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Spinal Nerve block - any good?

Posted , 4 users are following.

claire75418
claire75418

My husband has suffered with back pain for a long time now. Was finally referred for an MRI scan which showed lower discs crumbling and was sent to Neurosurgery outpatients appointment last October. He was seen by a physiotherapist who recommend pain tablets (so far Tramdol, diclofenic, gabapentin and Neoproxin haven't worked). The physio talked about a Spinal Nerve block and I just wondered if anyone has had any experience with these?

My concerns are:-

1) if his discs are crumbling and the nerve block works he's gonna feel great for a few months but could be actually doing more damage.

2) should he not be seen by a specialist in back care rather than a physio to have this procedure explained thoroughly and accurately?

3) GP surgery has turned us down now on 2 occasions when we have asked to be re-referred back to the Neurosurgery Team at Hull.

4) Asked GP (only yesterday) to refer us to Leeds Teaching Hospital as hubby had a recommendation for a Neurosurgeon there to be told by GP they couldn't do that.

Physio is unbearable for him at the minute and the drugs DON'T work - How can I get any further?

0 likes, 6 replies

6 Replies

  • Lynn195013
    Lynn195013

    Posted

    Oh am so glad not n the uk, here you can choose who you want to trust you (France) sorry do t know much about it, but I think I would agree with you why wo t they operate ?

    Think I would approach the GP again, make a 10 mins appointment, and say to GP, that tablets not working on so much pain tbat he can't do phsyo, and say what do you suggest we do next, and ask what would get do on the same situation.

    Hope you get so e results.

  • Brownevo
    Brownevo

    Posted

    Hi love I'm in Hospital now had disc decompression, laminectomy and spinal fusion. I am on maximum acupan, co codamol, tramadol and gabapentin. Have been for months, my bottom 2 discs were ok lapsed bottom 2 pressing on spinal column and sciatic nerve, also had moving x ray and spine is deforming on movement so exercise and physio was making it worse and cutting off my nerve.

    Had op at 8am on morphine now. I told them to get lost with cortisone injections as I'm allergic to anti inflammatory. Sheffield are one if the best in the country as a spinal unit if you can get there.

    I'm lucky I get free private healthcare in work.

    Ask for second opinion, ask for x ray and bend forward and backwards and yes I did cry. You know your body better than anyone. I knew something serious was wrong pain for 6 years I managed and then it changed.

    Get to a healthy weight, eat healthy and yoga and weights did help me till recently

    Take care and keep in touch, I may feel different once the self administer morphine is removed tomorrow lol

    Xx

  • Lynn195013
    Lynn195013

    Posted

    I hate these I pads and spell correction, hope you got the gist of what I was trying to say.

    How are things going?

  • claire75418
    claire75418

    Posted

    Thank you for your replies we have finally got the GP surgery to agree to refer us to Leeds (had to request an appointment with Practice Manager) but things do appear to be moving along slowly.
  • claire75418
    claire75418

    Posted

    To Brownevo......How are you feeling now?

  • Brownevo
    Brownevo

    Posted

    Honestly no one can prepare you enough for this operation. It's worse than childbirth. I have no leg pain which is excellent news but I still can't walk and it took me an hour to turn onto my side from my back. It's early days. Supposed to be discharged today but I'm going to be in till probably weekend

    Get mobile as soon as you can, take as many drugs as you can as you need to mobilise your back as I'm having to have warfarin injections and have to eat lying down. I'm determined to get into a chair today x

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