Herniated Disc for over 5 Years
30F 190lbs 5ft 6 none smoker.
I’ve been suffering horrendously from a badly herniated disc at L5 compressing my S1 nerve causing sciatica and chronic lower back pain for over 5 years. Just general living is hell let alone working, which is a nightmare in awful pain. My lower back is like a lava pit.
Currently off work sick having to survive on £123 a week with horrific NHS waiting times that I just cannot afford.
This MRI I paid privately for in 2022. 4 years ago. And I’m still suffering now, it’s probably worse.
I have tried physios, private osteopath, nothing has worked.
Is it worth me going privately to a neurosurgeon for a consultation plus tests (could cost £1000 or more for this) for surgery on the NHS before I end up with Cauda Equina?
NHS won’t do anything until I’m paralysed/incontinent. By then it’s too late.
Really appreciate any advice if I should spend the money to get a private consultation as getting one through the NHS could take a year or more at this rate, I cannot be off work this long.