I wish someone would listen to me!!

I had severe back spasms and extreme pain for 2 years. My Dr. said back pain is an "epidemic" for people who work using a computer. For 2 years, he only prescribed drugs,I did not feel he believed me. After 2 years of Dr office visits, he advised me to change careers..said to find another job that does not involve computer/desk work. I have an amazing job with the Municipality, I do not want to change jobs!!

In June 2018, I finally DEMANDED a MRI as I was now having tingling in my arms, feet and abdomen along with severe back spasms. He finally referred me for a MRI. I had to wait 3 months for the MRI. I was half way home from the MRI when the Technician called me and told me I had to go to the Emergency Room ASAP as he had the results. So we went and I was told I have a large tumour in my spine that needed to be removed before I become paralized. I saw a Neuro- Surgeon the next day and had surgery within a few days. I had surgery in June 2018. I had a Shwanomma tumour at my T3- T5 that was removed from my spine and it was attached to my lung. Thank goodness, it was not cancerous. I had a post and screws inserted into my spine. A large mass of muscle was removed and my nerves were cut. I was in severe pain after the surgery and my Dr said "it will take time to recover". I was put on meds and tried to attempt some light physio but could not manage the pain. I saw my DR several times and described the pain as my spine was on fire and it felt like something was digging in my spine. He refused to send me for any further testing. I saw him several times from August 2018- Feb 2019. In Feb 2019, I DEMANDED a CT scan. I had to wait 2 months to get one. I was living in pain and agony for so long, I became depressed and had anxiety. The CT scan showed I had a broken screw that was digging in my spine. Finally I had some answers!

I saw the surgeon again and he decided to do another surgery to remove all the hardware from my back. I was really worried about having the hardware removed as I was concerned about another surgery and wondered what would be holding up my spine and shoulders. In April 2019, the surgery was completed and I was told it will take time to heal as I have had 2 surgeries within 9 months.

It has been a year since my last surgery, 2 years from when the tumour was removed and I still suffer from pain everyday in my back and spine. My muscles pull and I have lost a lot of muscle strength and it is hard to complete any daily tasks. I can manage on a computer for about 15 minutes before I need to sit or lay down. I can not vacuum, garden, exercise or do daily light chores for more then 15 minutes before needing to lay down. My spine feels like it has been cut at the incision location. My nerves constantly burn and the burning wraps around my rib cage. It is hard to walk for more then 10 minutes without my back starting to burn and pull hard. I am unable to live my life like I used to. I am only 50 years old, but I feel like an old woman as I am pretty much house bound. My quality of life has changed and my relationships and social life has changed. I am not the person I used to be. I am in constant pain, even on the drugs which I do not like to take everyday.

I am unable to work at a job I loved and my Insurance company has denied my claim so I had to hire a lawyer. I suffer from anxiety and at this time, my anxiety is very high due to COVID-19, my spouse is laid off and we are suffering from financial stress as I am unable to apply for the CERB. My Insurance company denied my claim in Feb 2020 even thou I have medical documentation from 3 Dr's.

I had to demand another MRI and a referral to a Neologist. I had a MRI in March 2020 and I saw a Neologist. He reviewed my MRI (not my Images) which my Neologist 'thinks" I have Nerve Root Damage from the tumour compressing on my spine for so many years. My nerves and muscles constantly hurt, burn and stab. My Dr prescribed more medication and a referral to a pain clinic. Finally after 6 moths of waiting, I will go to the pain clinic next week.

I feel like nobody believes the pain that I am suffering everyday. I do not feel my DR and Specialists really care. They bounce me back and forth between appointments between them. I've been diagnosed with Neopathic Pain from my Dr's and a referral to a pain clinic. I am very frustrated with the Dr's not spending time with me to listen to my concerns and pain. I feel like they do not believe me and do not want to spend them time with me. I have never been so stressed in my life.

I am in pain and suffer from anxiety daily. My life has changed. COVID-19 has been stressing me out and only makes the pain worse.

I am frustrated with the Medical Care system and I really want to consult with someone to do a real assessment and make a diagnosis and help me get back to my life. I am not sure what the pain clinic can do and afraid I will have this pain for the rest of my life. Nerve Rot Damage is very painful and I am unable to work. I really wish someone would evaluate the Insurance companies and their processes. I am in pain, unable to work and they still denied me. I have never been so stressed, depressed and anxious in my life.

I hope this will help someone who is going through a similar situation as I am, You are not alone!!