- Joined
- Nov 21, 2003
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In response to JMHO, I'm sorry that the system let you down so badly. Your case is actually a strong example of the ways in which our healthcare system is broken. Because we are always available, people assume that we are just like your family doctor in our ability to work up and fix any problem. Although the pain radiating into the thighs is unusual for pain from a pelvic source, it sounds like your case would have been very difficult to diagnose initially. In the ED, we suck at working up chronic complaints. We have a very limited toolbox we can pull from, and although I doubt I would have labeled you a drug-seeker (although it's possible) I wouldn't have been able to get an MRI (the test of choice for ruling out spinal cord impingement) if your only symptom was pain.
That you started experiencing bladder symptoms and weakness and were not informed that this warranted an immediate re-evaluation is troubling. But honestly, up until that point, even with a CT showing spinal stenosis the only thing I would have to offer would have been steroids and a referral to a neurosurgeon. There are so many problems that are not suited to ED management. It's frustrating on our side as well that I can't fix your chronic pain, only rule-out the emergent complications. And unfortunately, most drug diverters will deny being there solely to obtain narcotics when you present them with verified proof of their activity. They have learned to say "I just want to find out what's wrong."
That you started experiencing bladder symptoms and weakness and were not informed that this warranted an immediate re-evaluation is troubling. But honestly, up until that point, even with a CT showing spinal stenosis the only thing I would have to offer would have been steroids and a referral to a neurosurgeon. There are so many problems that are not suited to ED management. It's frustrating on our side as well that I can't fix your chronic pain, only rule-out the emergent complications. And unfortunately, most drug diverters will deny being there solely to obtain narcotics when you present them with verified proof of their activity. They have learned to say "I just want to find out what's wrong."