Poor NHS care for spinal problems in Lincolnshire

[Buzzy-Beans]

If you have back problems then don't live in Lincolnshire!!

I have had quite serious back problems for a very long time (52 years) and have learned to live my life around them, however over recent months my problems have become far worse with eye watering spinal seizures 4 or 5 times a day.

However living in Lincolnshire as I now do I might as well go and whistle up wind as there isn't a single NHS hospital in the entire county with any kind of specialising department.

So a patient like me is referred to a specialising private hospital, where in my case I have been referred as an urgent case I am likely to have to wait 2 to 3 months for even the primary appointment......... However the receptionist I spoke to suggested that as my referral was "urgent" I might want to pay privately for the initial appointment and if I do, I should be seen within a week!!!!

[10gingercats]

You can go to any NHS hospital in England if they can see you. But you will have to do the donkey work in finding a hospital. This seems to be a closely guarded 'secret'.I live in Oxford and people come to the John radcliffe from all over the country. Try some of the London hospitals as they may be more accessable to you. Ring their spinal depts and check their waiting lists.

[Griff-64]

My ex neighbour was referred to th J R in Oxford after 2 spinal ops here in Exeter went horribly wrong and left her in a worse state. The J R has got an excellent reputation for such things so its worth seeking out the best if you can.

[Tricia7048]

Its worth paying privately. I did. And gps sit up and notice what these consultants say. Treatment is like night and day!Dont come to central Scotland either. I am crying in severe back pain, nerve pain, and am told keep taking the (few) tablets prescribed by gp. They dont work but im told "there is nothing else!" It wouldnt be that if THEY had MY pain!! If i was a dog Idve put me to sleep months ago. What is the answer Buzzy Beans? What can we do?? For this is torture.

[Qualipop]

That's disgraceful but afraid going private for the first one does work and it shouldn't . I did it in desperation some 20 years ago. I was admitted there and then yet , after 3 weeks in hospital and one MRI, still nothing was done except to give me opiates. Am now on same track again for a new problem; ( I just live with the original one) referral was 11 months ago but after being "Lost in the system " twice I still don't get to see a surgeon until May. This is East Lanc's and I can't find out a thing about their expertise. I have spondylolisthesis; haven't left the house for 11 months and can barely get from one room to another. GP hasn't a clue except to say they've been told to get people off opiates but have no alternatives.