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"Neurosurgery"

About: Fiona Stanley Hospital / Neurosurgery

(as the patient),

I had lower back surgery 12 years ago, then 6 yrs ago I had 6 impinged nerves in my neck and a slipped disc. I had to wait 4yrs of fighting to get a neck operation which I had a few years ago. I also have lower back spasm again, weak legs, numbness, burning, electrical zaps throughout my body including my face. I still can't get in for my back, just recently had an MRI on my neck and they have found mass compression on cervical cord which to my surprise hospital rang me next day after referral sent and I have a neurosurgeon appointment in a few weeks. Absolutely blew me away with how quick they have been. Not sure why or if they think important tho 🤷‍♀️. Atm can't hardly stand sit or walk and neck and back pain beyond pain now where iv actually had horrible thoughts of taking my life it may sound drastic to some but for me it's an escape after 13 years of hell. Iv had so many steroid injections guided and physio and dry needling and massages and medication I can't even tell u how much now, with all my stuff I have been rejected by neurosurgery over and over, my relative took their life. I can honestly understand why as my relative felt like a vege state sitting in a chair with no help from anyone except pain killers that don't work just like me.

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Responses

Response from Neil Doverty, Executive Director Fiona Stanley and Fremantle Hospitals Group, South Metropolitan Health Service 12 months ago
Neil Doverty
Executive Director Fiona Stanley and Fremantle Hospitals Group,
South Metropolitan Health Service
Submitted on 24/04/2023 at 3:30 PM
Published on Care Opinion at 3:44 PM


picture of Neil Doverty

Dear gemininq47,

I am sorry to read of the pain you have been experiencing over such a long period of time, and the impact this is having on your mental health.

First and foremost, I implore you to speak to someone regarding your thoughts of suicide. There are various agencies who can provide you with free guidance and support, such as Lifeline (13 11 14), Beyond Blue (beyondblue.org.au), and also your General Practitioner who can assist you to develop your own mental health plan which will entitle you to psychological support and counselling.

I am also wondering if your GP has referred you for Pain Management at your local hospital – which I assume is Fiona Stanley Hospital. Perhaps you can discuss this with your GP.

I am glad that you have an appointment with our neurosurgery team regarding your neck. I do need more information regarding your lower back condition to be able to comment on your wait. If you would like us to investigate this, please contact our Patient and Family Liaison Service (Monday to Friday on 6152 4013 or anytime via FSHFeedback@health.wa.gov.au). Alternatively, you can raise your concerns at your upcoming Neurosurgery appointment – please discuss your lower back issues and see if your lower back could also be assessed if appropriate.

Another option, and again without your details I don’t know if you have already done this, is to request that your GP re-refer you for your lower back with added detail about the severity of your symptoms and the impact it is having on your daily life and mental health.

I wish you all the very best and trust that you will receive the care you require.

Take care and kind regards,

Neil Doverty.

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