Subluxation, now had surgery

Lucy, UK

Posted 2015-05-10

I wish I had known about this website nearly 4 years ago (it would have saved me a lot of tears!)

I gave birth to my daughter nearly 4 years ago. She was born following a ventouse and episiotomy delivery after laying with my feet in stirrups and pushing for nearly 3 hours. After the epidural wore off, I knew something was immediately wrong. And very, very wrong. Severe coccyx pain, unable to sit, stand for lengthy periods, car journeys were a nightmare, sitting nursing my newborn was agony...

Fast forward through the next 4 years.... Countless GP visits, steroid injections, physio, osteo, chiro, homeo, pain clinics, incompetent professionals, unclear MRI, another pregnancy and subsequent baby (God knows how I endured 9 months pregnancy with such severe pain!) Not to mention the pain medication that seriously altered my personality...!

Things came to a head just before Christmas 2014 when I was so depressed and suicidal with the pain. I found Dr Durtnall at the Sayer Clinic in London (see Doctors and specialists in the UK, London) and I can honestly say that he is changing my life. His manner, professionalism, sensitivity and understanding/knowledge of the problem, sense of humour, positivity and encouragement have helped me see light at the end of the tunnel. I still have a long way to go but the pain is less and I am able to start enjoying life again, much to the relief of my long suffering husband and 2 small children!

Update, 2021-09-26

So, here I am nearly 6 years later and in such terrible pain that I have booked an appointment with the surgeon Mr John Hardy (see Doctors and specialists in the UK, London) on Thursday. We shall see what the outcome is. I'm keeping my fingers crossed as I am now over 10 years down the line of living with this condition and I really can't do it anymore.

Update, 2022-09-25

I had my surgery with Mr Hardy in January 2022. It went without a hitch, despite my terrible anxiety, with Mr Hardy removing C2/3/4. I recovered well, with no infection or problems with the incision. Recovery was hard and at times painful. I felt despondent and wondered on many an occasion whether I had made the right choice. You do have to keep up the exercises no matter what and stay positive.

But I am so pleased to report that at 6 months post op, I was able to travel to Disneyland Paris and go on all the rides (even the biggest, bone jarring rollercoasters) with my children and experienced very little discomfort.

I'm now at 8 months post op and I am completely pain free! It is absolutely incredible. I wake up every morning and I sit on the bed and can't actually believe that I can sit pain free for the first time in 10 and a half years!

After so many years of terrible pain, depression and trying every possible treatment available, Mr Hardy's incredible skill, knowledge and understanding have given me my life back. I'm eternally grateful and so is my family.

I can at last enjoy things that I haven't done for over 10 years, such as going canoeing, go-karting and going on simple bike rides with my children. I can sit on the floor and play Lego with my son! I have been able to start exercising again and I honestly feel so positive about the future.

My biggest regret is not seeking Mr Hardy's help sooner. I would have saved myself so much heartache (and bum ache!!) All those lost years of going round and round. :-(

Mr Hardy truly is an incredible surgeon! He has achieved what I thought - and was told so many times - would be impossible, and I am so, so thankful to him for giving me my life back.

For anyone reading this: if you have tried every single treatment going and you feel that you have no where else to turn, seek help from Mr Hardy. He is truly worth every penny.

Well, it's been just over 20 months since my surgery and I can say that it has been totally life changing.

I have the occasional twinge and a tiny bit of discomfort - which I would liken to a bruised feeling, especially when the weather is damp, but apart from that, the operation was a resounding success. I do try to avoid sitting on hard surfaces for lengthy periods. My kitchen's bar stools can sometimes be uncomfortable!

However, my life now is so much better and pretty much pain free. My only regret is not seeking help from Mr Hardy sooner.

Update, 2024-06-16

After successful surgery in January 2022 by Mr Hardy, I am pleased to report that I am 99% pain free. The only time I suffer any stiffness or discomfort in the coccyx/sacrum area is sitting for an extended period of time on a hard surface. The discomfort is fleeting and gone in a matter of moments after standing up.

I have joined a gym and have regained pre-injury level fitness and am able to train and lift weights 4-5 times a week without any pain whatsoever.

It truly is amazing to feel this way and I am so grateful to Mr Hardy for his skill, professionalism and care which has allowed me to live life again to the fullest.