P&O Cruisers - What are things like where YOU are?

[Peanut006]

I would do whatever it takes to help you. It’s no fun been in pain all the time, it’s affects people both physically and mentally. In my opinion try this clinic and get their advice.

 

Twenty years ago I had a slipped disc that caused nerve root compression that stopped my bowels and bladder working so I know what pain you are going through and how soul destroying it can be. I had no option but to have surgery to resolve it, which it has but unfortunately they didn’t operate soon enough and I now have no reflexes in my lower leg. 
 

I hope you find a solution to your ongoing problem. It sounds like you have a lovely family who are there to support you. Let us know how you get on.

 

Take care

 

Michelle

[Peanut006]

4 minutes ago, grapau27 said:

Good morning.

It is 1°C and a thin covering of snow outside.

I hope everyone is well and you all have a great day.

We are coming to Whitley Bay on Friday, I better come prepared for snow then!!

 

Michelle

[Beckett]

7 hours ago, indiana123 said:

 

A dilemma.  As some will know due to a pre-cruise accident and , of course age, I am in constant pain.  the problem is it is not in one place.    Due to limping all the bones in my lower back have worsened so one second I have pain in my ankle, next minute, the hip, then the back, then the other ankle, but  most in the groin.  Sometimes three places at once.  

 

Honestly and truthfully , I feel I can tell you, I am at the end of my tether, and I am not scared of pain normally, but this  is at least 9 on the scale in more than one place.  Possibly radiating.

 

Consultants have just thrown opiates at me.  finally after half a dozen virtual appointments my gp has referred me to a pain clinic, but its nearly a year waiting list.

 

I have spent a lot of money seeing a Pain Specialist, who just chucks tablets at me, but I have found a dedicated Private Spine Clinic in Kent.   I have a copy of my mri but think if I go to this clinic  the treatment will be ongoing  and I am spending my kids inheritance and I worked hard for that.   Worst of all I feel guilty.  My kids wont care tuppence, they want their mum back, not the person who cries in pain and hangs on the wall every morning.

 

Shall I go for it as a last ditch effort!

 

Sorry  I am a real tough old bird but  it got too much today  and  I needed to talk.

 

 

@indiana123 just catching up on posts Indiana and have read yours with empathy.

 

Firstly, thanks for sharing your dilemma with us all. I think you will find us good listening ears and advice will flow.  Secondly, even tough old birds need respite from pain!

 

Right, here's my advice:  If you've researched the clinic and are satisfied it's kosher, try it.

 

You said yourself that your kids won't care tuppence and they they just want their mum back, so the feelings of guilt are yours and yours only.  None of us know how our health will pan out as we age but why suffer these year in pain if there's any possibility that it can be relieved or even made liveable with.  After all, you wouldn't want your kids to remember you suffering when ther's every chance you can find a way to enjoy life again with them.

 

i think the clinic is at least worth a consultation or two. Obviously there's no quick fix for you but if their advice and proposed treatment makes sense, you can at least make an informed decision.

 

Here endeth my sermon.! 

 

Best wishes.  Jane xx

 

 

[Beckett]

42 minutes ago, yorkshirephil said:

Sorry to hear you are suffering so much, your pains sound like the ones I was suffering but on a lesser scale for me. I am assuming that you have had your hips x- rayed along the way? I was surprised how far the pain can travel from the hip plus nerves get trapped and you walk funny to compensate. I found the sacroiliac belt worked for me, I tried a plain one then as my pain and movement got worse got the one pictured. Good luck whatever you do.

 

Thanks for this Phil. A sacroiliac belt may just be what I need. My health has deteriorated rapidly over the last few months - worsening osteoporosis, lordosis, scoliosis, and sacroiliitis. Not fun. I hadn't thought of a belt but I will now. Walking is difficult and anything to make it easier will help greatly. Thanks again.  Jane xx

[bobstheboy]

Indiana it's your life and if you have the means to improve your pain, there really is only one answer. You don't have to commit a fortune, I hope, if you did I would question the clinic's ethics. Try it and make your own mind up as to whether it is improving your life and hopefully continue.

