[jimmyprideaux]

Dear Folks,

I am a 56 year old guy that has been one of the disasters of Chymopapain.
In 1987 I ruptured one disc (L4-L5) and S1-L5 was bulging badly. As I was uninformed I followed the advise of my mother who had the same treatment in the mid 70's with good results(? thats what she told me. Don't get the wrong impression I still love my 80 year old mother ) Off we went to see a Doctor who was supposed to be a specialist in this field. I must say my wife was very skeptical.Without any testing only a discogram at the time I was injected with Chymopapain. I was in terrible pain for 3 days after. Apparently the Doctor said to my wife if only I knew how bad the discs were I wouldn't have touched him. Too late the damage was done.
Within 6 weeks I began to have peripheal nerve disruption,tingling and numbness. Also began to lose the strength in my legs, could only climb one flight of stairs without having to sit down.
Rang his majesty,the doctor, to ask if this could be the result of the injections? Oh, no just come and see me. We went to visit him and he showed us the discogram which clearly showed a ruptured disc with dye leaking into the spinal canal. We did not understand the implications of this even though he possibly did. Since this time he has shut down and all records were destroyed.
The pain and weakness increased and after many different spinal surgeon visits who all looked at CT and MRI scans and said sorry we feel sorry for you but can't help, I was sent to a neurologist who hospitalised me and after many tests diagnosed Multiple Sclerosis.
I have now lived for best part of 25 years with pain all blamed on MS. I live on Endone(oxycodone),Gabapentin plus anti inflammatories etc.
After my first hip replacement 2 years ago the back pain has increased and will have to do something about it as I have a Business to run and a family to provide for, 6 children and 10 grandchildren, the oldest boys run the business with my guidance.
The surgeon I am under has suggested lower spine stabilisation to stop nerve irritation and thus allow me to sit or stand for periods of time with less pain.
I will be getting further opinions after my next MRI scan which will be in the next week or so.
Sorry for all the ramble but thought it best for you to know a few details.
Can I send an electronic copy of the MRI to anyone for another opinion as I need help urgently but am skeptical with spine surgery after my experiences?

Thanks for you time and look forward to your help.

Regards
Jimmy