AIBU to consider using an emergency appointment?

[TokenGinger]

I suffer from back problems. Every time I get as far as being referred to a spinal specialist, they discharge me because I'm flexible / can touch my toes and other bullshit. Apparently, the fact that I exercise as advised by them to strengthen my spine means it doesn't impact on my life.

I have a bulging disc in my lower spine and it appears to spread pain everywhere just for fun.

Today, I am in the worst pain I have experienced for years. I haven't slept for a few nights as I am finding it impossible to lie down at at. The pressure on my spine is worse when lying down. Right now, I am on the floor, where I have tried to sleep as it's a firmer surface. My painkillers are not touching this.

AIBU to consider getting an appointment at the emergency doctors? I went to my own GP yesterday to get an appointment and the earliest they had is 21st April.

I think this merits an emergency appointment - you're in serious pain. Give them a ring, I hope they get it sorted for you soon.

Yep, I'd be there in a shot. Well, slower than that on account of the pain of course! 21st April is not an acceptable time to ask anyone to wait.

Go!

3 weeks is too long if you're in so much pain you can't sleep at all.

YANBU- but I always get emergency appts at the GP anyway.

Ours doesn't seem set up to book appts in advance. You just ring at 8am on the day that you want to go.

Thank you! I called them and they've managed to give me an appointment for 12.00noon, thank the Lord.

I imagine all they'll be able to do is give me stronger painkillers, but that'll suffice for now. I always feel bad using emergency appointments.

I feel for you. I've been fobbed off by my GPs (various) for years over my back pain. They always refuse even an x-ray but I know people with the same symptoms who have had x-rays and MRIs. It would just be nice to know exactly what's going on. My osteopath keeps me ticking over most of the time. Glad you've got an appointment. Press for a referral.

For years?! You poor thing. I had an MRI scan two years ago and they only told me the results 6 months ago. At the time, they said it all came back fine. 6 months ago, I saw a new gp so she pulled my history up and said "oh, you have bulging disc".

Swines.

Me to GP: I injured my knee six months ago skiing, Austrian doctor told me it would be better in a month, but it still hurts.
GP: Can you walk?
Me: Yes
GP: Fuck off.

(I paraphrase, GP was actually polite.)

(It actually did get better after another month.)

Definitely. And tomorrow morning make an appointment to see your GP and INSIST you are referred to spinal specialist.
Within a couple of months of referral I had been seen, diagnosed and had my first spinal injection.
I saw the nurse the other day about my weight and she asked me why I'd put on so much weight. I politely explained that for over a year I didn't know what the fuck was wrong with my back and moving was agony. Therefore I limited moving in case I caused more damage. If only they'd bothered to diagnose me. Stupid fuckers.
Good luck op

A bulging disc can be treated with physio and steroid injections. You'll need a scan to confirm where the problem is.

DH went through this and the treatment almost completely eliminated the pain.

Thanks for the messages! I appreciate the support and advice. Xx