Hi, my name is jeffmans!

jeffmans

I have a history of backpain but this recent spasm has left me in a bad way. I am very disappointed with my  GP's attitudes and had to pay to discover that I have a problem with two disks. I am currently waiting for a date for a lumbar injection.

What do others feel about GPs attitudes and approach to back pain?

Jimm_Scope

Hi @jeffmans, welcome to the scope community  

I'm sorry to hear about your issues getting your backpain addressed. Can I ask, when you say you had to pay do you mean you had to pay privately/get private insurance?

I have not gone to the GP about back pain (yet), but I know it's one of those symptoms that has such a wide-range of causes. Some of those causes are very mundane and "fix themselves" with a little bit of exercise. My own personal experience is that if the symptom has a potentially mundane cause the GP, instead of taking the time to ensure it's not any of the more serious issues, will default to the mundane one.

I don't lay the entire blame for this on GPs due to the workload they are under but it's certainly an issue.

jeffmans

I had several callbacks with different doctors before one of them called me in. I couldn't walk but luckily a neighbour took me. I had told them all  how bad I was. He checked me, said it wasn't paralysis, gave me  more pills and said This will pass. That was a month ago. So I paid privately to see a specialist and get  an MRI SCAN which showed two disks rubbing on the nerves which control my left leg. I could say a lot more but for the moment I am awaiting an appointment to get a jab in my lumbar zone which should take away the pain.

My case was bad enough for them to refer me as an emergency but they didn't. I am furious about it.

I wonder what experiences others have had with GPs and back pain. They need to change their attitude and take this complaint more seriously.

Jimm_Scope

@jeffmans have you spoken to the local trusts patient liaison service or complained in writing to the GP at all?

I know you're looking for other people's experiences dealing with GPs about this topic. I just wondered if you also want advice on your situation people will need just a bit more information about it.

I'm going to move this to our Disability Rights section as I think how GPs respond to our concerns and conditions is an equality issue.

jeffmans

I haven't, didn't know there was such a thing, will look into it.