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.

Spook_ie

goz83 wrote: »

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.

When I had my 2 microdiskectomies, Paraic O'Neill was well known for keeping his patients in for 3 or 4 days while the other neurosurgeons were doing 1 or 2 nights, so if I were a betting person & working on the basis of a primary uncomplicated microdiskectomy I think you're looking at a max of 2 nights.

Re your gift - well it sounds to me like you have a good relationship with your BIL & I agree the amount is somewhat irrelevant however in order that no misunderstandings happen now or in the future, you need to be open with him that your dad has agreed to fund the op.

goz83

Spook_ie wrote: »

When I had my 2 microdiskectomies, Paraic O'Neill was well known for keeping his patients in for 3 or 4 days while the other neurosurgeons were doing 1 or 2 nights, so if I were a betting person & working on the basis of a primary uncomplicated microdiskectomy I think you're looking at a max of 2 nights.

Re your gift - well it sounds to me like you have a good relationship with your BIL & I agree the amount is somewhat irrelevant however in order that no misunderstandings happen now or in the future, you need to be open with him that your dad has agreed to fund the op.

Everyone knows this. It's been no secret....it's even on boards

I think for the time being, I will just leave it, unopened in the envelope. If there is a genuine need, I will accept it. Otherwise, i will find a way to give it back without insulting him.

And yeah, I get on well with my inlaws. My other BIL works for/with me.

IlmoNT4

I had microdiskectomy with Poynton in the Mater Private. My surgery failed. Its been 1 year since that surgery, I've had other surgery and am still in the same pain as I was before any of the surgeries.

My experience is that surgery brings its own problems and its a hard road to recover from it....The other thing is that most of the populate is walking around with herniated discs which are dehydrated, this pops up on the MRI scanner and they think fixing the disc will fix the problem. What I've discovered after my surgery is that they go in and they're not really sure if it will work or not. Really listen to them when they tell you surgery may not work.... I was so optimistic that I would be back to normal after the surgery, I was wrong.

If I had my time again, I'd think very long and hard about letting any of them never me. I'm presuming they have done the cortisone injections into the disc or epidural space in your spine?

I think my surgery was about 10K and I stayed in the Mater Private (the worst hospital, do not go there) for 2 very long and painful night.
They left me in agony and would only offer me paracetamol for my pain, eventually they gave me a sleeping tablet to shut me up. I'm not a wimp to pain, I'm an endurance athlete so for me to be crying and biting a pillow meant it was bad.
Recovery from this surgery was very painful, I was off my feet for 5 weeks and I needed someone to take care of me. They offer you piss poor rehab after surgery so you'll need to line up your own rehab physio for the next 6 months post surgery to ensure you are recovered properly.

As for the surgeons, never forget that these guys are running a business and they arent there to heal the world and they certain dont give too sh*ts about you either. Keep that in mind when dealing with them. You are a pay check, nothing more.

The Mater discharged me without adequate pain management (they sent me home with paracetamol, I could hardly walk) so make sure your GP is around or get a prescription for proper pain medication, sleeping tablets etc...
They'll prescribe you some anti inflammatories, probably difene... tell them you need lopaz with it, your stomach will thank you and given what they have just done to your spine, you are not going to be in any condition to deal with the sever constipation the anti inflammatories are going to do to you.


Anyways good luck! I hope it works out for you.

maggiepip

IlmoNT4 wrote: »

I had microdiskectomy with Poynton in the Mater Private. My surgery failed. Its been 1 year since that surgery, I've had other surgery and am still in the same pain as I was before any of the surgeries.

My experience is that surgery brings its own problems and its a hard road to recover from it....The other thing is that most of the populate is walking around with herniated discs which are dehydrated, this pops up on the MRI scanner and they think fixing the disc will fix the problem. What I've discovered after my surgery is that they go in and they're not really sure if it will work or not. Really listen to them when they tell you surgery may not work.... I was so optimistic that I would be back to normal after the surgery, I was wrong.

If I had my time again, I'd think very long and hard about letting any of them never me. I'm presuming they have done the cortisone injections into the disc or epidural space in your spine?

I think my surgery was about 10K and I stayed in the Mater Private (the worst hospital, do not go there) for 2 very long and painful night.
They left me in agony and would only offer me paracetamol for my pain, eventually they gave me a sleeping tablet to shut me up. I'm not a wimp to pain, I'm an endurance athlete so for me to be crying and biting a pillow meant it was bad.
Recovery from this surgery was very painful, I was off my feet for 5 weeks and I needed someone to take care of me. They offer you piss poor rehab after surgery so you'll need to line up your own rehab physio for the next 6 months post surgery to ensure you are recovered properly.

