I have T2 diabetes (15 years) and I have now developed a prolapsed disc in my back. I have had a guided cortisone by CT, which hasn't worked and I am told by two physiotherapists (The Neurosurgeon's proposed next step), that neither one is able to help me with the Tpain of the Prolapsed Disc. Both physios have written to my neurosurgeon to advise. Despite being told initially that he would operate, my Neurosurgeon now tells me that, that no one will do the operation to alleviate my pain, because I have diabetes and the danger with anesthetic. Has anyone ever come across this situation? I am in agony!
Hello Antmeal. I'm sorry to hear you're having these issues.
I think what would be useful to you to find out exactly what aspects of your diabetes and the anaesthetic mean you are not a candidate for surgery.
As others have said, it is not too uncommon, unfortunately, that surgery is deferred due to diabetes, and there have even been a few people who have had a diabetes diagnosis when they have had their pre-op assessments.
As I understanding it, as far as your blood sugars are concerned, your HbA1c should be 60/7.5% or less, due to the additional risks of poor healing. Obviously, any other health conditions you may not have mentioned would also be taken into account.
I would suggest, in the first instance, you make an appointment to see or speak to your GP to ask him exactly what this is likely to mean, and furthermore, what the next steps are relating to your condition, if surgery is either completely non-viable, or if there is something that could be worked on to improve the surgical options, how you manage the time in between - something like a specialist pain management clinic.
I do hope you find a way forward with this. Living with pain is so very wearing.
