What to do?

Microdiscectomy booked for next Tuesday - I am suitably terrified! Decision was based on the fact that MRI evidence for disc protusion is very clear and microdiscectomy helps in 84% of cases.

Hopefully it will knock one problem on the head - but I am not looking forward to the post-op recovery period here on my own; and am quite worried that I will have to go off my anti-coagulant for a few days prior to the procedure - it has always been dinned into me how important it is that I should take this.

The surgeon is a spinal surgeon from a centre of excellence so that is reassuring. I am dreading the general anaesthetic as I get dreadful giddiness afterwards which could mess up my mobilizing.

Worry ... worry .....

I’m surprised that your GP hasn’t sent you for either XRays or an MRI, you will need them to see what treatment you will need.
I had a Neuro Surgeon for my back op, my GP said you don’t want someone who uses a saw to touch anything on your spine!

I agree with GrannyLaine that choosing a very good surgeon is the key.
Why don’t you ask around, friends, neighbours, people in any leisure activities you participate in. Hip and knee replacements are such common procedures these days, especially with our age group of course, so you may find as I did when I researched surgeons for my hip, that one name in particular repeatedly came up as being an excellent, well respected surgeon around here.
We are entitled to choose our own surgeon these days so I had the one who came highly recommended!

Of course the vast majority of orthopaedic surgeons are perfectly fine, but as your case is rather complex you really need to track down the best one available in your area.

Then possibly also ask around and do some research on a different one who specialises in back surgery.

Thank you for all of your ideas - food for thought for me.

You could ask to be referred to the pain clinic before surgery is considered. There is a thing called Regional Pan Syndrome which needs pain specialists to diagnose and treat. I hope you get some relief soon.

Some good advice here Luckygirl3
Living with chronic pain is so debilitating and I know that recent years have been so hard for you. As your hip replacement was such a negative experience for you, it will be hard to contemplate a revision but I do think that needs to be your starting point. You will know that I have had THR in recent weeks: my surgeon uses a robotic assistant to achieve millimetre perfect implant placement. Choosing the right surgeon is, I think, the key but difficult to achieve without good recommendation.
Very happy for you to PM me if you wish.

I have no experience or advice, lucky but pain management referral might be a good first stop while you work out the way forward.

I am so sorry that you are in constant pain, has your GP referred you to a pain management clinic? If not, that would be my first option and your GP needs to know that you are really struggling to cope. I know waiting lists are very long but this is perhaps the time to make it clear to your doctor that life is unbearable and could he/she write to your consultant to let them know that you are not coping. I think you need a consultant's input to decide which op might offer you the best option but fwiw I'd rather reduce pain so that every day life is better than have money for a holiday or two so I'd pay for an op if I had to. Good luck, I hope you have a good GP who will push for you to get further treatment asap.

You’re welcome, and listen to Charlie!
My surgeon only does hips; and he works in the NHS and privately too, so that’s reassuring.
I’m very intrigued about what you said about that Charlie!

I am sorry that you are in a similar boat. Being in constant pain is so very wearing I know. I hope very much that you get your hip replacement soon.

Thanks for your good wishes

Firstly you need a change of surgeon for your hip. That hip has never been right from day 1 so there has to be something wrong mechanically.

I personally would start off trying the NHS or another option is to find another surgeon, be seen privately and if he suggests surgery you then opt for the NHS.

When choosing a surgeon, only choose one who does hips and knees and zilch else. For your back, choose one who only operates on backs.

Do not choose one who only operates in a private hospital- you want somebody who does NHS work as well. I am unwilling to write here the reasons why.

Your hip pain may have started off the spinal pain because I would think you are not walking normally. I am happy for you to PM me.

Hello Luckygirl
I’m sorry to hear that you are suffering with your leg so much.
Your problems sound uncannily like mine.
I am currently waiting to hear when I can have my hip replaced.
It looks as if it will be in June.
I too recently had an injection in my spine for nerve pain; and it did nothing for me either.
I don’t have any advice as such, (sorry)I just wanted to offer a sympathetic ear and a virtual hug.