Slipped Disc. Private guestimate?

goz83

Hi guys. Was hoping some of you can help me out. I'm nit looking for medical advice, but rather the general cost of going private, specificslly in the Mater under O'Neill, who seems to have gotten good reviews here => http://www.boards.ie/vbulletin/showthread.php?t=2056324703

I have "a significant herniation" to my L4-L5 impinging on the nerve, causing signal loss and spinal stenosis, resilting from a rear ending car accident last year. I have been informed that Imwoukd need a microdiscectomy and I am unfortunately on the public waiting list. I have been waiting (in considerable pain) for an appointment at the pain clinic in Beaumont for more than a year and I am also on the surgery list.

I am unable to drive a manual transmission car, due to weakness in my left leg when in sitting position. I cannot sit up with my legs parallel with my hips and so you can imagine the trouble of putting on socks.

I am in my early 30's and I heard that surgery would be in the region of 20k. This put me off the search, knowing I could not afford that, or borrow that much. My pain has been peaking in recent days and so I started looking around the net tonight for guide prices, if the surgery is under 10k, I would definitely move to this option to try get my life back on track. It would be borrowed money mostly, but I think I could just about manage to get it if the cost is under this bench mark. Opinions and experiences are very welcome. I don't want to live with this pain any longer and the addition of my persistent neck whiplash pain is really bothering me too. I have started another course of physio for this and hope to get some improvement.

coffeepls

I know practically nothing about the spine BUT I do know that a friend of mine had to have an operation on her spine a month ago - it isn't a whole lot different to what you are talking about. She also was on the never ending waiting list and was in considerable pain, and had been on the waiting list for a year or two (as far as I know). She had strong painkillers prescribed to her constantly, but she hated to be so dependent on them. She went to a specialist earlier this year who told her that the longer she waited the more that her spine was moving to being inoperable.
She decided the only way to alleviate her pain was to fork out and go private. It was 20k.
And the result? She is over the moon. The operation was a complete success and she is astounded at how the pain went so quickly afterwards. She is beyond happy & thinks it is the best money she ever spent.

chatjunkie

Hi. I had a spinal fusion under Mr. Poynton in the Mater Private in December 2013 which involved a four night hospital stay and the cost was over 20,000. Had further surgery there last January which again involved a four night stay and cost in the region of 10,000. In general a microdiscectomy involves only a one night stay there and is a significantly shorter operation than the fusion so I would imagine that you would be fine for the ten thousand. Best of luck with it. Despite what many people say about spinal surgeries they are becoming increasingly successful. I'm flying, you would never know I'd had two surgeries and I genuinely could hardly walk previously.

PirateShampoo

My dad had his done up in the Hermitage, I've also in your position.

For the surgery in which they trim the disc down your talking 8k, that's just the surgery. All up around 10k.

goz83

I was told a microdiscectomy was what I needed done, rather than a spinal fusion. I would certainly be interested in having this done if the cost were to be kept at 10k, or less. The injury has eaten into my earning potential and any spare cash I had aside. I spent 5k in the first 6 months on medication, physio gp visits etc. I would hope my Dad might be able to assist me with the finances, because I have just started earning again recently and would be paying him back hopefully 1k a month, or more. anything more than 10k would just be too much to ask.

Spook_ie

goz83 wrote: »

Hi guys. Was hoping some of you can help me out. I'm nit looking for medical advice, but rather the general cost of going private, specificslly in the Mater under O'Neill, who seems to have gotten good reviews here => http://www.boards.ie/vbulletin/showthread.php?t=2056324703

I have "a significant herniation" to my L4-L5 impinging on the nerve, causing signal loss and spinal stenosis, resilting from a rear ending car accident last year. I have been informed that Imwoukd need a microdiscectomy and I am unfortunately on the public waiting list. I have been waiting (in considerable pain) for an appointment at the pain clinic in Beaumont for more than a year and I am also on the surgery list.

I am unable to drive a manual transmission car, due to weakness in my left leg when in sitting position. I cannot sit up with my legs parallel with my hips and so you can imagine the trouble of putting on socks.

