Antony's interview
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How did all start?
Failed spinal fusion with intra vertebral cage moving back into spinal canal. X rays showing this lost for 6 weeks by which time spinal nerves passing L4/5 junction scarred and tethering present
Do you already have a diagnosis? How long did it take you to get it?
Chronic L sided sciatic pain. In 2018 pain suddenly affected both legs. Disc pressing central at L3/4. Further fusion at that site with removal of redundant metal work at L4/5. Pain free for 6 weeks and then recurrent bilateral leg pain with additional painful muscle spasm both legs. Arachnoiditis diagnosed after 2 years
For what medical specialties have you been treated? What has been the most useful specialty for your?
Spinal neurosurgery. Pain Specialists. Neuromodulation
What has been the most useful thing for you so far?
Spinal cord stimulation implant
What have been your biggest difficulties?
Getting specialists to listen. I am a retired doctor with neurosurgery experience. Even then they lumped new distinct symptoms to the diagnosis of "chronic pain". I was lucky as knew what I was talking about
How has your social and family environment reacted? Have your social or family relationships changed?
Very rough few years in marriage
What things have you stopped doing?
All physical hobbies such as golf. Walking for pleasure. Sex.
What do you think about the future?
With early great benefit of spinal cord stimulation I am regaining physically and mentally. Relationships are improving
So far, which years have been the best years in your life? What have you done during them?
Myy years working as a GP. Had to retire early after failed spinal fusion in 2005
What would you like to do if you didn’t have your condition?
Progression of career and further exploration of wider medical service provision in UK
If you had to describe your life in a sentence, what would it be?
A mixed bag
Finally, what advice would you give to a person in a similar situation?
Don't be fobbed of. Stick to your story. Make good eye contact with your specialists. Don't let justifiable anger poison personal and professional relationships
