I have L5 nerve damage and doctor won't refer me to a specialist

If it were me I not be concerned if doc got pissed. So what. I would seek the best help I could find. You only have one body in this lifetime.

daissy22,

So, was your anterior total hip done by the same doctor who doesn't want to refer you to a specialist? I can't help but wonder why. Maybe your primary care doctor can refer you to a specialist for a second opinion. Also, some practices allow you to make an appointment with the surgeon's physician's assistant first without a referral.

I spent 17 months in terrible pain after a Total Knee Replacement and the doctor who did the replacement and several other doctors could not find out what was wrong. I went to a different orthopedic clinic in another state and within 5 minutes a radiologist saw on an ultrasound what the problem was. I had surgery and I was better immediately. (I didn't have a referral.)

Did the doctor tell you why he was not referring you to someone else? You are not obligated to stick with a doctor who is not able to help you.

I hope that you can get some help real soon.

I won't go back to the surgeon. After surgery I spent 7 days in the
hospital, found out he wasn't on staff at the hospital I went to and when
I complained how my leg doesn't work right, I have to walk against the
wall, can't be in crowds and can't get out much, he said there's nothing
wrong with me. I called my insurance and got names of docs who don't
require a referral, so will call after the holiday.

My primary won't refer me, sorry

@daisy22

I am glad that you are going to get another opinion. Let us know what you find out.

@daisy22
Neurologists would only do EMG/nerve conduction study of upper and lower limbs and can order MRIs of brain and cervical/lumbar spine. They can do small fiber neuropathy skin punch biopsy. They prescribe medication but can’t fix anything. It sounds like you already had some testing to determine impact on L5 nerve. Which type of doctor determined this?

An orthopedic spine specialist or neurosurgeon would be able to assess your spine, spinal cord and nerve root compression a recommend physical therapy, spinal injections and decompression surgery.

You need to get a couple different opinions to help you make the best decision. How old are you and why is your current doctor dismissing your symptoms. Do you think it could be discrimination due to age/gender? Is it your primary doctor that you are dealing with? What type of health insurance do you have?

I did have an EMG done by a neurologist and she found polyneuropathy in the left foot and the L5 nerve damage. When I saw my primary, she said you have already been turned down for surgery by a neurologist and orthopedic spine surgeon so I'll send you to integrative medicine. Got an appointment with one in March. Called my insurance, Medica, and they gave me the names of 2 neurologists at Mayo in MN that I don't need a referral from my primary. My chiropractor also said she can refer me to Twin Cities Orthopedics and Twin City Spine without going through my primary.

My primary has dismissed my symptoms for at least 4 years since the anterior total hip. I went to podiatry (without telling or asking my primary) and he sent me for the EMG where my primary was proven wrong on the neuropathy. I am going to finish out with my Medicare exam and then switch clinics.

@daisy22 maybe you should file for medical negligence and get some money at least.

Call your insurance to see if they can refer you to another doctor.

A neurologist is the better fit because they treat nerve damage and bone issues. Unfortunately, I had spinal fusion and L5 was affected. I have numbness and tingling on left out leg, buttock and a totally numb left foot and partial numbness on right foot. So now I consulted with a neurosurgeon and will have MRI result Monday along with his recommendation. I want a quality life not an existence so I'll opt for surgery, if offered . God bless you on this journey.