I suffer serious lower back pain and nerve damage.This is what I am currently taking Durogesic 75 mcg/hr. Gabapentin 300mg. And Lamotrigine lamictal 50Mmg. And just received a cortisone injection directly into my spine. My report from the Orthopaedic Surgeon reads, surgery not indicated as there is evidence of significant degenerative disc problems at L3/4 level and L5 S1 level. I worked in the same job for 26 years, Health Service. Now on top of this The Health and Social Services board refuse to pay my Pension as they don't think the condition is perminent ! I feel my age of 46 years is the problem for them. My GP and Occupational health doctors were so annoyed at their outcome as they both submitted very strong reports in my favour.. So I put an appeal in. Last Wednesday I saw an Orthopedic Surgeon at the request of the Health Service Pension Board. It was pretty hard to read his opinion. Asked a lot of questions and did a short examination. Really after paying into a superannuation pension scheme for 26 years I feel so let down by them. There is no way I could
again practice my profession. I can't sit for long periods or stand for longer than 40 minutes without pain.My consultant anaesthetist says my pain is from nerve damage which does not heal. So the report from the Consultant Orthopedic Surgeon must have the word permanent in it or I am penniless. I am currently living on 68.20 pence a week benefits. So salary gone as my contract has now ended in the Hospital and those I trusted to provide in times of sickness appear to have failed me. Has anyone else been down this road ?