Back surgery?

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Discussion

Xtriple129

Original Poster:

1,153 posts

158 months

Sunday 9th December 2012
quotequote all
Just had a look at myself naked in the mirror - something I normally avoid like the plagues as it is not a pretty sight! My hips are two inches to the left of my trunk and from the back ( so my wife tells me) my spine curves like an "S" from shoulder level, both forwards and to the side. Bearing in mind that three years ago I was 6' and now I'm 5'8" (9 on a good day)...

I can walk about thirty feet with the aid of a stick but only in short bursts. I was diagnosed with ankolysing spondylitus (sp?) about 15 years ago and I seem to have been deserted by the medical profession. Whenever I complain of the pain (which is considerable) they just up my meds. Was on Oramorph, then Morphine sulfate, now Fentinal patches.

Help!

otherman

2,192 posts

166 months

Sunday 9th December 2012
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Well, a lot of folks say don't get involved with back surgery except as a last resort because of the risks and consequences. From the sound of it though you might be there.
What part of the medical profession have you spoken to, just a GP or a consultant? GPs are jacks of all trades and masters of none - never take their word on anything significant. Any good GP knows that their knowledge is limited and will refer. You can insist on your GP referring you to a consultant - do not accept being fobbed off.

madmover

1,725 posts

185 months

Sunday 9th December 2012
quotequote all
You need to see a good specialist consultant... where abouts in the south west are you located?

Xtriple129

Original Poster:

1,153 posts

158 months

Sunday 9th December 2012
quotequote all
Torbay. Any suggestions?

madmover

1,725 posts

185 months

Sunday 9th December 2012
quotequote all
I've sent you a PM. I can't comment on surgery specifically but have had consultations with a couple of specialist surgeons one specifically specialises in spinal issues similar to you've described.

Andy smile

Xtriple129

Original Poster:

1,153 posts

158 months

Sunday 9th December 2012
quotequote all
Thanks for your e-mail. Sorry to hear of your troubles hope it works out for you. I shall read it again in the morning and digest properly.

z4chris99

11,349 posts

180 months

Sunday 9th December 2012
quotequote all
my ex has scoliosis, her spine was an S shape with curvature in both planes

she went to a residential Clinic to try and help, http://www.scoliosissos.com

the non surgery option involves a few hours a day of stretching and yoga essentially. big effort

but the other option is a rod up your spine

madmover

1,725 posts

185 months

Monday 10th December 2012
quotequote all
No problem hopefully it's of use/help. As I said in there... I've not had surgery but have had consultations with a few specialists and the one I've referred to in there appears to specialise in similar issues to what you describe. Sounds a horrible situation and one I can only hope you sort promptly.

Andy smile