"I have been sent round in circles"

Some years ago I was lifting a patient with another carer who let go. I took strain and hurt my back. Assumed it was a disk. Eventualy I lost leg and bladder control.

Emergency op by ortho consultant found a vascular angioma had been stretched and bled into corda equina (lower end of the spinal cord). Called in neurosurgeon. Unable to remove angioma. Recovery from op excellent. Staff excellent. Had to retire.

Fine for many years - then 9 months ago pain in right leg, given pain killers, said probably arthritis. No pain relief. X-ray showed no arthritis. Eventually saw another GP, who said pain was refered from spine.

Sent to original ortho surgeon. He said not an ortho problem then, and not now, but ordered MRI. Referred to neurosurgeon (other had retired). He referred me to neurologist. MRI of rest of spine.

I feel I have been sent round in circles. My GP has not received results of scans up to now. It is 9 months and still I have pain and bladder and bowel symptoms. Can only walk short distance. Not secure to go out. Still no appointment to sort this out. Frustrated+++.