Michelle,
Even in the US, it can take quite some time to see a spine specialist. In 2002I knew I needed surgery and had to wait 3 months to see the same doctor who did my 1994 surgery. I complained I was in severe pain and feared a repeat of the rupture that caused an emergency situation. I was told to call back if my disc ruptured and to take meds for my pain.
In 2004 I waited 3 months to see Dr. Delamarter and another month for a discogram and again, another month for the results. Another 4 months went by waiting for the FDA and by then, I was fed up with unreturned phone calls. I found Mark who arranged an appointment with Dr. Regan within 1 week and I was scheduled for surgery by the time Dr. D got around to calling me back, 6 months after seeing him.
I realize these doctors are busy and can only squeeze in so many emergencies but when you're scared and in pain, these doctors seem uncompassionate. Yes, some actually do not care but others are just overworked.
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3 level Prodisc adr S1-L3, Oct 12, 2005
Dr. B in Bogen, Germany
Severe nerve damage in left leg, still working on it
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