"16 months and still waiting"

I am 57 and used to be very active with numerous hobbies untilI 16 months ago.

I have a prolapse disc L4/L5 with a severe narrowing. I spent 2 weeks in hospital, one week being the Fullbrook centre for rehabilitation last June as I could not weight bare and pain was unbearable.

Have had 2 nerve blocks which were unsuccessful and another where it was cancelled when in theatre as they decided on another MRI. I must add the 1st was horrendously painful as they hit a nerve whilst doing the procedure and pain increased after.

I had an appointment at the spinal unit last Monday 12th June and left feeling absolutely deflated and upset due to the outcome of the appointment.

This is three days later and myself and wife have lost all confidence with the spinal unit and it was the worst appointment I have ever had.

1.

The lack of knowledge of my history

2. Could not comprehend the effect it has had on my life

3. Asked why I was using a stick (Actually a crutch and sometimes have to use two)

4. Asked what was my scar down my chest. (Should have read my notes.)

5. I explained I cannot stand for more than a few minutes and can only walk around 150 yards before I have to sit down. (No reaction)

6.. I had diminished reflex left knee and ankle, also leg is weak but they never said a word about it.

7. Did not seem to know what medication I was on so I told them and they said I need to be referred to pain clinic and see my Doctor for change in medication.

I told them I cannot take anymore medication as I will not be able to work and I am virtually house bound as it is. (Already saw pain team in hospital last year)

8. Beginning of the appointment they said they would have to pop in and out to their superior to talk to them but they did not leave the room.

9. At the end knowing how stressed we were they said they would get the next available appointment for us to see someone but who?

10. They said it was out of their hands what to do next and my wife said "He has had enough, we have had enough"

11. We did presume the next step would be an operation and the NHS encourages people with Diabetes and heart disease to stay active. I was active 16 months ago but how can I now do this?

12. Seemed incompetent and lacked ability to understand how this is effecting me.

Not every appointment has been as bad as this as last August we saw someone in the spinal unit who was more understanding and encouraging. I was asked if I would consider an operation if it was an option as it would be straight forward and success rate was high. Obviously I said yes but the powers that would be disagreed with them and they opted for nerve blocks which has been a total waste of time. 10 months from that appointment still no improvement.