As for the surgeons, never forget that these guys are running a business and they arent there to heal the world and they certain dont give too sh*ts about you either. Keep that in mind when dealing with them. You are a pay check, nothing more.

The Mater discharged me without adequate pain management (they sent me home with paracetamol, I could hardly walk) so make sure your GP is around or get a prescription for proper pain medication, sleeping tablets etc...
They'll prescribe you some anti inflammatories, probably difene... tell them you need lopaz with it, your stomach will thank you and given what they have just done to your spine, you are not going to be in any condition to deal with the sever constipation the anti inflammatories are going to do to you.


Anyways good luck! I hope it works out for you.

That's dreadful. Do you mind me asking what reason you were given for the failure?
I totally relate to the aftercare, or lack of. I'm lucky, my discectomy was a success, but it took me a full year to be totally pain free and I received no support at all from my consultant.

FluffyAngel

IlmoNT4 wrote: »

I had microdiskectomy with Poynton in the Mater Private. My surgery failed. Its been 1 year since that surgery, I've had other surgery and am still in the same pain as I was before any of the surgeries.

My experience is that surgery brings its own problems and its a hard road to recover from it....The other thing is that most of the populate is walking around with herniated discs which are dehydrated, this pops up on the MRI scanner and they think fixing the disc will fix the problem. What I've discovered after my surgery is that they go in and they're not really sure if it will work or not. Really listen to them when they tell you surgery may not work.... I was so optimistic that I would be back to normal after the surgery, I was wrong.

If I had my time again, I'd think very long and hard about letting any of them never me. I'm presuming they have done the cortisone injections into the disc or epidural space in your spine?

I think my surgery was about 10K and I stayed in the Mater Private (the worst hospital, do not go there) for 2 very long and painful night.
They left me in agony and would only offer me paracetamol for my pain, eventually they gave me a sleeping tablet to shut me up. I'm not a wimp to pain, I'm an endurance athlete so for me to be crying and biting a pillow meant it was bad.
Recovery from this surgery was very painful, I was off my feet for 5 weeks and I needed someone to take care of me. They offer you piss poor rehab after surgery so you'll need to line up your own rehab physio for the next 6 months post surgery to ensure you are recovered properly.

As for the surgeons, never forget that these guys are running a business and they arent there to heal the world and they certain dont give too sh*ts about you either. Keep that in mind when dealing with them. You are a pay check, nothing more.

The Mater discharged me without adequate pain management (they sent me home with paracetamol, I could hardly walk) so make sure your GP is around or get a prescription for proper pain medication, sleeping tablets etc...
They'll prescribe you some anti inflammatories, probably difene... tell them you need lopaz with it, your stomach will thank you and given what they have just done to your spine, you are not going to be in any condition to deal with the sever constipation the anti inflammatories are going to do to you.


Anyways good luck! I hope it works out for you.

If there was ever a piece of advice written that should be heeded is the above post ...we hold doctors in "Duff the Cap" mode

i met an amazing doctor on a pain mangment course years ago and after three weeks of waiting for him (it was a 6 week course)

he arrived with no shoes on ,cup of tea in hand ,open neck shirt
sat down and said ,i have no interest in making you well while i have golf fees to pay..and if you think your faith should be placed in medical companys to produce the drugs to stop the pain then why would they put themselves out of bussiness by giving you them drugs

they dont care about your pain ,only there profits

Spook_ie

IlmoNT4 wrote: »

I had microdiskectomy with Poynton in the Mater Private. My surgery failed. Its been 1 year since that surgery, I've had other surgery and am still in the same pain as I was before any of the surgeries.

My experience is that surgery brings its own problems and its a hard road to recover from it....The other thing is that most of the populate is walking around with herniated discs which are dehydrated, this pops up on the MRI scanner and they think fixing the disc will fix the problem. What I've discovered after my surgery is that they go in and they're not really sure if it will work or not. Really listen to them when they tell you surgery may not work.... I was so optimistic that I would be back to normal after the surgery, I was wrong.

If I had my time again, I'd think very long and hard about letting any of them never me. I'm presuming they have done the cortisone injections into the disc or epidural space in your spine?

