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Disc problems, what to do!
Topic Started: 4 Apr 2017, 06:27 PM (108 Views)
bfdfix
Newbie
[ * ]
Hi everyone first poster here...

I'm 32 and originally damaged my back a few years ago, but recovered got on with things and other than being abit stiffer etc I didn't realise what I'd probably started from that moment, but also sort of knew it would come back and bite me!

Something went in my back last August, had the usual back pain, sciatica etc etc, laid up for a month or so, got back on my feet and felt pretty good, then a month later did something again another month laid up, but from this moment things weren't the same, I've not worked since, struggle to bend down, sit for long etc etc

I had an mri 6 weeks ago which showed a small bulge at L4/5 and small protrusion at L5/S1, it gave me peace of mind on paper things weren't terrible, but as many will understand I don't believe my mri results match how I feel.

Since October last year I've not worked, I've concentrated on getting better, seen a chiropractor, swam, done abit of yoga & stretches etc and reached a point of feeling ok, able to go out abit, walk etc but certainly not comfortable to work.

Then two weeks ago for the first time since last year I did a tiny (screwdriver tiny) bit of diy, my didn't go but I had significant pain in my lower back more than ever before and I was laid up, then a week ago my back went into spasm I was screaming like a baby and ended up with an ambulance and a & e, I've never had spasms like that before. Today I notice my upper body is totally leaning to one side, from reading up it's called lateral shift where I assume one of my discs has herniated or bulged more, my back muscles have gone into spasm and my body has twisted out of safety.

Anyway so I don't really know what to do, I've been to a &e twice last year, saw my gp a couple of months ago who wasn't really interested and certainly wouldn't look to give me an mri (I paid for it privately), but in a & e this time they said you need to be referred to the pain clinic.

I have a friend who's gone through the pain clinic with back problems for a few years, they've done this that and the other and he's basically got worse, he has 3 herniated discs at 32 and I imagine at his stage now he wouldn't be a candidate for ADR, or not on all levels anyway.

I don't want to jump through the hoops of the NHS trying this and that, not get the treatment I feel is the long term option (ADR) as I think it's pretty hard to get on the NHS, and generally deteriorate, possibly damaging further discs.

However is 8 months long enough to look at ADR privately, especially when I'm 32, knowing once the old discs are out that's it.

My issue is I've tried conservative treatment for 8 months, in this time I've had 3 major incidents which I imagine were either initial or further bulges/herniations of the two discs, and I just basically want my life back.

Sorry for the long essay, I guess I just want to get people's views from their experience.



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daisychain007
Newbie
[ * ]
Hi,

Sorry to hear your story.

From reading this forum ADR is not widely available on the NHS and the number of spinal surgeons are few. Trying to get a referral to them may prove difficult although you should be referred to the pain clinic which i know has a waiting list of at least 12 weeks for NHS in my area.

I was lucky enough to have BUPA through work so was able to bypass the wait once my doc referred me to a back consultant (almost 6 years ago).

I was referred to the pain clinic last year as my consultant had done everything he could do and we didn't want surgery. Many injections later (into a variety of different parts) didn't work so surgery was my only option .

4+ days post 3 level ADR for me. Everyone i have spoken to tells me it will give me a new lease of life and I'll be back could get what i used to do (running, PT etc) in time.

If you have the money then going private maybe the quickest and best option for you. Maybe try your GP one last time then go for it!

Michelle
Feb 2016 - Epidural Spinal Injections (Mr Mclaren)
July - November 2016 - Various disc and facet joint injections
February 2017 - Referred to Mr Dare (spinal surgeon)
March 2017 - Discography & bone density scan
March 2017 - Results show total deterioration in L3/4, L4/5 & L5/S1 - recommends 3 level ADR
April 2017 - 3 level ADR L3/4, L4/5 & L5/S1 by Mr Dare at Nuffield Wessex
September 2017 - Diagnostic facet joint injections (x6)
Nov 2017 - rhizolysis 6 facet joint nerves
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bfdfix
Newbie
[ * ]
Thanks for the reply, after my latest incident I called my gp and they've said to come in to be examined again before being referred to the pain clinic as I've explained what happened in hospital, and that I have an mri scan already done.

I'll probably go in and see them, but I just think the pain clinic will be "covering up the cracks" so to speak, and although it's a considerable amount of money to go private, I think it is just about possible for me if I beg, borrow and steal :)

I assume if you had three level ADR you had cervical done? I can't imagine Bupa agreeing to 3 level lumbar surgery?

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daisychain007
Newbie
[ * ]
I'm not sure what the difference is? The surgery I had went in through the belly and replaced 3 of my discs.
Feb 2016 - Epidural Spinal Injections (Mr Mclaren)
July - November 2016 - Various disc and facet joint injections
February 2017 - Referred to Mr Dare (spinal surgeon)
March 2017 - Discography & bone density scan
March 2017 - Results show total deterioration in L3/4, L4/5 & L5/S1 - recommends 3 level ADR
April 2017 - 3 level ADR L3/4, L4/5 & L5/S1 by Mr Dare at Nuffield Wessex
September 2017 - Diagnostic facet joint injections (x6)
Nov 2017 - rhizolysis 6 facet joint nerves
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Alastair
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Alastair
[ *  *  *  *  * ]
Hello there,
the story you tell I have seen over and over again, especially with the NHS although Mr Shackleford I think is still doing bits and pieces on the NHS. He came off and went private but I think his comeback on which might be worth checking.

Have you got an update MRI scan and have you been shown the actual bulges on your discs because they can do something that's called a discectomy which is just snipping off the bits that are bulging if it's not too much. If you're thinking of going privately, there's a list of surgeons that do ADR and are competent and have done over a hundred surgeries. It's hard work on the surgeon and it's very hard work on the patient, expect to pay at least £20,000 for your procedure or more if they replace 2 discs. I don't know what part of the country you are in but browse through the hospitals and surgeons and find someone in your area. You need an up-to-date MRI scan as evidence of your problem. It's no use going with an out of date MRI scan over six months old. If you are going to have another MRI scan get a copy done on a CD that you can take away they usually charge £10, but you've got it to show to the surgeon – – if I was given a pound for every meeting of surgeon and patient where the MRI scan was not in the notes or available I'd be an extremely rich man.

Keep us updated with your situation
best,
Alastair :D
Founder of this board 24th February 2007
Slow and Steady Wins This Race
Over 23 Years experience and research into spine surgery and over 2500 surgeries discussed and recorded

ADR L5/S1 Surgery with Dr Zeegers 26th July 2002 in Munich
8 facet joint ablations 28 – 8 – 12 with Dr Baranidharan and Jake Timothy in Leeds Diagnosed Forestiers disease
Your Best Asset Is Your Health
I live in West Yorkshire aged 81 now

Knowledge is power
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