I am in my early 30's and I heard that surgery would be in the region of 20k. This put me off the search, knowing I could not afford that, or borrow that much. My pain has been peaking in recent days and so I started looking around the net tonight for guide prices, if the surgery is under 10k, I would definitely move to this option to try get my life back on track. It would be borrowed money mostly, but I think I could just about manage to get it if the cost is under this bench mark. Opinions and experiences are very welcome. I don't want to live with this pain any longer and the addition of my persistent neck whiplash pain is really bothering me too. I have started another course of physio for this and hope to get some improvement.

We're one of Paraic O'Neills patients that appears in the link you supplied, unfortunately Mr O'Neill retired during the summer, OH had 2 surgeries with him and was a fan ! next best is Michael Kelleher who is in Santry Sports Clinic & the Mater Private - although the procedure is the same the cost of the accommodation would be cheaper in Santry & although you would have to double check, it would be well under 10k.

goz83

Spook_ie wrote: »

We're one of Paraic O'Neills patients that appears in the link you supplied, unfortunately Mr O'Neill retired during the summer, OH had 2 surgeries with him and was a fan ! next best is Michael Kelleher who is in Santry Sports Clinic & the Mater Private - although the procedure is the same the cost of the accommodation would be cheaper in Santry & although you would have to double check, it would be well under 10k.

Thanks for letting me know. I really appreciate it. I will look into this. I am under Mr Young, who is in Beaumont and the Mater Private afaik.

I actually had my MRI scans done in euromedic, right across from santry sports clinic.

Having done some fine tooth combing about the operation, I am seeing that the operation seems to have more success on leg pain, which I have much less of in recent weeks. The focal point of the pain is in the sciatic region and it often feels like a sheet of pain going from the back, in toward my bladder (if that makes sense). The legs mostly suffer from weakness, numbness and tingling, especially the left leg. I am now wondering if the op would be worth it after reading about the lack of success for back pain. So confused and lack of sleep hasn't been helping. Maybe i'm missing something?

maggiepip

If your disk is herniated like you say, its creating nerve pain by touching off the nerve, rectifying that with surgery should solve the problem, doesnt matter whether the pain is referring down the leg or not. I used to get that type of pain in my bladder area as well as leg pain, surgery solved it. You need to go through this with a consultant though, bits and bobs off google aren't specific enough to base decisions on obviously.

goz83

I've been doing quite a bit of snooping around the web for info and spine-health.com was referring to a more favourable result for leg pain, which I was taking to be negative for back pain, but I think I was over analysing it. That said, there seems to be a number of places that say it is not advisable to wait for more than 6 months to get the surgery, because the results are not as good. This makes sense to me and both angers and motivates me for being on the public system and needing it done quickly to get my life back. Some phone calls will be made to get the ball rolling. i suppose I will need a GP referral for a consultation. I thought I was improving, but no, the pain just came back with a vengeance.

Spook_ie

goz83 wrote: »

I've been doing quite a bit of snooping around the web for info and spine-health.com was referring to a more favourable result for leg pain, which I was taking to be negative for back pain, but I think I was over analysing it. That said, there seems to be a number of places that say it is not advisable to wait for more than 6 months to get the surgery, because the results are not as good. This makes sense to me and both angers and motivates me for being on the public system and needing it done quickly to get my life back. Some phone calls will be made to get the ball rolling. i suppose I will need a GP referral for a consultation. I thought I was improving, but no, the pain just came back with a vengeance.

What you could do is to get your GP referral & your copy of the MRI and send both to whichever private consultant you choose. All private hospitals have self pay patients and you'll have no prob getting a quote.

goz83

My Dad recommends john caird. Any opinions or experience there? I only found paediatric neurosurgeon searching his name and a tragic death of a 15 year old girl back in 2011.

