Hi thanks for taking the time to read my 1st post
Im after some advice as best course of action to take.
Im a 38 year old male, roughly 8 years ago I had a L3/4 discectomy
which forced me out of my occupation in the forces, since then over the years ive had several bouts of back pain which ive generally grin and beared as is my nature.
The last few weeks though I seem to be going through a repeat of the early stages of my problem of 8 years ago, at present I can sit on my sofa and thats about it, If I stand for more than 30 seconds my lower left leg is in excruciating pain, if I lie down the same pain appears and its impossible to sleep, so back to the sofa I go ive now spent a week on this sofa and becoming increasingly frustrated.
Ive seen 2 doctors in the last 2 weeks and previously had been seeng an osteopath who advised the drs. Ive been prescribed 8 tramadol daily 8 co-codamol and amy tryptaline at night, despite taking these for best part of 2 weeks the pain hasnt abated and I in my head know this is different from those bouts of "back pain" that ive suffered over the last few years.
Ive been told i will be put on a waiting list for a pain clinic at a local hospital, as such no news from the hospital but how long should I expect to wait, is there anything I can do to speed up the process? I really think I need to see a specialist but im reliant on the NHS I cant afford private, my wife suggests private MRI scan but will this speed the process up?
I may seem impatient but I really am frustrated I know my body and I really dont think this problem is going to dissapear overnight, sorry for ranting, and advice appreciated as I really want to get back to work
thanks
B
{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{hugs}}}}}}}}}}}}} You are on a lot of meds, coco and tram? You need to go back and get that sorted out. The Amy will take about 4-6 weeks but should kick in with the sciatic pain and then you will hopefully feel a lot better. But, painkillers only mask the pain and don't cure anything. Have you had an mri at all? You should get one sooner rather than later with your history.
Why wont they scan you?
Many thanks Cascara for your kind words, thanks for replying 🙂
The sofa is becoming irratating 24/7.
Update, I rang the on call DR yesterday and really let rip at him
basically just what I posted here and asked what he would do lol,
In the end he agreed with me and said he will book me a neurosurgeon appt, which nod nod wink wink means going with an MRI scan for accurate diagnosis, so he says I should have a scan whitin 2 weeks !!!!
whew so im waiting for the post and hoping that an appt will drop through the door before the end of the week.
Last time I was on waiting list for mri i was operated on the day after it but was still too late to avoid loss of feeling in lower right leg, hoping speedy enough to avoid same on left side this time.
I gather you are in similar situation or you wouldnt be on the back forum, so I hope all is going your way and not too much pain.
B
Hiya Devonlad.
Devonlad, Tel me if I am wrong, but going by your post name, you will be living in devon? if so, these links might help if you go via a private route!
Easy MRI And Imaging Ltd Plymouth 01752 763 948
Torbay Hospital Torquay 01803 655 610
North Devon District Hospital Barnstaple 01271 322 415
Exeter Nuffield Hospital Exeter 01392 276 591
Plymouth Nuffield Hospital Plymouth 01752 775 861
Somerset MRI Centre (Lodestone) Bridgwater 01278 429 094
Yeovil District Hospital Yeovil 01935 475 122
Shepton Mallet Treatment Centre Shepton Mallet 01749 333 619
Somerset Nuffield Hospital Taunton 01823 286 991
Costs vary between £200 to £700
GOOD LUCK WITH THE NHS MRI. BY THE WAY, MAKE SURE YOU REQUEST A COPY OF THE REPORT AND A DISC COPY OF THE IMAGES FROM THE HOSPITAL, AS THIS WILL BECOME VERY USEFUL IF YOU NEED A SECOND
OPINION. THEY ARE USUALLY FREE, SOMETIMES THERE IS A SMALL CHARGE.
best wishes
SPINELF