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Spire Hull and East Riding Hospital 2024-07-23 Person 5 5 0

I slipped a disc at the end of last year and initially, not realising the severity and thinking it a trapped nerve, I went to the GP etc, and was advised to do some basic stretches and take some painkillers. Over time, the symptoms worsened and my left lower leg became numb and I couldn't stand up or walk for more than a few minutes. Prior to this, though I wasn't super fit, I had been able to run 10km in about an hour and would daily walk 10-15 km. I was put in touch with George Spink at the Spire Hull via my work's healthcare. I first attended on April 18th. From the off, George clearly knew, from my symptoms and his examination, what the issue was and said straight away what he suspected. He referred me for a scan to confirm and to to see the extent of the issue. Though I had had similar examinations by the GP and GP physio, he was the first to show me the loss of strength in my foot/ toes, which I hadn't realised myself either. I then attended an MRI 5 days later and the extent of the issue was obvious as laying still for 25 mins was unbearable - this is bizarre looking back on now, that I lived with such pain. The nurses were all compassionate and helpful. The day after I was contacted to arrange a follow up with George and he saw me that Saturday morning. He showed me the MRI image that clearly showed a severe slipped disc in my lower back. He then went through the options, which included surgery. I thought this the only way to proceed, as above, I was in constant pain and taking by this time very strong painkillers that were not without side effects. 20 days after my first appointment with George (!!!!) I was in for back surgery. I felt at every moment completely looked after by all of the staff at Spire and George was amazing. He went above and beyond to explain what the procedure was going to entail, didn't shy away from the potential for complications and risks, but placed these in context and compared these to the risks of the "do nothing option", which were clear. The day after the surgery I awoke with the pain of the wound, but absolutely no pain at all in my left leg and some feeling had already returned. Within two days I was off painkillers, and now (two months later) have never needed to take them since. I was able to walk a few kilometres in one stint within a week and can now walk as before, though my strength and stamina are diminished from the time spent inactive. Some numbness still remains but am led to believe this will reduce as the nerve regrows with time. I honestly cannot imagine a better outcome and though I have thanked George in person, this acts as a second thankyou because he genuinely gave me my life back. My only regret is waiting as long as I did before contacting him, as the length of my rehab is proportional to how long the nerve was trapped. Since surgery I have been attending physiotherapy with Tony Whyte, who has helped my recovery immensely! At every turn, everyone I have come into contact with at Spire has been 5 star. Particularly George Spink, Tony Whyte and the nurses who looked after me the evening, night and morning after my operation. I couldn't fault the care at all. Thankyou so much Craig