"Cauda Equina"

I am writing to yourself with an urgent request. In January 2019 I was sent to Wishaw Hospital suffering serious back pain and unable to urinate. After an MRI scan, it was discovered I had cauda equina syndrome and immediately transferred to the Queen Elizabeth Hospital for back surgery within the Neurology Department.

Approximately 2 weeks post surgery, I was brought back into hospital, where they discovered the disc required more surgery.

Following my physio and withdrawal from painkillers, I made a full recovery. Roughly 1 year later, the pain has returned in my leg and numbness within the saddle area. I have been in contact with my GP on numerous occasions and have been advised to keep taking painkillers until I am recalled to hospital.

I was referred in December 2020 for another MRI scan. Following this, I was advised in February by the Neurology Department that the disc requires more surgery and there was a 3/4 month waiting list for the operation. 

I appreciate this is uncertain times due to COVID, however, after speaking with the consultants secretary, I have been made aware that I'm on the non-urgent list and can wait up to 5 years. 

I am asking for your help in this matter as I'm physically and mentally drained and struggling to maintain a happy family life. 

The doctor is only willing to keep me on highly addictive painkillers which I struggled to withdraw from after my first surgery. 

I'm currently taking as little as I can as i'm self employed and can't function properly with normal day to day activities. This is also having a major effect on my marriage which is now under great pressure

The first time this happened, I wasted over a year of my family life trying to achieve a diagnosis. I'm finding myself slowly withdrawing from family and friends as all I can do is work and then come home and go straight to bed as I'm in a great deal of pain.

This is very unlike me and I have a great attitude on life and usually a very active family man. My wife and kids are also suffering as a result of my back pain.

My wife is insisting that I contact my GP again as I'm sinking into a depression. This is something I really don't want to do, as I don't want to take any more medication than I am already on.

I would be very grateful if you could review my email and if there is anything you could personally help with?