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Slipped disc - what next?

  • 29-11-2017 11:21pm
    #1
    Penny Tration
    Closed Accounts Posts: 12,687 ✭✭✭✭


    I'll try keep this short, and will include a TL;DR summary!

    Edit: this ended up being a bloody novel, sorry!

    Over two years ago, I bent the wrong way, and poof, out popped a disc in my lumbar region.

    My GP refused to send me for an MRI publicly, saying this was only available privately as I do not have a medical card (nor health insurance, as I'm a low earner!).

    Eventually, I had the scan done. One disc slipped in the lumbar region and some damage to one up the top, and one recessed slightly. Sorry, I don't know the technical terms.


    I was referred to an ortho. He responded to my GP, saying he was not going to see me because he was happy I could walk and move.


    I was told to get weekly physio privately. Again, something I cannot afford. I was told I cannot get any physio under the public health system - hard to believe, as both my mum and sister have had it recently!


    So, for the last two years, the only treatment I've been given is copious amounts of Arcoxia, Tramadol, Difene and Tylex.


    Currently, I struggle to walk, I can barely do my job and I'm in extreme pain - to the point I struggle to sleep, waking up in pain frequently.


    I was referred to another hospital, to their pain management clinic and spinal surgeon. Neither have acknowledged receipt of the referrals several months on.


    So, guys, what's next? I will not be given a discectomy anytime soon, as my BMI is not good enough - I've lost around 4 stone since the injury but need to lose more.


    Can I request my GP refer me somewhere for a nerve root block? If so, what type of doctor would perform this?


    I'm feeling like I'm being given the run around to make me pay privately for treatment, given that I'm repeatedly told I'm entitled to no treatment at all, because I don't have a medical card. Surely I'm entitled to treatment under the public health system regardless?

    If you got this far, thank you.


    TL;DR: Being repeatedly refused treatment for slipped disc causing pain severe enough that I struggle to walk, sleep or do my job, due to not having a medical card.

    I'd like to know if a nerve root block is something I can request a referral from my GP for, and what steps I should be taking to receive treatment for the pain, as I'm honestly quite worried about how often I'm being prescribed the likes of Tramadol.


    Thanks guys.


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