August 25th, 2019
Back pain was diagnosed by G.P. as postherpetic neuralgia in October 2018 and prescribed medication. Medication was minimally effective, side effects almost worse than the pain. Started losing feeling in toes and feet in March 2019, went back in April and a CT scan was requested. Followed up several times and was told that the request was resent, meanwhile numbness progressed and started losing ability to walk normally.
Being fed up with the wait and declining health, in July 2019 got the CT requisition and went to a private clinic. Had an MRI within a week, G.P called the next day with results - most likely meningioma in spine, referred to neurosurgeon for immediate consult. Surgery scheduled for end of August. Finally got a call for the original CT scan; scheduled for end of September a month after the surgery!
6 month wait for a scan that takes half an hour! Paying $900 for MRI was the best $900 I've ever spent. If the provincial government takes the private option away, many people who are fortunate to have the means will go to the U.S. for these scans, or Alberta, or another province. Either invest heavily in new equipment and staff, or leave the private option as is!
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