I think my surgery was about 10K and I stayed in the Mater Private (the worst hospital, do not go there) for 2 very long and painful night.
They left me in agony and would only offer me paracetamol for my pain, eventually they gave me a sleeping tablet to shut me up. I'm not a wimp to pain, I'm an endurance athlete so for me to be crying and biting a pillow meant it was bad.
Recovery from this surgery was very painful, I was off my feet for 5 weeks and I needed someone to take care of me. They offer you piss poor rehab after surgery so you'll need to line up your own rehab physio for the next 6 months post surgery to ensure you are recovered properly.

As for the surgeons, never forget that these guys are running a business and they arent there to heal the world and they certain dont give too sh*ts about you either. Keep that in mind when dealing with them. You are a pay check, nothing more.

The Mater discharged me without adequate pain management (they sent me home with paracetamol, I could hardly walk) so make sure your GP is around or get a prescription for proper pain medication, sleeping tablets etc...
They'll prescribe you some anti inflammatories, probably difene... tell them you need lopaz with it, your stomach will thank you and given what they have just done to your spine, you are not going to be in any condition to deal with the sever constipation the anti inflammatories are going to do to you.


Anyways good luck! I hope it works out for you.

OMG...the old expression "Doctor's difer & patient's die" springs to mind. My experience with Mr O'Neill in the Mater Private was completely different, he kept me in for 4 nights as I was in alot of pain and wouldnt let me out until I had adequate pain control. I have to say I only found the first 2 weeks tough and by my 4 week checkup I felt 90% better and only had a little bit of pain. Unfortunately I had a terrible experience with a knee guy in the Hermitage who messed up my knee, he was only interested in trying to get me out the door so he could go and play a squash match. I have to say that experience has made me wiser in choosing a surgeon

IlmoNT4

My surgery failed because after 5 months post op I wasnt getting any better, I was getting worse and worse by the day (I mean serious, god awful pain 24/7). Poynton had me back in the MRI scanner a bunch of times and the disc looked good. On my third trip into the MRI scanner (this is the other thing that cracks me up, they wouldnt put you in and just scan the entire spine, hell no, they wanted the 500 euro insurance and your 70 euro contribution from you, if they had you in there once, well thats only 570 euro compared to the five times I was in that thing..) they finally scanned my hips and discovered a problem there. Poynton wiped his hands as he's not a hip guy and I started the whole process with another surgeon who diagnosed a hip condition and told me pretty much to take up pilates. (remember I'm really into sports and before I went near any hospitals had been paying for

-private physio
-private physio rehab pilates every week, twice a week for 8 months which only made things worse.

Then I went to the SSC out in Santry (top notch hospital, I couldnt speak more highly of how they treat you), they went in to fix the hip. That was a much better experience and the after care I received at the SSC was excellent. However 6 months later, and a truck load of money, I'm still in exactly the same pain as I was before. I was in the SSC during the week and they told me theres nothing more they can do for me, they dont know why I'm still in pain.
Its back to the GP this week and hopefully he'll have some ideas on where to take this next because no one can continue living the way I've lived and am currently living. I have a suspicion I'm heading for long term pain management solution with something I'm going to live with rather than get better.

I guess to the OP who was looking for a price to have this surgery, if you dont have insurance be prepared for all the unexpected spends you'll need to make.

-Your going to need a physio for at least 6 months, once a week - 70 euro
-Pain meds - I was spending about 50 euro a week for the past 2 years
-If the surgery fails and they need to go in again, they wouldnt do that for free, you'll need to pony up (I know someone who took out a bank loan for surgery, it failed and she ended up with a 20K band debt for her troubles)
-You'll be in and out of the GP's like a yo-yo - factor in 1 visit a month
- 250 euro every time you see the surgeon, if something goes wrong and you need to see him more than once.
-You might end up back in the MRI scanner... 70 euro a pop if you have insurance, 570 euro if you dont.
-More Xrays - 70 euro a pop
-Any pain management injections - 150 euro a pop with insurance, not sure how much they are without.

Before you decide on surgery, make sure they scan everything, tell them you want an MRI of your entire spine and hips. I walked into Poynton and because I had the exact same symptoms as someone with a disc problem he ordered a scan and remember most of the population is walking around with herniated disc, they found a herniated disc and we all though, fantastic, they'll go in, I'll be fixed and back to normal life. They are operating on best guesses... I really didnt understand how little they understand about whats happening.

Anyways its a lot of money and I'm "lucky" that I have insurance but its a very big financial drain especially if you dont have it.

goz83

IlmoNT4 wrote: »

Anyways its a lot of money and I'm "lucky" that I have insurance but its a very big financial drain especially if you dont have it.

