By the right place I don't jus mean to make new friendship an get help and advice but being computer illiterate I'm also hoping I pressed the right button to post this introduction about myself, it seriously took me three days to take the plunge and I'm dreading that this might pop up somewhere totally inappropriate.

My names Dawn I'm 51 have 6 daughters all grown up and am now repeating the whole child rearing experience with two of my grandchildren aged 3 & 5. They are great and keep me on my toes which is really why I'm here...hoping to find advice to keep me on my toes.
I have suffered with cluster headaches for 30years which interfere with my life for months and months at a time so I felt really sorry for myself when last may I developed lower back pain and sciatica symptons that lasted all through the summer getting progressively worse until I wasn't able to stand or walk far because of the pain. The symptons eventually went leaving me with just some weakness an stiffness and occasional night time cramps. I was given a MRI but no one ever shared the results with me till last week when I went back to the GP after the symptons returned with a vengeance, (already walking is hard) He let me briefly skim through the MRI report. At least 4 herniated discs were mentioned, separate to a annula tear and bulging disc, compression, spinal stenosis and degenerative disease there was a load of other stuff but that's what I can remember. I was pretty shocked and had the 5 yearvold with me (who is chatty and active) so was distracted. He explained nothing except to say I need a op that I am too young to have so all he can do is prescribe painkillers and gabapentin. His painkillers don't work I'm in agony!!!
Surely that's not all on offer? Could really do with some advice on what those results are suggesting my back problem is and is it likely too get worse? Am I allowed toask for a copy of the MRI report?
Suppose I'm saying "help" really ...I need to stay mobile enough to keep jumping in muddy puddles for a good few more years!
Anyway thank you for reading and if anyone can shed some light on things I would be so grateful. Looking forward to getting to knowing you all ( once I have mastered how to use iPad/site xxx

Hi Dawn!
Actually you can call the hospital or outpatient center that done your MRI and tell them you need a copy of the disc for your personal records. This would be picked up in the radiology department. Then proceed to medical records and obtain a copy of the MRI report. Be prepared, have your drivers license in hand and most hospitals charge fifty cents per page for the report...should only be two pages.
The bulging disc can be treated with NSAIDS and Physical therapy.
My advice would be to ask for a consult for a Neurosurgeon to further advice you on your results. Hope this helps.
B

Surely that's not all on offer? Could really do with some advice on what those results are suggesting my back problem is and is it likely too get worse? Am I allowed toask for a copy of the MRI report?
Suppose I'm saying "help" really ...I need to stay mobile enough to keep jumping in muddy puddles for a good few more years!

Sorry to hear about your back problems. I do not have much advice as yet but I'm in a very similar situation and trying to find out what my options are within the NHS. So far the only things I've learned are that you have to keep yourself informed both about your treatment options as well as about your medical condition. You can request a 'second opinion' through your GP but you would have to start the whole process again and go at the back of the waiting list. You can also contact your local 'PALS' if you want to make a complaint. As far as I'm aware you can request your results but you will have to pay.

Hi D4wn,

I posted my response to you under the new member introductions thread. Please visit it to see my response. Thanks.

Hopeless