I have suffered from serious back problems since 2011, resulting in extensive periods of working from home, ever stronger painkillers and a spinal fusion in 2013. Sadly, none of these have made a long term difference and I am still on strong painkillers as before. A helpful doctor at the hospital told me that there wasn't any more they could do and to go away and live with it!
Fortunately I have an excellent GP who referred me to the Pain Clinic and I was fortunate enough to see Dr Wisam Ali at the Holly Private Hospital in Buckhurst Hill, under the NHS. From the outset Dr Ali has been committed to trying to defeat the pain for me, and other patients I have seen there! We have spoken at my appointments and I have thanked him for his ongoing support, his response is that he will always keep trying whilst the patient wants to and can bear it. He also explains exactly what he is intending to do on each occasion and what the effect should be, and what will be next if this is not successful. On a recent treatment for me he was concerned that I was showing signs of osteoporosis and arranged for me to have a full body scan, also at the Holly.
Apart from general appointments I have also had five outpatient appointments with Dr Ali where he has carried out facet joint and radio frequency injections in various parts of my lower spine seeking to find the cure. I can't thank him enough for his constant determination and commitment to me, and to all his patients. I hear nothing but praise for him from his other patients, and the nursing staff who work with him, and I am grateful for the fact that I was referred to him. My consultant now thinks that the lumbar fusion may not have fused, but Dr Ali has been an amazing support to me since 2015, and I have further appointments with him this week. I would not hesitate to recommend him to anyone looking for a pain therapist/consultant anaesthetist.