[grapau27]

25 minutes ago, Peanut006 said:

We are coming to Whitley Bay on Friday, I better come prepared for snow then!!

 

Michelle

Our Sarah lives in Newcastle and said there is no snow there this morning.

Take care on cross Pennine routes Michelle as they are often covered in snow.

[purplesea]

Indiana, I can't really add to anything that others haven't said. But pain can be soul destroying and if there is a way to try and eleviate, or lessen it, I would give it a go.

Good luck and wishing you all the best.

[grapau27]

16 minutes ago, Beckett said:

Thanks for this Phil. A sacroiliac belt may just be what I need. My health has deteriorated rapidly over the last few months - worsening osteoporosis, lordosis, scoliosis, and sacroiliitis. Not fun. I hadn't thought of a belt but I will now. Walking is difficult and anything to make it easier will help greatly. Thanks again.  Jane xx

Sending you my best wishes Jane.

Knee, foot and hip arthritis affecting me.

Graham xx

[Peanut006]

5 minutes ago, grapau27 said:

Our Sarah lives in Newcastle and said there is no snow there this morning.

Take care on cross Pennine routes Michelle as they are often covered in snow.

That’s good news, no snow where Sarah is but our daughter in law has just sent a photo of them walking to school in wellies as they have a covering of snow in Whitley Bay.

 

I love the drive up there, the scenery in beautiful although the M6 north is notorious for accidents 

 

Michelle

[Beckett]

1 minute ago, grapau27 said:

Sending you my best wishes Jane.

Knee, foot and hip arthritis affecting me.

Graham xx

Thanks very much Graham. Sorry to hear you're being affected too. It's the hip area that's troubling  me a lot at the moment. Walking is painful and walking is something I've always greatly enjoyed. 

 

Best wishes to you and Pauline. Jane xx

[grapau27]

3 minutes ago, Peanut006 said:

That’s good news, no snow where Sarah is but our daughter in law has just sent a photo of them walking to school in wellies as they have a covering of snow in Whitley Bay.

 

I love the drive up there, the scenery in beautiful although the M6 north is notorious for accidents 

 

Michelle

Take care Michelle.

 

[Harry Peterson]

7 hours ago, indiana123 said:

 

A dilemma.  As some will know due to a pre-cruise accident and , of course age, I am in constant pain.  the problem is it is not in one place.    Due to limping all the bones in my lower back have worsened so one second I have pain in my ankle, next minute, the hip, then the back, then the other ankle, but  most in the groin.  Sometimes three places at once.  

 

Honestly and truthfully , I feel I can tell you, I am at the end of my tether, and I am not scared of pain normally, but this  is at least 9 on the scale in more than one place.  Possibly radiating.

 

Consultants have just thrown opiates at me.  finally after half a dozen virtual appointments my gp has referred me to a pain clinic, but its nearly a year waiting list.

 

I have spent a lot of money seeing a Pain Specialist, who just chucks tablets at me, but I have found a dedicated Private Spine Clinic in Kent.   I have a copy of my mri but think if I go to this clinic  the treatment will be ongoing  and I am spending my kids inheritance and I worked hard for that.   Worst of all I feel guilty.  My kids wont care tuppence, they want their mum back, not the person who cries in pain and hangs on the wall every morning.

 

Shall I go for it as a last ditch effort!

 

Sorry  I am a real tough old bird but  it got too much today  and  I needed to talk.

 

 

That is just so moving to read, and I’m so sorry you’re going through such tough times. Your children would say exactly what our children, and all decent children, would say - whatever it takes, whatever it costs, do try to achieve some relief or, ideally, resolution.

 

Just a thought though, both of us having had spinal issues which were very satisfactorily resolved through NHS surgery by neurosurgeons, has this all been fully explored by an orthopaedic specialist? If there are delays within the NHS, highly likely with orthopaedics, perhaps a private consultation to explore the possibilities of surgery? Apologies for seeming to interfere, and I’m sure you’ve already been through all this, but even a second opinion might be useful. 

[purplesea]

A rather grey overcast day and a lot colder than of late, so much so that I have finally put our heating on.

