[jlhunter]

Update: CT scan report basically says I look fine (no internal/external hernias) and the only notes in the report is that I have some symptoms/indications of Crohn’s disease. I have not actually heard from the doctor who ordered the scans for me to see what he thinks, but I have ordered copies of the CT scan to take elsewhere as I still do not have an answer.

In regards to teh Crohn’s, since I have not yet been diagnosed with a hernia, is it possible that this could explain my pain? I do not have any of the symptoms of Crohn’s disease according to research I have done and it does seem like it would explain the pain I have been having.

My question is, who do I go to next to figure out what is wrong with me? Should I rule out a hernia since one scan has said I do not have one? When I mentioned to my PCP and the technician about doing vasalva during the CT scan they looked at me like “what does that have to do with this?”. I did try to do the “bearing down” technique on my own during the scan when the machine told me to hold my breath but not sure I was doing it correctly.

Edit: I have an appointment with both an orthopedic specialist and a general surgeon (Dr. Zuckerbraun) in Pittsburgh who have done a lot of work together to help patients with hip and/or core muscle injuries which is what I’m now being told it sounds like I have. I see the ortho this friday the 12th and see Dr. Zuckerbraun on 25th. Will udpate after!

[jlhunter]

So update on where I am at. Still deciding what/who to go to to figure what is wrong with me. I have a CT of abdomen/pelvis scheduled for next week at teh order of my PCP, but I do not trust the guy. I also have an appointment scheduled with another orthopedic who specializes in the hip and also works with sports hernia patients on January 12th. I am debating whether I should even have the CT done because wondering if this new guy will want to do his own or if it is to my advantage to get it done now and have the CT to take with me to my appt on January 12th…..any advice?

Hesitant to go right to Dr. Pauli in Hershey because it is over 4 hours away so if I have to go multiple times it could get rough, and I am not positive I have a hernia so my logic is I should go to a general sports med doc who has worked with people with sports hernias since I have both right side pelvic and hip pain.

Essentially 3 options for my next step:
1. Dr Pauli who would only be looking for a hernia or not (general surgeon)
2. Dr Craig Mauro (orthopedic surgeon) who deals with sports medicine injuries and hip injuries
3. Dr. Brian Zuckerbraun who was recommended to me by my pelvic floor physical therapist who said that three therapists she’s worked with have gone to him for hernias and loved him (general/trauma surgeon)

Any opinions would be appreciated!

[jlhunter]

I did describe my pelvic pain above as usually localized about 2/3rds of the way from my hip joint in towards my pelvis (right on the line where the lower abdomen meets the pelvis). The pain seems to come from that spot but radiates throughout my entire pelvis. Occasionally I then also have pretty severe pain at my hip joint and also in my pubic symphosis.

When I couldn’t walk to work one day, I went to the doctor who gave me strong anti-inflammatories which seemed to help, but I’ve sort of given up on taking ibuprofen/ice/heat unless the pain is really bad, but I don’t seem to get much relief unless I have something stronger. I do not usually have any tenderness to touch or pressure either in the pelvis or hip area.

As far as experts you are exactly right that I almost need a team of doctors that can cover the entire hip/pelvic/groin area but that is almost impossible to get except for Dr. William Meyers institute. I was really excited to find him until I found out he does not take insurance so seeing him would probably cost me between $15-20,000 assuming I am a candidate for surgery. I just do not have that kind of money and need to go to a doctor that accepts insurance.

[USER=”1916″]Chaunce1234[/USER], when you say “this is why the specialist can be so valuable for ambiguous cases” what kind of specialist are you referring to?? Can you recommend any other experts on the east coast as I am willing to travel!

[USER=”935″]drtowfigh[/USER], can you advise on which kind of specialist I should focus on for pain in both the pelvis and hip which may or may not be related? I explained above that right now the PCP im seeing wants me to have a CT done of my abdomen/pelivs, but I do not trust him so not sure I should have this done or go to see someone else before doing anymore tests. I do not want to get the CT and then end up going to another doctor who wants to do his own scans.

[jlhunter]

[USER=”2042″]Jnomesh[/USER], yes osteitis pubis is just a fancy name for inflammation of the pubic symphysis that can be caused by several things so the fact that I have inflammation doesnt help in figuring out what is causing it.

[USER=”1916″]Chaunce1234[/USER] yes I am athletic, 30 years old, there was no traumatic event that caused my symptoms….the only life changing event was that I had a career change going from being a teacher and standing all day to a desk job where i sit most of the day. But my activity/exercise has always been pretty heavy and consistent. Thank you for the extra information, and I will certainly look up Dr. William Meyers in Philly……I did go back to my PCP today who wants me to get an abdominal/pelvic CT but I dont trust this doctor as he took 2 months just to get back to me on bloodwork. Im hoping your suggestion of an MRI/CT above means you agree that might be a good next step.

I really jsut do not know where to start because I have both groin and pelvic pain and I dont know if they are related or two separate conditions. Hence why I went to a PCP trying to think big picture but not sure I can trust a doctors office that is neglectful in their care!