Thank you everyone for your concern regarding Bob's back problems. Having expected to wait till November 2025, before he would even see an orthopaedic surgeon, he was able to get a cancellation and we went off to the hospital yesterday morning for a consultation.
It proved to be a very helpful session. It seems that surgery is not a good idea in his case. Outcome - 50% chance of improvement, or 50% chance of the op actually making the situation worse.
The consultant explained everything very clearly. Better pain management is the next step, and Bob's been referred to that department. Some exercise has also been recommended - specifically Pilates and Swimming. [Bob has been quite nervous about exercise since the diagnosis in May, in case he did things which might exacerbate the condition]
So we are both feeling a lot more positive about things. Once again grateful for the NHS free at the point of need - and so pleased this appointment came through much quicker than we'd thought.
It is so much easier to cope with health issues when you have a fuller understanding of them isn't it?
Sounds much more positive, and at last you have a way forward. So pleased for both of you.
ReplyDeleteThank you Kirsten.
DeleteI'm glad the diagnosis has been made and that you can work out the details now. I guess there isn't room for a pool in the garden at Cornerstones? 🏊♂️😀
ReplyDeleteA pool is a lovely idea - but would require demolishing the workshop and garage and surrendering all my garden. And would cost ££££. We're investigating local 🏊🏊🏊 facilities
DeleteThat’s good positive news and I am a great supporter of Pilates as it certainly helps my back. The secret is to find a Pilates instructor who knows his/her stuff. My 6ft tall SIL does 30mins Pilates every morning as he can’t golf otherwise due to the wear and tear on his back from golfing almost every day. Hope the pain management can be sorted quickly and Bob gets his confidence back about what he can do safely. We have an automatic car which helps me greatly as I couldn’t drive when my back was at its worst. Catriona
ReplyDeleteThanks C.our daughter does Pilates and also cautioned us to find a good instructor. And yes, having automatic cars makes driving much easier.
DeleteCommiserations to Bob, my husband too has inoperable back problems. He finds swimming/aqua-fit classes really help plus gentle walks every day and a good analgesia regime. That is good he got an earlier appointment than first expected and that the doctor explained everything fully. An automatic car is a great help too. Sending positive vibes to you both. Regards Sue H
ReplyDeleteThanks Sue
DeleteGlad to hear that Bob has been able to see the consultant and measures can be put in place to help him. A little bit of the worry has been taken away. X
ReplyDeleteThanks - a LOT of the worry, to be honest!!
DeleteSo glad you had a positive appointment and can go forward.
ReplyDeleteVery grateful
DeleteI'm so glad a course of action is being worked out for Bob. It's so much better when you know what you are dealing with. Kx
ReplyDeleteYes it is
DeleteI'm sure there are a few of us that know folk who have had back surgery and it not have the positive outcome they had hoped for.
ReplyDeleteHopefully the pain management and stretching will ease the situation. It certainly did in my case.
Alison in Wales x
That's encouraging Alison. Hope you have your back pain sorted now ❤️
DeleteWonderful news! I am so glad to read it. JanF
ReplyDeleteThank you Jan for all your kind words on {and off} the blog ❤️
DeletePleased to read that Bob's back problems are on their way to being sorted. Pilates and swimming very good for the back. I've been having chiropractor help as I'm all out of skue due to arthritis in my feet, which has admittedly helped. The joys (or not) of getting old! Hugs Xx
ReplyDeleteThanks Gill. Hope your foot issues can be eased soon
DeleteGlad Bob had a good consultation with the surgeon. Back pain can be debilitating. I've had surgery, and it did help but not enough and I'd never do it again. That was 20+ years ago. What helps most is exercise. Not lifting or bending too much, but fairly rigorous exercise for me works well.
ReplyDeleteHe's been investigating the local Pilates class, which has a very good reputation
DeleteI have off-peak membership at the local school leisure centre. The Pilates class was very well taught, every move had to be done correctly. It took about two years, with some gentle work in the gym, and swimming, but my back is no longer twisted and bent from many years of lifting patients and delivering babies. Best of all I am pain free. I got the extra pounds off too, slowly but surely.
ReplyDeleteI hope that your back recovers, Rev. Bob.
Thank you NG. It won't be a quick fix, but with patience and discipline we hope it will help. Lovely to read how much Pilates helped you
DeleteGood to hear Bob has had his appointment. A good pilates or yoga class is an excellent idea for back problems. I have been seeing a physio on nhs for mine and it's so helpful knowing what it's safe to do. Years ago my consultant said surgery was always the last option in his opinion because of the risks of damage to spinal chord. Hopefully the reduction in stress will benefit you both .
ReplyDeleteExactly what Bob's chap said - there's always a risk when you operate on the spine
DeleteGood that you have a plan going forward.
ReplyDeleteI'm so glad Bob was able to see a consultant without having to wait for over a year! Hope the recommended exercises and pain management will improve things.
ReplyDeleteThanks Bless, the thought of waiting another 14 months was so disheartening
DeleteGlad about the forwarded appointment. I waited two weeks for a doc appointment last month at which the doc requested blood tests. I went to receptionist and she offered an appointment for two weeks hence. I refused that one and asked for an alternative quicker date. She 'managed' to find me one within the week. I might also mention that I was early for both doc and nurse appoints but waited extra 20/25 minutes to be seen by both, in an empty waiting room!Changed days at my doc surgery.
ReplyDeleteMy consultation with my orthopaedic consultant went very similarly, the outcomes for any operations would be very risky and weren't recommended. This was after I broke T12, T11, T8 and L1. With nerve impingements at L1 and L5, it's good seeing the spine as a full image like that, I've not had a look at diagrams for a long time.
ReplyDeleteIt does seem that operations are not always helpful. Esp when nerves involved
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