Met my friends for coffee yesterday and one of them has booked onto the same cruise as me again. When she was telling me she commented that I would think that she is stalking me🤣

Nothing much planned for today, just a few errands to do and I really should make a start on my Christmas shopping. I just don't seem to have any enthusiam towards Christmas this year!

Take care and stay safe.

[twotravellersLondon]

 

Yesterday we went to the funeral of an old friend that we'd known really well a 1/3 of a century ago before he moved away. 

 

Although it was a really cold day, about three-hundred people gathered... including many from the same church congregation as the family. Not only was the chapel and the entrance foyer full, there was a crowd listening to the service outside.

 

When the coffin was lifted to shoulder hight from the hearse a member of the closest family gave the lead and the whole crowd of mourners spontaneously joined in with three cheers as our friend was carried into the chapel.

 

It was in esteem, appreciation and love for a man who had meant so much to so many people... it was a way that so many might voice unanimous support for the family and, for many, it was a mark of belief, faith and hope for the future.

[kalos]

45 minutes ago, Beckett said:

I hadn't thought of a belt but I will now. Walking is difficult and anything to make it easier will help greatly. Thanks again.  Jane xx

 

Hope it works for you, again nothing to lose and hopefully a lot to gain .Good luck🙂

[zap99]

8 hours ago, indiana123 said:

 

A dilemma.  As some will know due to a pre-cruise accident and , of course age, I am in constant pain.  the problem is it is not in one place.    Due to limping all the bones in my lower back have worsened so one second I have pain in my ankle, next minute, the hip, then the back, then the other ankle, but  most in the groin.  Sometimes three places at once.  

 

Honestly and truthfully , I feel I can tell you, I am at the end of my tether, and I am not scared of pain normally, but this  is at least 9 on the scale in more than one place.  Possibly radiating.

 

Consultants have just thrown opiates at me.  finally after half a dozen virtual appointments my gp has referred me to a pain clinic, but its nearly a year waiting list.

 

I have spent a lot of money seeing a Pain Specialist, who just chucks tablets at me, but I have found a dedicated Private Spine Clinic in Kent.   I have a copy of my mri but think if I go to this clinic  the treatment will be ongoing  and I am spending my kids inheritance and I worked hard for that.   Worst of all I feel guilty.  My kids wont care tuppence, they want their mum back, not the person who cries in pain and hangs on the wall every morning.

 

Shall I go for it as a last ditch effort!

 

Sorry  I am a real tough old bird but  it got too much today  and  I needed to talk.

 

 

Get it looked at. It's your money.

[indiana123]

Thank you all from the bottom of my heart.  I felt embarrassed after I posted at 1 am.  It's a lonely time isn't it.   I will give it a go.  Like you, I suspect, I do hide it from my kids as much as I can when they come but I think they speak to OH on the quiet.  They see my pain but not the full extent. Adrenaline and gritted teeth are marvellous things.

 

I hope everyone else in pain gets some hep.

 

On a lighter note I hope this makes you smile.  I appreciate baps means different things in different areas.

 

My daughter went into Costa Coffee for coffee and bacon rolls... the very young assistant handed  her the coffee and yelled  "Hang on,  I'm just gonna grab yer baps".   My daughter exploded with laughter  in front of a very bemused teenager!!!🤣

 

 

 

 

[kalos]

2 minutes ago, indiana123 said:

the very young assistant handed  her the coffee and yelled  "Hang on,  I'm just gonna grab yer baps". 

 

Deserves a five star review on Trip advisor ,what service  !  🤣

[Megabear2]

Just now, indiana123 said:

Thank you all from the bottom of my heart.  I felt embarrassed after I posted at 1 am.  It's a lonely time isn't it.   I will give it a go.  Like you, I suspect, I do hide it from my kids as much as I can when they come but I think they speak to OH on the quiet.  They see my pain but not the full extent. Adrenaline and gritted teeth are marvellous things.

 

I hope everyone else in pain gets some hep.

 

On a lighter note I hope this makes you smile.  I appreciate baps means different things in different areas.

 

My daughter went into Costa Coffee for coffee and bacon rolls... the very young assistant handed  her the coffee and yelled  "Hang on,  I'm just gonna grab yer baps".   My daughter exploded with laughter  in front of a very bemused teenager!!!🤣

 

 

 

 

May I suggest checking with the GMC that the clinic and therapists are above board, particularly if they are not part of a private hospital group.  

