I have been given an appointment in the Rapid Referal Clinic to see a Physiotherapist Practitioner Specialist. I still have not been sent to a consultant.
I have been assessed and was sent for an MRI by a physiotherapist at the end of May this year.

Apparently I am on the waiting list to see a consultant but I don't understand the hospital system as my letter says I am seeing a Physiotherapist Practitioner Specialist on behalf of my consultant.

I would be grateful if someone could give me some advice on what this means.

Will I be sent to see a consultant after this appointment?

Another thing; It says Rapid Referral. I have had to wait for this for 10 weeks and over. That I do not class as Rapid Referral in my books. Rapid means fast, this is not fast, it's average and non-urgent time.

The hospital system is completely confusing. They do not even tell you what will happen next or what will happen at the appointment. It's rediculous.

Sorry Pabloh. Doesn't sound very "rapid" to me, either. Hope you get some answers.

Bumpity bump bump!

Thanks, Twinkletoes.

Apparently the hospital consultant has put me in to see a member of his physio team rather than him which I find strange as I prefer to get to know a consultant if they are supposed to be treating me. I'll just have to see. Sounds dodgy though....

Sorry for double post, I don't know how to edit.

I would be grateful if someone could give me a bit of advice on whether physio is appropriate for a slipped disc that has been present for three years plus or if surgery would be the better option as I am not sure.

Thanks in advance.

Bump bump!

I think physio is appropriate. When I had a herniated (slipped) disk, my surgeon told me that surgery should be done within a few months. Otherwise, there is the risk of permanent nerve damage. One the nerve damage is permanent, then surgery doesn't really help. However, things like epidural steroids and physio can.

Good luck,

Kay