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afghanhound101 · May 1, 2007, 10:06 AM

A few years ago I was involved in car accident. Our car was rear-ended and I suffered a whiplash injury. Ever since then, my neck has been giving me problems. Some days it hurts more than others. The pain increases when I sit at a computer for long periods. I've been to my family doctor regarding the pain at least 4 times. All he has done is either recommended me to a massage/physical therapist or told me take medication.
Some of the symptoms I have which I think stem from the whiplash injury:
-poor memory
-inability to focus
-speech problems
-headaches, dizziness, pain at base of skull
-trouble breathing, swallowing
-sleeping problems
-was diagnosed with thyroid disorder a few months after accident
-very little motivation to do anything

Almost all of these problems started after the accident. Before the accident I was a straight A student. Now I'm struggling to pass easy courses which I find pretty sad.
Any suggestions will be greatly appreciated.

Adoredevotion · May 1, 2007, 03:01 PM

From what you have described as your signs and symptoms I definitely think that you need to consult with a neurologist. It sounds like there is definitely something going on. I would stay away from the massage therapist and physical therapist until you seek further medical advice. You could also try a orthopaedic who specializes with the spine. However from the signs and symptoms that you are describing a neurologist seems to be the best place to start. Consult with your family physician immediately and get the referral to seek further medical attention. Let us know how it all turns out and good luck.

Sincerely,
Adoredevotion

afghanhound101 · May 1, 2007, 07:35 PM

Thanks for the response adoredevotion.
How exactly do I convince my doctor to refer me to a neurologist? I've told him about my neck pain several times but he hasn't done much. I have an appointment with him on the 11th. Is there anything else I should tell him, other than my symptoms. Also, I've read quite a bit about whiplash injuries. What I've learned is that many people injure their brain stems during an auto-collision. And some of the symptoms associated with brain stem injury are similar to mine. Should I mention this to the doctor as well?

Adoredevotion · May 1, 2007, 07:52 PM

I really don't think it's a matter of convincing your doctor as much as you telling your doctor that you want to follow up with a specialist. I completely understand about doctors as some are more understanding and willing than others. Your symptoms though are serious enough in my opinion to warrant further exploration and I think that you need to tell your doctor that you are very concerned. You also need to tell your doctor that your symptoms are interfering with your everyday activities and life. I think that general practitioners are great at what they do; however, they cannot do what specialist do. All your symptoms that you described seem to be more neurologically based; therefore, my recommendation is for a specialist.

If you go to your doctor and he still seems resistant to giving you the recommendation then maybe you need to consider going to a new doctor. Im not sure what type of insurance plan you have but with HMO's you have to get a referral; however, with a PPO plan you can just make an appointment and go see any doctor you want. Go to your appointment on the 11th and be positive. See what your doctor says from there and let us know how it all works out.

Sincerely,
Adoredevotion

luvmylab · May 2, 2007, 12:41 PM

I deal with chronic pain so I know where you are coming from. Some of your symptoms sound like you have some depression. It's not unusual to suffer from depression when you are in chronic pain. What you described to me makes me think you need to see a neurologist for the pain but you should also talk to your doctor about depression. I hope you get some relief!

afghanhound101 · May 3, 2007, 01:13 PM

Adoredevotion, I actually live in Canada, where health care for the most part is free. So I don't need to pay a fee to see a specialist thank God. And also, is there anyone I can complain to if my refuses to refer me to a specialist again? Or should I just find a new doctor?
Luvmylab, a few months after my accident, I started suffering from depression. It's one of the worst things to go through in my opinion. I would break down and cry multiple times a day for no apparent reason. Fortunately for me, it only lasted for a few months. I think that an injury to any part of the brain or spinal cord can also bring about the symptoms I'm suffering from.
Thanks you guys and take care

J_9 · May 3, 2007, 01:29 PM

It is possible that you may have a closed head injury as it is merely the cerebrum bouncing against the inside of the skull.

