rheumatologist oversees my monthly treatment as the arthritis symptoms are more complex to manage. I’ve come to notice that the salivary issues consistently arise concurrently with my episodes of pancreatitis. **Upcoming Lab Tests:** I have a series of labs scheduled for this month, which include a Comprehensive Metabolic Panel (CMP), Complete Blood Count (CBC), Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate (ESR), Amylase, Lipase, and for the first time, IgG subfractions. My Angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) levels are also elevated, currently over 150. **Questions for the Community:** 1. With both conditions coinciding, how can one differentiate between a salivary gland infection and inflammation? 2. What insights can be shared regarding the potential link between episodes of chronic pancreatitis and salivary gland swelling or dysfunction? 3. What should my course of action be now that my ENT has retired, particularly given the episodic nature of the swelling in the salivary glands? I find myself feeling anxious and frustrated by these persistent problems. Any advice or insights from the community would be greatly appreciated. Thank you in advance.
Is Your Child's Drool Leading to Skin Irritation?
In recent weeks, I've been dealing with very dry, chapped lips and what appears to be a rash around the mouth of my nearly five-year-old daughter (her birthday is just around the corner). After a visit to the pediatrician, I was informed that it was a severe case of chapped lips. The doctor recommended applying Vaseline if our current treatment wasn't effective. Taking that advice, we switched to Vaseline and opted for a plain and fragrance-free chapstick instead of the Cherry Carmex we had been using. After some days, we started noticing signs of improvement; however, upon waking this morning, I noticed that the rash had returned with an additional split-like area near her mouth. It dawned on me that she might be drooling in her sleep. Could this be the root of the issue? I'm wondering about this particularly now that it’s summer, as she has never experienced this kind of problem until just a few weeks ago.