Spondylolisthesis

[hifi_dave]

Following on from my Gluteas Maximus thread, I have been seen privately by a Consultant and Physiotherapist. I couldn't get any sense from 3 x GPS who didn't know what pain meds to prescribe because of my Kidney condition, that plus the screaming agony I was in, I went privately to a back/pain management Consultant.

Previous to that, my GP had booked me in for an X-Ray and she + the NHS Physio, decided it was some wear and tear and nothing much to worry about. They didn't think I needed further investigation and it would pass in 6 weeks.

The private Consultant decided it was not just that and booked me in for an MRI scan, where it was found that I have Spondylolisthesis - a slippage of the vertebrae at L4/5, squashing the disc and the Sciatic nerve. This is what is giving me such pain. He prescribed Gapapentin to ease the nerve pain and the Physio has given me exercises to do.

It is now 13 weeks since the agony started and it seems to be easing quite a bit. With the Gabapentin, I can get a good night's sleep and during the day it is reduced to a dull ache. The Consultant says that it will take at least 3 months and he is right. I am looking forward to getting back to normal.

Thing is, once again I have been let down by the NHS. The 3 x GP's and Physiotherapist I saw couldn't/wouldn't help with pain relief, didn't think further investigation was necessary and therefore mis-diagnosed the condition. Thank the Lord for private Consultants..

[struth]

ive heard of Spondylolisthesis. its a lower wing vertebrae slipping over another. painful but should be curable dave.

ive got spondolosis among other things, and is top of spine and neck. uncurable

[walpurgis]

Blimey, you do go through it Dave. Hope your latest problem eases soon.

[hifi_dave]

ive heard of Spondylolisthesis. its a lower wing vertebrae slipping over another. painful but should be curable dave.

ive got spondolosis among other things, and is top of spine and neck. uncurable

Sorry to hear that Grant. I will have to Google that one.

[hifi_dave]

Blimey, you do go through it Dave. Hope your latest problem eases soon.

Yes, I've had a few things lately - Kidneys on the way out, ruptured Achilles leading to double Pulmonary Embolism (thank you NHS), Diverticulitis and now this. Oh well, that's life.

[struth]

Joint between neck and spine. Nerves get interfered with. All I know is its gives huge headaches and sudden pains in brain, although they usually only happen if I bend my neck down and to side

[AJSki2fly]

Sorry to hear you have that. Back pain/injury is terrible and difficult to accurately identify the issue without a MRI scan.

I ruptured my disc at vertebrae at L4/5 in my early 30's and like you the NHS GP mis-diagnosed and I was sent to a physiotherapist who put me on traction and exercises. The exercises she gave me nearly put me in a wheel chair, it all got worse as I ended up with an inflamed Sciatic nerve because of the exercises were causing it rub against the ruptured disc. After 6 months I did the same as you and went private which then got me on the right drugs and an epidural with slow release anti-inflamatories, cortisone and pain relief and rest for 1 month. It made things 60% better and I managed it for several years with drugs until it settled down on its own.

I hope you get better soon and are free from pain.

[Pigmy Pony]

Sounds rather like what my mate's dad had back in the seventies, and I think the treatment then was to "fuse" the affected vertebrae. Don't imagine that being any good with Grant's condition though.

Anyway, it looks like your private folk are sorting it, so that's good news

[Wakefield Turntables]

You really need to see an Osteopath, I work alongside 7, as a profession they may not cure you but could keep things at bay, might be worth paying a consultation fee to see if they can help as a profession. Just a suggestion.... !

[hifi_dave]

Thanks for the replies lads.

Grant, I really feel sorry for you, it must be horrible. I suppose you have been seen by a specialist ? Is there anything to be done ?

I have been seeing an Osteopath all along but she was unable to help despite putting all her effort into it. I haven't seen her since I had the proper diagnosis so will give her another go because that might change the things she does.