Thanks for posting your experience. I'm a bit more optimistic about having surgery now. I believe I will recover quickly and become healthier than I was before the accident, because I know appreciate what I lost. I had almost reached my weight goal, coming from 102KG to 91KG, I was 3KG from my weight goal and then planned to work on my lean muscle. I have gone back over the 100KG mark and think I am about 104KG, so I want to be able to go back to the gym eventually and get myself back on track.

I am also a big believer in law of attraction. Call it intuition, or precognition, or whatever, but the day before the accident I was in, I was planning to drive my car one last time before putting it into storage and drive a boring mondeo. So, on the last leg of the journey that day WHAAM. I was still for a few moments before my car received a right whollop and had no idea that I was so badly damaged myself. Well, the car was written off, but I insisted on getting it repaired, even though I couldn't drive it from my injuries. People said it couldn't be fixed and would cost thousands to to it. It was fixed for a good price and the car looks like new.....as an ornament in my front garden.

I have to believe that the surgery will improve things. Pain meds never worked. I don't have health insurance and physio is €55 per session. Sure, I would rather not be in this situation at all, but I am and I try to be positive. The cold beer I am drinking and the immersion heating my bath water is just more self soothing

goz83

Looks like I will be waiting longer than I wanted. I have a consultation with Mr Kelleher toward the end of October, but only a couple of days before my wifes due date. Because of the length of time since my last MRI scan, I now need to have all three done again (C, T & L). The secretary is sending the referral to the clinic for me. I am going to email and ask for any sooner dates under the circumstances. It's just too close to the due date for me. But I wouldn't want to push it back either.

Spook_ie

goz83 wrote: »

Looks like I will be waiting longer than I wanted. I have a consultation with Mr Kelleher toward the end of October, but only a couple of days before my wifes due date. Because of the length of time since my last MRI scan, I now need to have all three done again (C, T & L). The secretary is sending the referral to the clinic for me. I am going to email and ask for any sooner dates under the circumstances. It's just too close to the due date for me. But I wouldn't want to push it back either.

Thats a bit longer than I thought it would be, you'll probably be waiting about 10 days for the MRI & I'm sure if you explain your circumstances Mr Kelleher could see your earlier

goz83

So I had an MRI scan on my Cervical, Thoracic and Lumbar spine today and have an appointment this week with Kelleher.

Over the past couple of days, I wasn't feeling much pain compared to normal, so I was having that false sense of "I don't need surgery", but not long after the MRI I had a bit of a scare. After driving home, I attempted to get out of the car and I had a really uncomfortable sensation inside the left inner butt cheek. It was like a burning, tingling numbness. My heart nearly stopped as I thought "i'm gonna s**t myself". Thankfully, I didn't and the feeling subsided. I rang my doc about it and he suggested I may have aggravated the nerves having three scans done in a row.

I looked at the MRI and if anything, it's worse, but I will leave that up to the experts. I've started to get tension headaches from the neck pain, or lack of sleep and I am just now praying to be pain free. Well, I will update when I meet with Kelleher.

caviardreams

Can I ask how long the gap from your last MRI was that you needed to have them redone? I had one done in July but my appointment with the consultant is not until January so am thinking I might need them redone

goz83

caviardreams wrote: »

Can I ask how long the gap from your last MRI was that you needed to have them redone? I had one done in July but my appointment with the consultant is not until January so am thinking I might need them redone

I had my Lumbar and Cervical spine done in June 2014 and then my Thoracic done in December. They wanted all 3 redone

caviardreams

Thanks - hope it works out for you! Can totally empathise with the tension headaches from the neck pain

goz83

Met with Kelleher. Have surgery scheduled for November. It would have been October, but it's too close to my wifes due date. The man is straight up, no bull. I like him. He pointed out that there is a proven lower success rate for the operation, where litigation is ongoing. I understand this, but in my case, I would have to say that my success will not be affected by litigation. After all, if I remained as I am, without having surgery, or waiting on the waiting list, I would end up with higher compensation. I just want to be well again. I wouldn't sell my health for any amount of money. I don't understand why anyone would prolong pain for monetary gain. It's pathetic, but I got the impression that Kelleher sees it all the time. I'm looking forward to getting well and will be ignoring the 25% chance of failure quoted. Fingers crossed all goes well. Thanks guys for the recommendation.

