Hi. About 18 months ago I had a spinal Neuro stimulater put in my back. (for those who don't know, it is basically a TENS machine but in your body. They then put a strip of electrodes in you spine).
When I had my trial, the Dr found the optimal place for it. This was X-rayed and logged as the place to put the purminent one. But the consultant let his reg do it and she put it nearly 3 inches away from where it should have been. This has lead to 18 months of problems and countless trips to try and find out what was wrong. It was only when I asked (and had to pay) for a copy of notes plus xrays that I realizedw hat had been done.
There are two things here for us all to learn. When the consultant comes and see's you the night before an operation, ask if it's him who will be doing it. If it's not demand to talk to the person who will be doing it. Secondly, check their work. It might cost money to get a copy of records but it's worth it.
I am now having to go for another operation to fix the problem. So that's another 2 weeks in hospital because of their ineptitude.
I was reading their news letter earlier thise evening and it turns out the reg got employee of the month last month. That stung! If I didn't need them so much I would name and shame. One thing I will say is the centre isn't as good as I thought it was! Stay safe and be smarter thany ou think you need to be!
J.
Written by
badbackjonny
To view profiles and participate in discussions please or .
Hi bad back Jonny, I have had vey bad osteoarthritis in my right elbow, I've had to consultant surgeons carry out 5 ops and multiple same time procedures that haven't worked, My life is a mess now, opiod meds, antidepressents and all that jazz, I'm on the bed most days . Consultants promise and don't deliver as well.
Sorry to hear about that. I'm surprised they did not mark the area the night before. We do in UK.
Can I ask you what the procedure is called please? And in which country you have it done? I'm wondering if it's available in UK.
You can complain latter on. I was a a registered health professional so, if in UK, can help add a sting to the complaint for them this time!
Just pm me, however many months have passed.
Insist it's the Consultant who does it this time. Ask to see him before anesthetic start to confirm this. It's their mistake, it's their duty to bend backwards for you now.
I am in the UK. The procedure was putting in a spinal neuro stimulator. They do one every 4 days at this hospital. Which is why I wanted them to do it. they do more then any other in the UK. Because of this I thought that they would be good. How wrong I was!
They also don't mark your back with a pen like most hospitals, they have a way of injecting a green food colouring in to the muscle where the electrodes should be put. And then the surgeon should check the placement with the X-rays from the trial. But the trial was in the C spine and the permanent one was put in my thoracic spine. so not even close!
My worry is that if I do complain then who will look after me from there on, as the implant will need constant looking after.
It might have been a junior Registra with not enough experience yet.
Offer stands should you decide to complain. I'll give you the necessary points. You can take a lawyer. Go to court if you want. Two surgery, especially on your back is no fun. You may be entitled to compensation. At least a basic complain. Each one we put helps the next patient / client. 💗
Oh, no. They have a duty of care to look after you. It will simply be another doctor or team who looks after you. That's your rights. I won't let a complain make me move from a place. In fact management will ensure you get the best of care as a result! Don't worry. Was a nurse and Midwife. I understand that bit of the process well.
Hi, thanks for the offer, I've gone through the complaints system more times than I like to mention. I am well versed in their nonsense and attempts to fob me off. I have medical professionals in my family who are willing to back me up and stand as expert's. I do appreciate the offer though. I will be complaining but only when my implant is sorted and working correctly.
Oh I'm so sorry to read this - its a huge op as I well know now, tho it doesnt sound it when they say it quick
I hope you get sorted really quickly now - thats such a long time to be struggling when you should have been healed and flying onwards and upwards by now.
I read your notes about spinal implant which made me think about the procedure.i am having an assessment next month to have a spinal implant fitted due to continuous pain in my right leg ,ankle I’ve had several operations on my ankle virtually every joint is fused over a year ago due to severe pain the team I’m under decided to take down the fused ankle and do a full ankle replaced op,went well and in hospital for the following ten days pain kept under control ,but over a year later still having sever pain ,I’m now referried to a hospital in London to have the assessment and if all ok they may do the implant .the reason I’m writing to you is I would be greatful for any advice about this procedure.
Content on HealthUnlocked does not replace the relationship between you and doctors or other healthcare professionals nor the advice you receive from them.
Never delay seeking advice or dialling emergency services because of something that you have read on HealthUnlocked.
So-called 'Palliative Care' is not all it's cracked up to be.
True feelings of a flare up
Fed up.
Waiting time for post op check up
