herniated disc

suey71

hello. i had a herniated disc about a year ago, most painful experience of my life. the doctor told me it was a pinched nerve and gave me an injection and some difene and went on his merry way, it didn't work. i sit a lot in my job, so i'd say thats why it happened. since it happened i have had a numbness in my right thigh, it feels like i'm wearing to pairs of trousers I was just wondering is it normal for this to happen and will i ever get my full feeling back. thanks.

charlieroot

Have you considered going back to your GP/doctor?

suey71

yeah went back 2 weeks ago with a problem with ecxema and told him about the numb leg. he said the same again, ah sure its probably a pinched nerve. i don't like him much, but feel i cant go elsewhere as i see him regularly out walking. personally i'd rather go to my dogs vet. now she gives a lot of tests and bang on diagnosis. i hate the way doctors are so flippant and look at you like its all in your head, or say "its a viral infection." no faith in them anymore.

trout

Get a second opinion if you are not happy, or you feel your concerns aren't being addressed.

You are perfectly entitled to seek professional medical advice from any practictioner.

charlieroot

Agreed. Personally I would first go back to your doctor. Explain to him how this is affecting you and that you are not happy continuing with his currently suggested course of action. Its a good idea to make a list of the actual symptoms you have (write them down), possibly keep a quick diary of how this is affecting you.

If you don't get a satisfactory resolution to the problem - ask to be referred to someone who might be able to help or get a second opinion from another GP.

suey71

he has never refered me to any one about this problem. i even stopped training in martial arts because i didn't want it to happen again as i lost about 2 weeks work over it. it was nothing to do with the training, it just happened when i was running a bath for the kids. then WHAM! it was like somebody stuck a chissel in my lower back and twisted it for hours, while repeatadly hammering on my femur with another hammer and chissel. told the doc this but nothing . there's a new osteopath down the road from me so i might give him a try. thanks again.

Dr Galen

i'd recommend changing your GP pr t least getting a second opinion from another doctor before heading down the road to some sort of osteopath. these people are NOT medically trained and thus will not be able to diagnose the problem. In time, a medically qualified person may suggest looking into a recognised and reputable osteopath, but now, with no clear diagnosis is not the time for that

suey71

i was thinking of going to that sports injury clinic in Santry. as i have good VHI cover. only thing is. i'm worried i'd need surgury and don't want to make it worse. plus i never want to go through that pain again. at the mo the only thing wrong is a numb thigh, which is wierd but livable. has any body been to the above mentioned clinic?

Dr Galen

not wanting to advertise or anything for them, but I know that place pretty well and it's very good. Some excellent doctors working there. Give them a call or get referred by the GP

Max001

Had two of the same this past four years. My ten cents worth, don't dick around. GPs know zip. You need to see an orthopedic surgeon, probably after getting an MRI done. The MRI will show how bad the disc is ruptured and the consultant can advise. First time around I thought it was my back spasm gone ballistic (old sports injury) and so delayed specialist referral for months, until the pain got too much. By the time I saw my surgeon, was told recovery time would be the same whether I had the op or not.

1. You need information = MRI + consultation.
2. Decision as to what to do is yours. Consultant only advises.

I was gonna have to pay for the surgery myself and at €1500 odd I woulda
paid in a heart beat. Was told op would remove the pain immed.

Second time another disc went, I had the op within a week and after lying on my back for a week, all was well again

Sports injury clinic mentioned by others and / or local physios will be able to refer you to the best orthopedic surgeon. DON'T rely on your GP for a referral. You want the best. My guy had done 3,000 odd discectomies and it was like turning on the ignition in his car......thats wot ya want

PM me if I can help ya further.

Oops, just reread your post. My surgeon told the first time, that the jelly like substance inside the ruptured disc will lose moisture and shrink over time. Thats why, when I left it so long to get a diagnosis, it was 50/50 whether to cut or not, as recovery time and method was the same. Pain receeded over time with enough back rest. Sounds like you're in that place now too. Was told, only option was lotsa rest, flat on my back and 15-30 mins walking per day only for exerise. Sounds like you're nearly as tough as me! lol Like me, you maybe left it too long for radical intervention, but an MRI would tell ya for sure what you're dealing with bud. I have a great GP but I made my own enquiries about the best local 'back cutter' here in Cork and my GP and I came up with the same name. A GP must refer you if you insist....its not the GP's choice so far as I know. GP = jacks of all trades, masters of none!

suey71

thanks to everyone for there advice. i'll phone Santry on Monday. thanks Max for the effort you put into your reply.

