"Understanding, advice and help"

In Dec 22 I had a fairly insignificant fall backwards, but it left me with coccydynia, which became very difficult to cope with day to day. Trying to get proper help from my GP at the time was quite a battle and I was put on medication. I won't go into all the details here; but would say I had some very dark months, battling my symptoms and anxiety, which was very frightening, as I'd never experienced such before. I lost over a stone and a half in weight.

I was referred to Pain Management in Feb 2024 at NNDH, but was told it unlikely I would ever receive a diagnosis to my pain and should try to manage by using meditation techniques. I was also referred to colorectal, (Feb 24), where I was told I was experiencing proctalgia fugax, which would eventually settle down.

Still struggling with all the pains of coccydynia and unable to sit or stand for any length of time all day, I went back to see a new GP I had been allocated, after my previous one left the surgery. He seemed genuinely concerned by my day to day battles, so referred me to Orthopaedics at NNDH.

My treatment began with consultant Mr Wafai in July 24. From the outset I finally felt like I was being heard and the understanding, advice and help I was offered by him was faultless. I am very grateful for the knowledge Mr Wafai had for my condition and for the two treatments I was offered. I had a steroid injection into the sacrococcygeal joint to establish that it was the coccyx at fault. Once established, I was then offered surgery. I had my surgery in Feb 2025 (a coccygectomy) and am thrilled by the outcome.

My feedback is to thank Mr Wafai and his team for the care given. This time last year I was in a dark place and could see no way forward, but managing daily pain. Although not a life threatening condition, I am overjoyed to have my life back and to be getting back to normal; something that had become unimaginable. I can't thank him enough, but hope this feedback registers my gratitude.