It’s yet another thoroughly demoralising day. I handed over my £423 pounds for a (less than) 10 minute appointment this afternoon. It amounted to a very very brief exam, which as expected showed no hernia, upon straining. The doctor said that very rarely does anything show up on the ultrasound, which leaves me to wonder why I was there?
From his brief explanation I gathered the general thrust of what he was doing was putting a local anaesthetic into the area by the ilioinguinal nerve, in case it was causing ‘irritation’. So, “jab”, in it went and then he said I had 2-4 hours to exercise to try and produce the pain. I wasn’t at all prepared for that (no sports kit, and middle of the working day). I got up, paid, left and went back to work. I had to beg and borrow some sports kit and go to the gym at work; loaned training shoes too big and rubbed the skin off my heels, shorts too big, and no T-shirt. The Gym at work weren’t very happy about me using the facility whilst under a local anaesthetic, and running topless, but were eventually persuaded when I convinced them I wouldn’t sue them if I collapsed. I ran 5 miles and got the same pain as usual, and tried to do some situps, and got the same pain.
I didn’t for one second ever consider this nerve had been a serious contender for the problem, so if that’s all today was about then it feels like an utter waste of money, given the doctor there said the ultrasound would unlikely have shown anything up anyway (like a micro-tear). Until I see the referring-consultant again, next week, I’ll have to give him the benefit of the doubt in case he had something else in mind. The doctor today just said, usually you have to get surgery to address this anyway.
So, I don’t think I’m any closer to knowing what’s wrong (though in all likelihood it’s a abdominal wall tear I imagine), other than ruling out that one pretty unlikely possibility and emptying my wallet further. I think I’ve pretty much reached the end of the road of diagnosis, and surgery is the only thing that anyone can offer. If that’s the case then I’d need to see if it can be done under a local anaesthetic (I won’t have a general), and also if it can be done on the NHS, as I can’t afford a private op. If (big If) the answer was yes to both, I’d probably be looking at a 3-4 month wait for any NHS surgery, taking me beyond Christmas, and probably several months rehab. I don’t the answer will be yes to both answers anyway, but we’ll see.
It’s over 6 months I’ve been out of action now, and there is absolutely no end in sight.
Sorry to hear that Rich, frustrating is not the word! Does sound like a waste of time and money... fingers crossed that you are nearer a diagnosis and possible solution soon.
ReplyDeleteHi riche i had the same symptoms has you have, im a keen footballer and runner.For two years i got past from consultant to consultant had two mri scans one xray two cortisone injections, physio. Was about to give up when i seen mr alan woodward at vale healthcare cardiff said i had a possible gilmores groin had the surgery found that my conjoined tendon was torn, so repaired it (mesh) and released my adductor tendon. Its been 3 weeks post op and im back running without any pain, the op was a big success! so just bite the bullet buddy and get it done you wont regret it. all the best alex
ReplyDeleteAlex
ReplyDeleteAlex
That's an encouraging story, as I'm at the end of my tether. Do you mind if I ask how much the surgery cost?
This morning I was told by the physio I had Gilmore Groin, as well as the suspected abdominal tear. I was quoted a ball-park figure of around £5k for the surgery, plus any additional tests etc.
Rich
Hi riche, sorry for delay only just read your post. Just worked it out and the total cost was £1900 and that was for everything including my consultation to see him. The surgery took only 30-40 mins, was really nervous about it all but weighed it up i needed it done for the sake of my mental health! i was missing all my sporting hobbies to much. Mr alan woodward the surgeon, is a really nice bloke who has preformed this surgery on alot of professional rugby players from cardiff rfc. He came recommended, Any more questions i'll be happy to answer. Just remember life is to short to miss the things you enjoy most. all the best, alex alexpimm@hotmail.co.uk
ReplyDeleteHi riche, sorry for delay only just read your post. Just worked it out and the total cost was £1900 and that was for everything including my consultation to see him. The surgery took only 30-40 mins, was really nervous about it all but weighed it up i needed it done for the sake of my mental health! i was missing all my sporting hobbies to much. Mr alan woodward the surgeon, is a really nice bloke who has preformed this surgery on alot of professional rugby players from cardiff rfc. He came recommended, Any more questions i'll be happy to answer. Just remember life is to short to miss the things you enjoy most. all the best, alex
ReplyDeletealexpimm@hotmail.co.uk
Alex
ReplyDeleteThanks for that. That's a considerable difference in price for surgery cost in London! I've given Mr Woodward's secretary a bell already, and I'll see if I can make an appointment in the next 10 days to see if there is anything he can do for me. I read he specialises in local anaesthetic surgery, which I'm looking for as I don't want a general. Not sure if he'll do it but it's worth asking.
Thanks agin for the contact.
Rich