Spook_ie

goz83 wrote: »

Met with Kelleher. Have surgery scheduled for November. It would have been October, but it's too close to my wifes due date. The man is straight up, no bull. I like him. He pointed out that there is a proven lower success rate for the operation, where litigation is ongoing. I understand this, but in my case, I would have to say that my success will not be affected by litigation. After all, if I remained as I am, without having surgery, or waiting on the waiting list, I would end up with higher compensation. I just want to be well again. I wouldn't sell my health for any amount of money. I don't understand why anyone would prolong pain for monetary gain. It's pathetic, but I got the impression that Kelleher sees it all the time. I'm looking forward to getting well and will be ignoring the 25% chance of failure quoted. Fingers crossed all goes well. Thanks guys for the recommendation.

Thrilled for you. I also feel very safe in his hands. Had surgery up there recently on my knee and stayed two nights and everyone I met was great. How long do you have to stay in for ? and is it a microdiskectomy ?

goz83

Spook_ie wrote: »

Thrilled for you. I also feel very safe in his hands. Had surgery up there recently on my knee and stayed two nights and everyone I met was great. How long do you have to stay in for ? and is it a microdiskectomy ?

Microdiscectomy yes. I don't have full details yet, only the date is set. I'm not sure if I will be taken in the day before, or not. As it will be the end of November, it will mean a recovery period over the Christmas period.

I am wondering how soon after can I resume work? I'm a hypnotist and I also design websites, so nothing physical. I have planned a week off work after the surgery and I figure that I shoukd be ok to get back to work then, as long as I don't sit for more than a half hour at a time and I do whatever exercises are given to me and attend physio.

I am really hoping to get back to the gym after all this too. I haven't been able to go since the accident and have put on around 13-14 kilos. Will I ever be able to lift heavy weight again?

Spook_ie

goz83 wrote: »

Microdiscectomy yes. I don't have full details yet, only the date is set. I'm not sure if I will be taken in the day before, or not. As it will be the end of November, it will mean a recovery period over the Christmas period.

I am wondering how soon after can I resume work? I'm a hypnotist and I also design websites, so nothing physical. I have planned a week off work after the surgery and I figure that I shoukd be ok to get back to work then, as long as I don't sit for more than a half hour at a time and I do whatever exercises are given to me and attend physio.

I am really hoping to get back to the gym after all this too. I haven't been able to go since the accident and have put on around 13-14 kilos. Will I ever be able to lift heavy weight again?

If your surgery is scheduled for any time after late morning, generally you will be brought in the day of surgery but I'm sure his secretary will let you know soon. You may also be required to attend what they call a prehab class with one of the physios up in SSC. Paraic O'Neill's post surgery protocol was no lifting of anything heavier than a bag of sugar/no sitting for long periods for 4 weeks, but I was allowed to drive after 2 weeks. I have read stories that people have woken up in the recovery room pain free but I was not one of those people, in fact after the second microdiskectomy I was worse for the first week, Paraic O'Neill explained that this can often happen if the nerve has been compressed for a long time but by week 4 I was over 90% pain free.

As regards lifting weights, to the best of my knowledge yes you can, Michael Kelleher has said no to me because I have had 2 microdiskectomies & if my back 'goes' again he would be recommending a fusion, so I am sticking to swimming & walking but I too had put on alot of weight due to inactivity & comfort eating but within 6 months of surgery I lost over 10kgs,

goz83

What's the situation with bringing in 3 separate fees?

There is a 4k fee for the hospital.
There is a 1266 fee for surgeon.
There is a 500+ fee for the anaesthetist.

I am asked to bring in 3 separate payments. All fine I suppose, but you would think one fee to the hospital woukd suffice and the other payments are drawn from there.

Anyway, i was wondering if anyone has paid privately before, who do i make the fees payable to? I was thinking bank drafts would be best? I'm sure the scc would be one name and the surgeon woukd be another, but i don't know who i would be making the other payment out to. I'll ask the clinic closer to the time, but figured someone might just know anyway. Seems like an odd way to charge someone.

FluffyAngel

goz83 wrote: »

What's the situation with bringing in 3 separate fees?

There is a 4k fee for the hospital.
There is a 1266 fee for surgeon.
There is a 500+ fee for the anaesthetist.

I am asked to bring in 3 separate payments. All fine I suppose, but you would think one fee to the hospital woukd suffice and the other payments are drawn from there.

Anyway, i was wondering if anyone has paid privately before, who do i make the fees payable to? I was thinking bank drafts would be best? I'm sure the scc would be one name and the surgeon woukd be another, but i don't know who i would be making the other payment out to. I'll ask the clinic closer to the time, but figured someone might just know anyway. Seems like an odd way to charge someone.

not really odd ,another sign of good old ireland at play,nobody wants to get caught for tax!! give your surgeons medical sec a rign and she should put you right on payment ,alot of docs have a few (cough) companys etc best to double check