I'm waiting in gp clinic now actually

update:

My GP recommended Michael Kelleher. I was in so much pain when sitting in the chair that there were tears in my eyes. I have a very high pain threshhold, but it's just got too much and has me worn down. My gp was agreeable that waiting longer than 6 months was more damaging, but pointed to the public health system. I am being referred to Kelleher at the santry sports clinic and will be following up tomorrow with a phone call. I'm really relieved that things are moving forward. Once this horrible pain is gone, I can once again focus on what is important. Our public waiting list is just a shambles.

Spook_ie

goz83 wrote: »

My Dad recommends john caird. Any opinions or experience there? I only found paediatric neurosurgeon searching his name and a tragic death of a 15 year old girl back in 2011.

I'm waiting in gp clinic now actually

update:

My GP recommended Michael Kelleher. I was in so much pain when sitting in the chair that there were tears in my eyes. I have a very high pain threshhold, but it's just got too much and has me worn down. My gp was agreeable that waiting longer than 6 months was more damaging, but pointed to the public health system. I am being referred to Kelleher at the santry sports clinic and will be following up tomorrow with a phone call. I'm really relieved that things are moving forward. Once this horrible pain is gone, I can once again focus on what is important. Our public waiting list is just a shambles.

yep, Michael Kelleher is good, he's the one who I have been transferred to since Mr O'Neill retired, let us know how you get on tomorrow, I think he'll want to see your MRI asap.

goz83

Spook_ie wrote: »

yep, Michael Kelleher is good, he's the one who I have been transferred to since Mr O'Neill retired, let us know how you get on tomorrow, I think he'll want to see your MRI asap.

I tried calling a few times, but could not get an answer The phone was engaged on two of the occasions I tried calling. So, I sent an email, as suggested on the voicemail, with my contact info shortly after 2pm and unfortunately heard nothing back.

I can only hope they get my referral letter and book me in soon. The pain seems to be burning hotter this evening. My wife is due our 5th child at the end of October, so I am really hoping I will be functional by then.

edit: I looked at my MRI scan today. It was gibberish before, but now I understand what I am looking at. It's quite a nasty protrusion on the L4-5 and I can also see a bulge at L5-S1, which is looking like a herniation in itself. Of course, I am no expert, but have seen many, many mri comparisons at this stage, so I will mention this at my consultation and hope I am wrong.

KFed

I have had microdiscectomy surgery at l4/l5 and l5/s1 about six years apart. Two separate incidents.

My left leg was affected both times, significant weakness, numbness and pain.

My advice woukd be to get in front of a neurosurgeon as soon as you can. You maximise your chances of nerve recovery by relievinf the pressure sooner.

I was in the v.h.I so all I can say is the syatment of charges came to about 8k for a surgery at the bons and similar at the hermitage.

I'd have thought a private patient should get similar pricing as the insurers - I'd hope so - but if you can at all go private I'd encourage you to do so.

It's an awful injury, it's very painful and debilitating and I truly hope you get seen soon and have a successful outcome.

In the meantime a good physio can give you some core exercises for pre and also post op, maximise your strength and flexibility there to prevent a recurrence.

Spook_ie

goz83 wrote: »

I tried calling a few times, but could not get an answer The phone was engaged on two of the occasions I tried calling. So, I sent an email, as suggested on the voicemail, with my contact info shortly after 2pm and unfortunately heard nothing back.

I can only hope they get my referral letter and book me in soon. The pain seems to be burning hotter this evening. My wife is due our 5th child at the end of October, so I am really hoping I will be functional by then.

edit: I looked at my MRI scan today. It was gibberish before, but now I understand what I am looking at. It's quite a nasty protrusion on the L4-5 and I can also see a bulge at L5-S1, which is looking like a herniation in itself. Of course, I am no expert, but have seen many, many mri comparisons at this stage, so I will mention this at my consultation and hope I am wrong.

Heard anything yet today ? just to let you know, Santry sports clinic offers an Acute Spinal Assessment Service, tel 5262000

My herniation was at L4/5 level but I also had a synovial cyst at the same level which Mr O'Neill used to jokingly refer to as my 'sandwich'.

maggiepip

Id say they would be able to do it a bit cheaper for patient payment direct than what they charge the insurance companies.

goz83

Spook_ie wrote: »

Heard anything yet today ? just to let you know, Santry sports clinic offers an Acute Spinal Assessment Service, tel 5262000

My herniation was at L4/5 level but I also had a synovial cyst at the same level which Mr O'Neill used to jokingly refer to as my 'sandwich'.

