Scoliosis story in thejournal.ie

ChikiChiki

I'm deeply upset. I've just read an article on journal.ie about children with scoliosis. This is a condition where they are born with a curvature in the spine. Now because of our inadequate health system children are going untreated as there are no resources available to carry out vital medical procedures.

Link to article http://jrnl.ie/3069483

From the images them kids must be going through horrific pain. Their organs are being crushed. They need these operations as quick as possible as they develop. The metal rod supporting one of the children's spines actually snapped months back and hasn't been replaced.

All this in a wealthy first world country. Simon Harris and Enda Kenny, get your priorities right. I'm not going to mention the back slapping and rewards over the recovery. This isn't good enough. The people of Ireland should be demanding better.

As a tax paying citizen in good health, I feel heartbroken for them children and all those that are being let down by our health system. Anyone of us could suddenly fall into ill health and need to avail of a properly functioning system, not the train wreck we have today.

I'll be writing a strongly worded email to my local TD with Simon Harris and Enda Kenny copied in.

Fleawuss

After the Trump thing I came across something on Twitter or Reddit from a former Congressional aide. Basically they get too many emails and letters. They have to answer the phone. So ring them. And invite their aides to meetings with groups campaigning on an issue. It might be or relevance in Ireland so maybe someone who worked for TD will tell us.

The Raptor

While they give themselves a 5000 euro pay increase.

It would sicken you.

gctest50

The Raptor wrote: »

While they give themselves a 5000 euro pay increase.

It would sicken you.

5000 this 5000 that must be the new Eircode Eircode Irish Water Irish Water


How about what the HSE payout in compensation - bit more directly related :


That €197 million would go a long way towards a few spinal operations

The Minister for Health outlined that more than €197 million has been paid out in the past three years for claims against the HSE.

• €64 million in 2011.
• €47 million in 2012.
• €85 million in 2013.

http://bit.ly/2fKULBF

Water John

I know of two people who have this corrected in the past 5 years. Did not hear of over delays.
The trouble with our medical system is usually getting in the door and meeting the right person. The actual care is then of a very high level.

failinis

Just so people know reading this - not as common to have from birth. Most commonly triggered at start of puberty around 7-8 and starts off slow.
Keep an eye on your kids shoulders/hips if they look uneven. If you want ask them to touch their tippy toes - if they slope to one side then ask dr to have a look.

I was "spotted" when I was 10. Was told it was my fault for not sitting straight and then slapped by my mother every time I slouched.
Turns out it was down to a genetic thing for me. But I missed all possible treatments like a brace.

This article is about extreme cases and thats horrific about the rod snapping. I may write to a td. Those waits are ridiculous.
But just people keep an eye on your kids spines.

rpmcs

Yes my daughter who is 13 has 58degree curve.
Noticed her on holidays not standing straight about 2yrs ago.
Went to local hospital and was referred to Crumlin....
18mths later got to see consultant..

While waiting on that appointment went privately to get brace fitted.

When we met consultant he said no option but surgery.
Unfortunately brace hadn't improved her curve.
It may have slowed curve but that's an unknown science.

Anyhoo over a year after meeting consultant and being put on waiting list it's still ....what I can ascertain from nurses...going to be spring at least before we get surgery.

In the beginning my daughter had little pain/ discomfort.
But over the last 6- 8 months she finds it hard to sit in class and some classes has to stand to relieve pain.

So I don't know if I have to pay privately now or what to get normality for wee daughter..

Our health system is a joke
And our government

discobeaker

Afew years ago I Got diagnosed with multiple sclerosis. I was in the mater hospital eye clinic as I had a thing called optic neuritis which is a big indication to it being MS. After I got diagnosed I was told I would have a 3 year wait to see a neurologist.

If it wasn't for the doctor in the eye clinic that was seeing me at the time who was outraged at the waiting time she managed to argue my case to get me seen to quicker and managed to get my appointment changed from 3 years to 4 months. If it wasnt for her I would still be waiting to see someone.

The system is in bits. Go to Cavan or drogheda hospital and they can't cope with the amount of patients.

Water John

That's sadly it. You'll have to push. Try you GP, TD whatever will get you up the list.

lilydonoghue

Nothing will get you up the list. It's a disgrace. I know people who took their children to adult hospitals for scoliosis surgery and didn't have to wait as long. Crumlin are letting these kids down badly

Widdershins

How do they get away with mismanaging the country's finances like this and letting these situations arise and deteriorate? Is there no audit of the books, so to speak?