DH has had a ‘bad back’ since last Xmas. We’ve called the GP so many times, but they just send out painkillers and refer to the physio.
can’t do physio as pain too severe. Physio ‘diagnosed’ osteoarthritis. I really did strop over this explaining to DH that they can’t tell it’s osteoarthritis just by looking at you! You need bloods and a referral to the hospitals appropriate dept. DH is a bit old school. All GPs are Gods. They cannot make mistakes.
over the next 6-7 months he phoned the surgery so many times. They said ‘we wouldn’t really get an X-ray this early’. 8 co-codamol a day, naproxen and still in agony.
Mobility got worse. Had to give up my job to care for him and children. PIP allowed him lowest rate care, no mobility. He can’t walk by now but no evidence to prove it.
Pain increased. Called 111 in early hours twice as he was in agony. They decided ambulance was best option and sent a non urgent (fair enough). Then both times paramedic called us and referred back to GP.
GP prescribed oramorph. He did 100ml in 3 days. They also forgot to tell him to stop the co-codamol. I’m really glad I caught him quickly! At this point I was just furious. Morphine without ever seeing him?!? They also gave him Baclofen to try to ease the spasms.
I called the surgery and demanded a home visit. We argued. He didn’t qualify as he’s not elderly or disabled. Eventually the GP did come out. 2 hours later she left, bloods next day. MRI Friday.
Had MRI. On the Monday GP phoned. ‘Is your wife with you? Hate to do this on the phone’. Gist of it was. MRI shows 5 broken vertebrae indicative of metastatic cancer. Had to go to acute oncology unit for more tests.
There we’re told it’s unlikely it’s a primary cancer, probably a secondary so possibly quite advanced.
we’re now waiting for a PET scan for a more detailed diagnosis and prognosis. My lounge looks like a hospital ward with a profile bed, commode etc.
I’m trying to stop 2 small children jumping on DH or the equipment. Waiting for results which I find potentially terrifying. Worrying about money as I’ve had to stop work. I’m scared to lose him.
Im angry that no one listened to us. So many emotions at present. Not sure why I’m posting except to vent really.