Around Sept 11th 2001 I began to suffer with severe debilitating sciatic symptoms that left me unable to move for sometimes hours at a time the pain was to say the least excruciating and for the next 10 years I began the search for every possible procedure / treatment to address and fix my problem, I had everything from physio, osteopathy, scleresant injections, cupping, pain management injections I think I cleared the treatment cupboard out. Whilst having physio my back “went” into spasm and I was unable to leave the surgery for a good hour and a half until it subsided, This is when I was told about Dr Martin Knight at The Spinal Foundation and I was lucky enough (though I had to fight it) to get the NHS to fund cosultation and any subsequent treatment.
I saw Dr Knight in 2011 whereby he gave a concise and detailed examination of my lower back and identified the potential cause – which incidently no other consultant had noticed or considered – a tethered nerve in the L4 L5 region. Having discussed all my options he stated I was a candidate for his treatment and could offer at least 50% improvement so I signed on the dotted line as I really felt this man had something he could offer me. To cut a long story short he operated on me in November 2011 and got me mobility wise back to at least 90% improvement – no more debilitating spasms that left me drained and in severe pain. Oh did I mention that he was spot on with the diagnosis that the problem was indeed the tethered nerve he had diagnosed. This man allowed me to return to work (serving police officer) and apart from a few pain management interventions on the NHS I led a more than acceptable pain free life.
I then went through a traumatic time in my life as in December 2014 my fiance of 12 years was diagnosed with bowel cancer which had advanced to the liver. I went through hell watching her have to endure chemotherapy and despite a positive outlook in June 2015 she succumbed to the cancer passing away on 3rd December 2015. The next year was a blur coming to terms with it all finalising in the yearly anniversary in December 2016 being so run down I got a chest infection followed by Shingles.
My sciatic also began to appear more often and I made the decision to contact Dr Knight again as I felt he was the only person who I could guarantee would be able to offer if anything a more permanent diagnosis and treatment. I liaised with his secretary Jenny Jago and all dates / paperwork were completed and I had a consultation with him in March 2017 at Fawkham Manor Hospital in Kent.
Again he explained in detail what he believed the problem was and again felt he could offer me treatment as things had since 2011 moved on technology wise quite significantly. I was admitted to the hospital on 26th April 2017 and had a polymer stick inserted into my L4 and L5 – this procedure not only gave more disc space but also acts a prevention to degeneration of the discs and prevents inflammation. By all accounts Im a lucky man as my body seems to want to heal and due to the scarring caused by previous healing it had to be removed as this was causing some of the symptoms.
All I can say as I type this is apart from my lower back hurting where he went in my symptoms in my calf, hamstring hip and outside of left thigh do not seem to be presenting themselves!!!! We all know our bodies and I know it is early days but I already feel a significant inprovement. Oh I forgot – no stitches just a bit of glue to seal his entry point so a shorter recovery time – a win win situation.
I would like to point out the following observations regarding what Dr Knight offers for any person that is considering their options or is at a cross roads as to what to do regarding their suffering:
- Mr Knight is at the forefront of this type of surgery the benefits are that it addresses any problems with a minimilistic approach regarding trauma and recovery time. The options open to the patient and surgeon allows both to communicate and pinpoint the cause of pain. This is obvioulsy not possible under a general aneasthetic as the surgeon then has to rely on what he sees – not always the cause of the patients pain. Too late !!!!!
- He expalins in detail what he believes is the problem and most importantly what if any treatment he can offer. He will also point out all other medical options open to you and is at no time pressuring you to make a decision it is your decision and he will leave it for you to go away and think it over.
- His team have been together over 20 years and he has all the numbers / percentages of success etc and these can be made available if required – very impressive and encouraging.
- Finally, I have sought this man out twice and he has delivered twice. He has not paid me to advertise him incase your thinking this !!! 10 years I spent with numerous consultants in various fields and though some offered a respite no one addressed the main cause. Mr Knight not only diagnosed (in his words “This is what I do ” ) but has given me my life back. You cannot put a price on this.
He and Jenny are very approachable and caring people who want to help. I would certainly endorse and recommend them if you are suffering and feel there is no one out there to help. If Dr Knight cannot help you I dont know of anyone who could. Good luck in you search and decision.
Mr Warren Chine