You should definitely see a neurologist to rule this out. Just tell your doctor of your symptoms and tell him you would feel most comfortable with a referral. If the doc will not refer you, then find another doc.

However, these symptoms are also symptoms of depression, as was earlier posted.

I don't know your age, but if you are a teen much of this can be attributed to hormones also.

Adoredevotion · May 3, 2007, 05:04 PM

I am not that familiar with healthcare in Canada only that I heard that the system worked. There are always boards that certify these doctors; however, every doctor is in the business of CYA (cover your a@#). So if your doctors documentation supports his/her findings then reporting will really do you no good. Honestly J_9 hit the nail on the head with find another doctor. If you don't need a referral then make the appointment with the neurologist sooner than later, you don't need to wait to go for you 11th appointment. It still wouldn't hurt though to follow up with your primary so that he/she knows what you are planning to do. Also make sure that a report from the neurologist is sent to your primary doctor so that all are on the same page when it comes to your medical care. Good luck and please let us know what happens.

Sincerely,
Adoredevotion

afghanhound101 · May 14, 2007, 07:38 AM

Well, I went to my appointment on the 11th and I was quite disappointed. My doctor seems to have forgotten all about my whiplash injury. I told him that ever since the accident, my health has been deteriorating and he asks me, "sorry, can you tell me when this accident occurred, and a bit about it." He then asked me a series of questions. The he told me that he would refer me to a chiropractor who is licensed to use Art techniques. I then told him that I think there is something wrong with my spine but he said that it was probably fine. I also reminded him that I've been to 2 chiropractors in the past and they haven't helped at all, but I don't think he paid much attention to that.
Do you guys know anything about naturopathic doctors? I'm thinking about making an appointment with one. I've kind of giving up on family doctors.
J_9, I'm 22 years old, so I doubt it has anything to do with hormones.

J_9 · May 14, 2007, 07:47 AM

Chris Briffa disagrees: Because the problem is not solved

No reason to disagree here Chris, it is impossible to SOLVE medical problems over the internet.

Now, back to Afghan, I don't know anything about Naturopathic doctors, so I will refrain from answering this part of the question.

You are 22 and your hormones may not be completely settled down, that usually happens around age 25 - 28, so it may still be a possibility.

I will state again that it sounds important that you find a new doctor and request a referral to a specialist (neurologist), if you need a referral.

Adoredevotion · May 14, 2007, 03:55 PM

I am so sorry to hear that you are not getting the results that you so seek from your primary care doctor. I still hold true to my opinion and clinical experience that you should go to a neurologist. At this point in time I definitely agree with J_9 that it is time to find a new doctor. That being said though, you said you don't need referrals from your doctor cause of the healthcare system in Canada. If that is the case then go see a neurologist, but I also recommend going to see a orthopaedic that specializes with spine injuries. Your health is the most important thing and if you are not feeling satisfied with the care you have gotten then seek the medical advice of another licensed doctor. I hope that you are able to find results soon as I can only imagine how frustrating this situation must be.

Sincerely
Adoredevotion

afghanhound101 · May 15, 2007, 02:46 PM

Thanks J-9 and adoredevotion for your prompt responses.
Actually, I do need a referral from a family doctor to see a neurologist. I just don't need to pay a fee to see him, which is why I'm going to try to find a new family physician. And do you know anything about naturopath/homeopathic doctors, adoredevotion?

Adoredevotion · May 15, 2007, 03:36 PM

I am sorry to say that my knowledge does not extend into homeopathic medicine, I can also say that I have never tried that type of alternative approach for myself. In the little that I have read and heard of it is some swear by it while others do not. I really think that you are on the right approach in finding a new family physician. In regards to the homeopathic medicine try posting a new question on the forum and see what others have to say. This post is under neck pain so many may not look into it. Try that and see if you get any good advice. Once again I wish you the best in your search to cure your ailments. Please keep us updated on your progress.

Best Wishes,
Adoredevotion