Following back surgery nearly five years ago, I experienced severe pain down one leg after approximately six months. I went regularly to the back clinic at St Albans City Hospital, was given spinal injections every few months and was told I was suffering from nerve damage following the back surgery. The surgeon told me the latest back x-ray looked good but he was happy to carry out further surgery. I then suffered indescribable pain for two-and-a-half years, in desperation went to Pilates and was told by the instructor that there was nothing wrong with my back but I needed left hip replacement. An xray confirmed this but the hospital told me I would have to wait "my turn" I. e. 18 weeks (by which time I would have been in a wheelchair) so I had no choice but to pay privately for the operation.
My local MP spoke to the Chief Executive on my behalf prior to the op to no avail. I have now made a complaint to the Health Ombudsman but many months have passed and I have heard nothing except I "passed the first criteria" but it would be some time before I heard further. My story has been in the three local newspapers and does not make good reading for West Herts Hospital Trust but I think they don't seem to care. My MP has chased the Health Ombudsman but still I have heard nothing at all.
"misdiagnosis"
About: Hemel Hempstead Hospital / Trauma and orthopaedics Hemel Hempstead Hospital Trauma and orthopaedics HP2 4AD St Albans City Hospital / Trauma and orthopaedics St Albans City Hospital Trauma and orthopaedics AL3 5PN Watford General Hospital / Trauma and orthopaedics Watford General Hospital Trauma and orthopaedics WD18 0HB
Posted by Wizard (as ),
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Update posted by Wizard (the patient) 8 years ago