Our son ,30, has worked since leaving school - usually outside, manual or factory work. Over the last 2 years he has had stomach/ chest pains that have resulted in absences, doctors appointments etc. Eventually it was decided he had a hernia that required surgery. At this point he was in so much pain, he quit his work as he was worried he'd otherwise be sacked for time off ! He immediately found other work - but still had to have time off for appointments etc. He found any prolonged standing or lifting made the pain worse, so he was assigned light duties which helped but could not be sustained by the company.
He had his op, and since then has been in almost constant pain. He has visited A and E , spoken to the hospital where the surgery took place and after 7 months eventually saw the surgeon who operated on him. It is thought he has some nerve damage and will be seen in the New Year to consider whether steroid injections could help
He has not worked since May. He has a house and all associated bills to pay and only receives Universal Credit of £390 a month.Most days he can not even walk due to the pain.
We are helping him as much as we can, but need to know if we have overlooked any means of help medically or financially. He wants to work - he is not workshy.
If anyone has any ideas we would be very grateful.
Sounds like he needs a sitting down job, possibly part time. Benefit rates and state pensions in this country are pitiful. I wonder how many MPs could live on £390 a month? Most of them would probably struggle to live on that little a day! If they couldn't do it, what right have they to expect anyone else to?
Sorry to hear this: must be disheartening for everyone.
Not convinced about nerve pain lasting so long; everyone is different, but that’s a long time (based on my sister’s new hip with nerve damage, lasted a few weeks not months). However, I’m not a medic.
But if it was my family, I’d get a second opinion. Go private, probably to a private GP initially (eg Ross Hall, many others to choose from) as it’s not clear what the specialist would be - you get a proper long time appt, not the few minutes with NHS.
I had to go private (self funded, no health insurance) for a vascular thing, NHS hospital DVT clinic said I didn’t fit the criteria to even go onto the 2 year waiting list. I checked reviews & qualifications first. Best thing I did: advice, proper tests, as much as I needed of his time. Cost a few hundred £.
Thanks for this advice- we had thought about getting a second opinion. He's only had bloods and ultrasound scans done. We would have thought an endoscopy might have been organised or a CT scan.
On readng your entry I remembered something about this:
"Mesh used for hernia repair surgery has a high failure rate that can cause serious complications for patients, even years after the implant. Seven common signs and symptoms of hernia mesh failure include bulging, burning, constipation, impotent and sexual dysfunction, nausea, lethargy, and pain.
Depending on your injury, you may need to seek removal of the hernia mesh implant or revision surgery. You also may be able to file a claim for compensation for injuries."
https://www.shouselaw.com/herniamesh/injuries/mesh-failure/
As yet, no - - he's not asked for a second opinion - although he's been seen by a second surgeon and all of our GPS! ( His op was done at a Private Hospital under the NHS) We're trying to think of options just now - one is for a private second opinion, another is to try out these steroid injections - he's even at the only if considering alternative treatments!
Quote: Originally posted by Bramston on 29/12/2024
On readng your entry I remembered something about this:
"Mesh used for hernia repair surgery has a high failure rate that can cause serious complications for patients, even years after the implant. Seven common signs and symptoms of hernia mesh failure include bulging, burning, constipation, impotent and sexual dysfunction, nausea, lethargy, and pain.
Depending on your injury, you may need to seek removal of the hernia mesh implant or revision surgery. You also may be able to file a claim for compensation for injuries."
https://www.shouselaw.com/herniamesh/injuries/mesh-failure/
This is exactly what went through my mind. Many years ago,I had a hernia repaired with mesh. For a long time it felt as though an instrument had been left inside me (best way I can think to explain the sensation) Fortunately, I was able to live with it and I do not seem to have too much trouble with it these days.
I believe that a lot of ladies are also complaining about a certain repair procedure using a mesh insert and now live in agony.
Personally, I would be seeking advice from a private consultant at a different hospital group, although I suggest at time of making the appointment mentioning what the purpose is, because you will be looking for this consultant to criticise the work of another.
Dave and Liz, thank you. He has gone down that route and at least has some relief from pain. He had a CT scan which has showed nothing. He has only been able to access this through his NHS app. He has had no communication from the hospital or surgeon. We think our next plan of action will be to see if our MP can help at all
Quote: Originally posted by Fiona W on 28/12/2024
Sorry to hear this: must be disheartening for everyone.
Not convinced about nerve pain lasting so long; everyone is different, but that’s a long time (based on my sister’s new hip with nerve damage, lasted a few weeks not months). However, I’m not a medic.
It has been 11 months since my accident and I still have nerve damage which causes pain when getting the clippers run over my head etc. The stroke doctor said it can take up to two years to go away and in some instances it doesn't. Sometimes it is like being pierced with a hot needle. I'm still certified as unfit for work for at least the next 3 months.
BBC Radio 4 Today Program had a mention of pelvic mesh issues suffered by women this morning at 08-07 hrs.
It was mentioned in Parliament last night, an MP demanding setting up a compensation scheme.
It is in your intersts to track down this item.
My ears pricked up when I heard this item as I connected it to you.
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Topic: Advice needed
via mobile 28/12/2024 at 4:47pm