 

Unfortunately there are very few rules to stop people setting up for pain management as  very large part of therapy in pain management is self help with thought processes etc. 

 

Pain is an individual thing, some have very low levels of acceptance, others very high.  My husband has chronic fibromyalga and ME yet manages his pain himself aided by medication and a self help group.  Many of those that attend find the group therapy very beneficial. 

 

Many many moons ago I worked with the solicitors and investigators who prosecute doctors and dentists via the GMC who have an actual court to do this at their headquarters.  The advice from there was if you are seeking to pay for treatment of any kind other than via NHS referral to check out their credentials and any complaints others may have raised. The GMC has a register you can check and also a help line.

 

Good luck with whatever you choose and I hope you find some relief very soon whatever route you choose.

 

https://www.gmc-uk.org/

 

[lancashire_cruisers]

10 hours ago, indiana123 said:

 

A dilemma.  As some will know due to a pre-cruise accident and , of course age, I am in constant pain.  the problem is it is not in one place.    Due to limping all the bones in my lower back have worsened so one second I have pain in my ankle, next minute, the hip, then the back, then the other ankle, but  most in the groin.  Sometimes three places at once.  

 

Honestly and truthfully , I feel I can tell you, I am at the end of my tether, and I am not scared of pain normally, but this  is at least 9 on the scale in more than one place.  Possibly radiating.

 

Consultants have just thrown opiates at me.  finally after half a dozen virtual appointments my gp has referred me to a pain clinic, but its nearly a year waiting list.

 

I have spent a lot of money seeing a Pain Specialist, who just chucks tablets at me, but I have found a dedicated Private Spine Clinic in Kent.   I have a copy of my mri but think if I go to this clinic  the treatment will be ongoing  and I am spending my kids inheritance and I worked hard for that.   Worst of all I feel guilty.  My kids wont care tuppence, they want their mum back, not the person who cries in pain and hangs on the wall every morning.

 

Shall I go for it as a last ditch effort!

 

Sorry  I am a real tough old bird but  it got too much today  and  I needed to talk.

 

 

For me health is priceless and your kids would rather see you not in pain than have an inheritance so I say go for it.

[lancashire_cruisers]

Just had a google and if the clinic is the one that’s part of the Circle Health group then I can add my own experience of using Circle Health.

 

I had my recent shoulder replacement done by a surgeon who works for Circle Health and whilst I had the actual operation done at a different hospital by the same surgeon due to it being closer to home I was really impressed with the set up of the Alexandra Hospital in Cheadle. 
 

I’d been through 2 other private hospitals and was less than impressed with both of them, in particular the Spire group is one to watch out for as they are not only incredibly expensive but also don’t include a lot of what you’d expect within their prices and aren’t clear on what is included. My operation with them would have been over £4,000 more expensive with a surgeon I wasn’t particularly impressed with.

[indiana123]

1 hour ago, lancashire_cruisers said:

if the clinic is the one that’s part of the Circle Health group then I can add my own experience of using Circle Health.

Spot on!

 

While dithering all next week's appointments have gone.  Typical me, thinking for too long.  I'm going to book in a minute, but may ring and chat first as it is multiple areas.

 

 

Talking of private care,  my daughter is Recruitment Manager  at a private hospital and she says they are inundated.  Loads of 'senior' people are paying to have their hips done  for fear of their situation getting worse before they become top of the list.  They now have a waiting list.  Also in other areas they are taking NHS patients to help with the backlog.

[happy v]

I am glad you have made a decision Indiana 123. Everyone is unanimous for you to do what ever it takes. I would just ask, what would your reply be to your mother had she asked? Now you know you are making the right choice.

[indiana123]

First appointment showed up as13th.  I had a query so rang an adviser to check something and she asked if I would like an appointment on 6th!

 

I feel better already🤣   

[Angel57]

59 minutes ago, indiana123 said:

First appointment showed up as13th.  I had a query so rang an adviser to check something and she asked if I would like an appointment on 6th!

 

I feel better already🤣   

Well done and wise decision! X