Unfortunately I still haven't heard anything, but I will try phone them tomorrow.

goz83

Still nothing. I tried several times after 2pm today. Will try again Monday....unless they work weekends?

gctest50

long term, the quicker you can get this someway sorted the better

start a http://www.gofundme.com

i pledge €80

get busy
.

Spook_ie

goz83 wrote: »

Still nothing. I tried several times after 2pm today. Will try again Monday....unless they work weekends?

I'm very surprised you havent heard anything, you're obviously ringing Michael Kelleher's office, maybe he's on hols ? if I were you and hadn't heard anything by Monday, I would go to Plan B which would be their " At SSC we have developed an acute (emergency) Spinal Assessment Service consisting of a triage of services between Surgeons, Pain Management Specialists and our Physiotherapy Department tel no. 5262000". I've heard that the other Neurosurgeons that work their are all good and might be worth you or your GP ringing to access the acute service.

goz83

I have waited 16 months, so another few days can't hurt (the irony of writing that). I will try again Monday morning and if I don't reach them, I will call the main reception to see what the the situation is. I am set on Kelleher after reading the very positive reviews.

That gofundme site is pretty cool. But I don't need it. My Dad is putting the cash upfront and I will pay him back asap. Most of those people on the website need it more than I do. I think I will have to donate to a couple of the causes.

goz83

Mr Kellehers secretary emailed me this morning. They hadn't received the referral letter. My GP is on holiday, but his secretary faxed another copy over and the SCC secretary confirmed receipt as I requested. I was prepared to personally deliver the letter if necessary. The referral is being passed to Mr Kelleher, so I am just waiting for a reply. I was also given a quote of fees of under €7k, which was great to see.

The lack of sleep is causing me major issues though. I missed my physio today and I also forgot I had a client booked in today to see. Normally I am absolutely on the ball and I am very punctual, even under ordinarily very stressful situations. My mums brother died today, which also threw my thoughts, because she flew home from Spain to see him as they began to turn off the life support. It wasn't an easy day and was definitely a mixed bag of emotions.

Thanks to everyone who has contributed here. I will update the thread as things develop.

usernamegoes

Have you looked into the Cross Boarder Health Directive? http://www.hse.ie/crossborderdirective

Entitles you to go to another EU state (including the North) and go private and Ireland will pay the cost up to what it would cost here.

goz83

usernamegoes wrote: »

Have you looked into the Cross Boarder Health Directive? http://www.hse.ie/crossborderdirective

Entitles you to go to another EU state (including the North) and go private and Ireland will pay the cost up to what it would cost here.

I am afraid it would take too long. I got my hopes up when someone mentioned the NTPF (national treatment purchase fund) a few weeks ago, only to find out that it really doesn't operate anymore and is just a shadow of the HSE. I think I need this surgery done quickly and that I have waited too long already. It feels like a ticking time bomb about to go off, any day now, as the pain has shifted and feels different, with constant mild numbness in my left arm, which was not there only a week ago. Maybe someone else will benefit from your post though. I am set on getting the surgery done at the SSC under Mr Kelleher.

I would still have to pay the surgery abroad and seek reimbursement from the state if I went down that route.

Besides, my wife is expecting at the end of next month and looking into something else would only delay things further.

usernamegoes

If you're set that's fine. For others' benefit, you don't have to wait with this scheme just find a doctor and go.

Spook_ie

goz83 wrote: »

Mr Kellehers secretary emailed me this morning. They hadn't received the referral letter. My GP is on holiday, but his secretary faxed another copy over and the SCC secretary confirmed receipt as I requested. I was prepared to personally deliver the letter if necessary. The referral is being passed to Mr Kelleher, so I am just waiting for a reply. I was also given a quote of fees of under €7k, which was great to see.

