Wow,what an unprofessional doctor!!I don't know how your healthcare system works in th u.K.,but I would complain to your local professional board.I would seek another opinion right away.It's a shame that doctors are not taught compassion in medical school.If it were,many docs would fail miserably.I wish you the best,don't let one bad doc make you give up.

Get a second opinion, we all have a right to this! Try some natural herbs, how long ago did you have the surgery, it could be scar tissue, the more surgery you have, the more scar tissue you will end up with, sometimes surgery isn't all it is cracked up to be and one surgery can lead to another and another and so on! Take it from someone that has been there! Have you had blood work done, you also might try the phsio., they can sometimes help with physical therapy, strengthening exercises, and try not to be too stressed out and upset(i know, easier said than done), it just causes more pain and problems!
I wish you the best! I am no Dr., I have just been there!

Sincerely,
sandy

Hello patty and sandy,

i hope I am replying correctly, as I am not used to forums.

Thanks for your advice.

I was very upset on monday after seeing the surgeon but my family are very supportive and I am determined to be positive.

I don't think I was very clear about my situation in my last post. I first saw an orthopeadic surgeon about 7 years ago. I had a problem with the lower disc only then. He did a normal x ray and said I had narrowed disc spaces and advised against surgery then unless I had bad sciatica in my legs. The pain wasn't too bad then, and on some days I was pain free. The pain would just flare up every now and then.

When it got worse I saw another orthopaedic surgeon about three years ago. He sent me for an mri scan which showed the large prolapse at l5/s1, but he said he wouldn't recommend surgery as it isn't successful for the back pain and leads to scar tissue as you have said yourself. He also said I had several other discs which were partly prolapsed above and that was another factor against surgery. And I now have the pain at the top of my spine which has started about two years ago. I agree that surgery isn't the answer.

Could you tell me sandy what blood work is please and what herbal tablets may help? And does anybody know if you should have a scan before doing physio? My last scan was three years ago - so I suppose that would be okay?. I have lost faith in our nhs service here in the uk. I attended a pain clinic and also had a bad experience there also. One of our local hospitals which was a big teaching hospital closed down a few years ago and now the service is not so good. I'm wondering whether to pay and go private for a consultation.

At the moment I am trying some amitryptilline 10mg which my gp (own doctor) has given me. I find it really helps the pain a lot but I have side effects feeling sick and reflux. I am going to try and continue with them though.

Anyway, thank you to both of you for your comments. I shall try to remain optmistic. I always try to be positive and I know there are a lot of people out there worse off than me.

Best wishes
sue

Hi sue,
I too have lumbar disc degeneration and also had corrective surgery for kyphosis as a teen.I have chronic lower back pain and was ready to give up as well.I saw my doc and had x-rays and such.He recommended physical therapy or yoga and or pilates.I started doing pilates at the beginning of the year and it has made a wondreful difference.Yes,it was painful and difficult at first,but as time went on it became easier and the pain has improved.See a new doc,even if you pay for the consult yourself.It might just be the best money you ever spent.
Best of luck to you!!

Hi patty,

yes, I have decided to seek the opinion of another doctor.

I asked the surgeon on monday what type of exercise I should do and he told me to go to any local gym and just tell them that I had a bad back. I really don't feel happy to do that and so I will get another consult and then begin some recommended physio. I am willing to put in the hard work if it will eventually improve my condition.

The yoga and the pilates sounds like an excellent idea. Sounds like it would help me relax also!

Thanks again for your help
sue

I have a prolapsed disc about a month back. I truly understand you. Your miserable doctor have not experienced it and dont know what he is talking about. U must not see him again.



I have responded well with myofacial release and mckenzie exercises. I was reading about o'conner techniques just now. I am hoping to hear from someone who has tried this and tell me more.

Hi there! Hope you are doing better! There is a gentleman on this forum, his name is drvenugopal he seems to know all about naturopathic and herbs he might recommend something to help, I know he iss listed in the back pain forum, you might pm him, sur hope this helps! I am doing some swim therapy, this seems to help me.
Sincerely,
sandy