"conflicting consultants"

Anything else?

I have had back and leg pain for 11 months. The first 4 months was spent with no help then painkillers and eventually acupuncture and physio which only made me worse and had to stop. More pain killers while waiting and then 5 months later I saw consultant no1. 8 weeks later had an MRI only to find a medium to large bulging disc. Another month later I saw a 2nd consultant who said I needed a back operation and I was devastated and reluctant but knew I had no choice if I was to improve my life, walk upright and rid pain. As there was a 4 mth waiting list , It was suggested I go for a root block to ease the pain while i waited for the operation date. I was given details to read about both of the procedures and 8 weeks later I got the injection (even the surgeon said it was a large bulge!). This helped the pain was eased and it made a good bit of difference after about 6 weeks. I am still unable to walk upright, I wake up in pain during the night, have pain 24hrs a day in my leg but it is much more tolerable. Again 8 weeks later, I went to the hospital and saw yet another consultant no3, to find out I was too tense, stressed and my muscles were tight (same as 11 months ago!). His suggestion was physio, meditation, yoga and because of my frustration needed happy pills. I questioned about the op. and was told I dont need it! He wants to see me in 3 mths- physio 8 week waiting list. what is going on??? do I need the bulge removed or not? will physio fix me? why is everything taking 8 weeks? There is just no light at the end of the tunnel and I am losing faith in the conflicting decisions these consultants are making. I just want someone to say this is how it is fixed and then get on with it so I can have my life back. 11 months to be told I need to relax and take happy pills what is this!!!? The stress is because of the slow process, the constant pain, having to run a family and a full time job, no social life, minimal activity, oh and to be given mixed messages and made to feel like I am a neurotic woman. I have been patient and polite, listened without question and done what I am told - only to be fobbed off! Good, hard working, respectful & polite people get no where.