"Nerve Root Injections Waiting Time"

I am a patient in Fife who was referred to Neurosurgery last year due to back pain and significant findings on my MRI report. I had appt with Neurosurgeon in October 2024 and ultimately I may need surgery, however it is a major operation and the consultant wished to explore all other avenues first so referred me for bi lateral lumbar spine nerve root injections. 

I called DCN Imaging at ERI in January 2025 and was saddened to hear there was 18-month waiting list for these and no cancellation list option.  I am in daily pain, some days unable to even shower or put clothes on.  I explored the option of getting this done private and was informed I could, I would see the same neurosurgeon at spire and they would arrange the injections within 4 weeks.

I was gobsmacked at how quickly could access these if private,  under same consultant and same place I would go under NHS to have procedure done.  I was desperate and borrowed money to get one side done in the hope by the time this wore off, my other appointment would be through.  I had the procedure done within 2 weeks of my appointment.   I am now at the point both sides aggravating me terribly impacting my daily life and having a detrimental effect mentally which I am on medication for.

I called DCN Imaging and now told 15-month waiting list so I should be seen in January; 2 years basically from my referral.

I appreciate staff are stretched but also know there is capacity for this procedure given I accessed same as I would on NHS, private within 4 weeks. People waiting on these procedure are desperately in pain and I feel more resource is required here to expedite waiting lists.