Can I trust my general practitioner with my back?

[runaways]

I mean, I would assume your x-ray was probably read by a radiologist who would have sent the report to your GP, so I'm not quite sure what you mean. But your GP should definitely be your first go-to and ideally should be involved and help coordinate any further care you may need from an ortho or neuro or something like that.

[runaways]

Ah I see. Obviously I have no real idea about how your doctor is since I'm just some random on the internet. If it were me personally, I would continue to follow up with him or her for now and see how things go but if you feel like he's not pursuing it aggressively enough or something, be open about wanting to go see a specialist.

[otowngirl]

If the doctor doesn't see anything wrong and you're continuing to have real pain (after trying whatever the doctor suggests), you could always just request an ortho referral.

[Susie]

Can you trust your GP with your back? Why the hell not? You trust him/her with most everything else, right?

If you get a dx that doesn't seem quite right and then want to see a specialist, that's a different story. But "can I trust a GP with [body part]?" If the answer is no, find a new GP.

[otowngirl]

Jan 6, 2014 20:29:49 GMT -5 @bluesky said:

Jan 6, 2014 17:31:09 GMT -5 Susie said:

Can you trust your GP with your back? Why the hell not? You trust him/her with most everything else, right?

If you get a dx that doesn't seem quite right and then want to see a specialist, that's a different story. But "can I trust a GP with [body part]?" If the answer is no, find a new GP.

LOL!  yeah I guess I just never seen my GP read test results that I've only seen radiologists do.  It's much easier going through my GP and I'm happy they do it there.  Just didn't know if it was normal.

X-rays really aren't that complicated. You trust the doc to read blood tests, right?

[labbie]

Late to respond, but I'd trust your doc to tell you that THEY do/don't see anything wrong, but also expect them to respect your opinion as to whether you want a 2nd opinion or to see a specialist. If they act weird about you wanting another opinion, that would be a red flag to me. I hope you get some answers and feel better soon.

[otowngirl]

Jan 6, 2014 22:12:27 GMT -5 @bluesky said:

Jan 6, 2014 20:33:57 GMT -5 otowngirl said:

X-rays really aren't that complicated. You trust the doc to read blood tests, right?

definitely!  But blood tests come showing if you are in range or not.  There's nothing to interpret really, except coming to conclusions about what caused any off results.  I can interpret blood labs.  I cannot interpret an X-ray.  I saw the x-ray and there was lots of dark spots that didn't match up to the other side.  I would have no idea what something like that would mean.  Well now I know.. it means nothing.

You wouldn't, but I bet an MD would. :-P

[kellsbelles]

My husband is a spine surgeon so I asked him. He said GPs are usually a very acceptable first stop. If the pain continues without getting better or gets worse then you can see a specialist. Hope you get some relief soon.