The lack of sleep is causing me major issues though. I missed my physio today and I also forgot I had a client booked in today to see. Normally I am absolutely on the ball and I am very punctual, even under ordinarily very stressful situations. My mums brother died today, which also threw my thoughts, because she flew home from Spain to see him as they began to turn off the life support. It wasn't an easy day and was definitely a mixed bag of emotions.

Thanks to everyone who has contributed here. I will update the thread as things develop.

Sorry you had a tough day. I think the decision re SSC & Michael Kelleher is definately the right one & glad price is under 7k.

Deiseboy01

You said the injury was caused by a car accident, doesn't insurance cover any of it?

I too have bad back trouble, went to a guy in the Hermitage who advised surgery, scottish guy, Daniel Rawlick. I decided to wait to see if things got better having heard the usual horror stories. Eventually went for a second opinion to Ashley Poynton, he basically said surgery wouldn't work. I should work on my core etc. And just manage it. Anyone else go to him? What's the general opinion?

chatjunkie

I had two surgeries performed by ashley Poynton and can't speak highly enough of him. A gentleman to the core and a top class surgeon. First op was a double fusion, back to 99% after it. Had issues a few months down the line, back to pain and very limited mobility. He couldn't identify the cause from the scans but scheduled exploratory surgery for which I was so grateful. Turned out some of the screws from the fusion were loose so he removed them last January. Flying again since. Should refer to him as god!

goz83

Deiseboy01 wrote: »

You said the injury was caused by a car accident, doesn't insurance cover any of it?

That's where it gets a little odd. My solicitor advised that I wait on the public list, as I had no private health insurance. He said I would probably not recover the full sum if I paid for it myself, even though the motor other side would have to pay the health insurance company if I was insured by a health insurance company. He said my op would likely cost in excess of 20k; that his wife had the same surgery and that's what the cost was.

I don't think he intended to put me on the wrong side. In fact, my sister in law works in the Mater private as a nurse, training to be a doctor and she said the surgery would be 20k plus. That is why I was so surprised to see figure sub 10k when I started looking for myself.

Spook_ie

goz83 wrote: »

That's where it gets a little odd. My solicitor advised that I wait on the public list, as I had no private health insurance. He said I would probably not recover the full sum if I paid for it myself, even though the motor other side would have to pay the health insurance company if I was insured by a health insurance company. He said my op would likely cost in excess of 20k; that his wife had the same surgery and that's what the cost was.

I don't think he intended to put me on the wrong side. In fact, my sister in law works in the Mater private as a nurse, training to be a doctor and she said the surgery would be 20k plus. That is why I was so surprised to see figure sub 10k when I started looking for myself.

I had both my microdiskectomies/forminectomy/laminectomy/cyst removal done in the Mater Private with Paraic O'Neill, stayed 3 nights the 1st time (2009) & 4 nights the 2nd time (2013) and looking back on both VHI settlement statements both admissions were under 10k so its always good to do your own research.

goz83

Spook_ie wrote: »

I had both my microdiskectomies/forminectomy/laminectomy/cyst removal done in the Mater Private with Paraic O'Neill, stayed 3 nights the 1st time (2009) & 4 nights the 2nd time (2013) and looking back on both VHI settlement statements both admissions were under 10k so its always good to do your own research.

I hope I don't get kept in too long. I would love to be done on a Sunday and out on the Monday, but I will have to wait and see. I wonder how long I will be waiting before being called in.

I was sitting down last night in a pile of paper work. I haven't organised my filing in over a year and I decided I had to get to it. My Brother in Law is a regular visitor and walks our dogs pretty much every day. He handed me an envelope and said "it's for your back". Well, i'm not one for refusing a gift, but I don't know what to do on this occasion. I haven't opened the envelope and don't know how much is in it. Could be €100, could be €1000. The amount is not really the point, but rather the fact that my Dad has already agreed to cover it. I know I would do the same thing, but I haven't been in this position before. I don't want to refuse it, because I know it was done with a warm heart and money means zero to him, but at the same time, I want to hand it back, thank him and ask him to put it to better use.