Dr Galen

Max001 wrote: »

Sports injury clinic mentioned by others and / or local physios will be able to refer you to the best orthopedic surgeon. DON'T rely on your GP for a referral. You want the best. My guy had done 3,000 odd discectomies and it was like turning on the ignition in his car......thats wot ya want

2 things, the Sports Surgery clinic is like an orthopaedic hospital, so it's all consultants. I'd also commend Max's decision to take some self responsibility for getting fixed, he went and did a bit of research and is very lucky to have a good GP also.

Just be careful, just because a surgeon has the numbers on the board so to speak, doesn't necessarily make them good at what they do.

I have a great GP but I made my own enquiries about the best local 'back cutter' here in Cork and my GP and I came up with the same name. A GP must refer you if you insist....its not the GP's choice so far as I know. GP = jacks of all trades, masters of none!

Most GP's have no issue at all with referring you to whoever you wish, the fact is though that many patients have no clue. Myself and my wife (both nurses) have both had referrals to consultants of our choice from a series over GP's over the years, with no hassle whatsoever.

Max you are right about a GP being a jack of all trades, but I don't see that as a bad thing. Thats what they are there for, hence the name "General" practitioner. They are the first port of call for all non-emergent health issues.

suey71

hi Mystic. i've just emailed Santry Sports clinic asking for a consultation. I hope all goes well. thanks again.

Max001

Mystik Monkey wrote: »

2 things, the Sports Surgery clinic is like an orthopaedic hospital, so it's all consultants. I'd also commend Max's decision to take some self responsibility for getting fixed, he went and did a bit of research and is very lucky to have a good GP also.

Just be careful, just because a surgeon has the numbers on the board so to speak, doesn't necessarily make them good at what they do.



Most GP's have no issue at all with referring you to whoever you wish, the fact is though that many patients have no clue. Myself and my wife (both nurses) have both had referrals to consultants of our choice from a series over GP's over the years, with no hassle whatsoever.

Max you are right about a GP being a jack of all trades, but I don't see that as a bad thing. Thats what they are there for, hence the name "General" practitioner. They are the first port of call for all non-emergent health issues.

Wouldn't disagree with anything you've said and would defer to your medical knowledge obviously

To clarify....absolutely agree with ya bout quantity not necessarily inferring quality, but by asking questions of at least three good sources....my GP....my physio and a consultant friend, they all mentioned the same guy as the best ortho in Cork and when he told me he'd done 3,000 plus ops of my kind, (which I checked) it was reassuring. He's now doing brain surgery! lol And I appreciate that has no relevance unless yr brains in yr ass, which is close to yr discs!

Your point about the relevance of GPs in the system is also well made. I only have an issue with the variety of GP who doesn't appreciate being asked questions and expects deference above all else. I've no time for arrogant professionals of any kind, but especially when my health's in question. Its not a matter of luck that I have had good GPs tbh. Cause of my career I tend to move every few years and I make it my business to find the best GP I can, whenever I arrive in a new city. I tend to only visit once or twice a year, but when I do, its generally with good reason so I won't be messed about.

Likely if I was based in Dublin, I'd have made a bee line for the Sports Surgery clinic too, or else gone to the Royal Vic in Belfast. I'll file away that useful bit of info - thanks!

Dr Galen

Max001 wrote: »

I only have an issue with the variety of GP who doesn't appreciate being asked questions and expects deference above all else. I've no time for arrogant professionals of any kind, but especially when my health's in question.

couldn't agree with you more on this Max, arrogance has no real place in any profession, but in healthcare, it's a real pain in the ass.

like I said before, your attitude is very commendable, and if only everyone took such a line, then we'd see a lot less medical advice threads on boards, plus we would have a healthier population.

OP hope you get sorted soon!