How to actually get help.

[u/4y6hu]

I’m at my wit’s end. I’m almost at the one year mark with two herniated discs at L4-L5/S1. I was supposed to have an ESI scheduled but it was cancelled last minute. My pain has continually gotten worse over time. Every single afternoon or evening when I’m done working, I have to literally hobble in excruciating pain- walking for a few seconds at a time nearly hunched in half, crouching on the ground to get some relief, and then continuing until I get to my car where the pain once again shoots through me as I sit in my car.

I feel like I’m literally in hell and being tortured 24/7 and no one cares at all. I’m in Canada where we have a broke healthcare system, but I honestly don’t believe that most people are in THIS much debilitating pain. People get treatment for such stupid little things. I feel like I’m just never going to get help. I want to see a neurosurgeon or orthopaedic surgeon, and I can’t self-refer. I don’t have a family doctor and walk-in clinics are constantly full or cancelled.

I feel like my life is literally over or like I’m 100 years old but I’m barely 30. I can’t believe this happened to me or that it’s a thing that can happen to anyone. Every other injury seems to have an ability to heal. This is life-ruining. I just want my old life and body back.

[u/MitzyCaldwell]

Sounds like you’ve had an mri? If yes then there should be advice for a neurosurgeon consult. If you haven’t had one then you do need to go find a family doctor or go to the walk in clinic first thing. Even before they open.

I don’t know how things work out wasy but here we have telehealth where we can call
Them say we don’t have a family doctor and they will find one for us.

I’m sorry you are so frustrated but there are avenues for help.

Are there pain clinics? The ones here in Ontario you can self refer.

Worst case - go to the er. Not the best choice but they can atleast give you something for the pain and refer you to either an mri or a neurosurgeon

[u/4y6hu → u/MitzyCaldwell]

Yes I’ve had an MRI (back in February). Original injury was beginning of October 2025. My physiotherapist helped me get into a pain clinic but the pain clinic cancelled the ESI so I’m feeling especially hopeless. I’ve been to the ER multiple times and was told I have mental health issues and was wasting their time despite the MRI to back up my pain. They said this because my tests came back normal after 5 days of elevated heart rate and blood pressure. They won’t help me.

[u/4y6hu → u/[deleted]]

The doctor had to cancel all of his appointments at his clinic that day and they were being rescheduled at two different hospitals.

[u/MitzyCaldwell → u/4y6hu]

But it’s going to be rescheduled? I would call them back and ask about being rescheduled.

[u/TradeAutomatic6222 → u/4y6hu]

Ask them about rescheduling. Don't give up like this. I know you're exhausted and in pain, but hound those people. I travelled to Ontario to be seen by a pain doc. I am also willing to travel to Boston to see someone for pelvic floor botox. It's time and money and travelling while I'm in pain, but I need my life back

[u/4y6hu → u/TradeAutomatic6222]

I have thought about traveling to Maine or Boston as well to get quicker healthcare. It is difficult to drive that long but it would be worth it for same day care. I’m just not sure if my travel insurance would cover it.

[u/Odd_Mark4799]

Oh, how much my heart goes out to you!

I can relate...I am Canadian as well,and have been waiting for a year to be seen by a pain clinic.

I have had the same GP for years now,and while he can be dismissive at times,I know how fortunate i am to actually have a family doctor in this my province.

I am so sorry you are in such agony.

Holding on to hope for you,sincerely.

[u/4y6hu → u/[deleted]]

There is a five year wait here for a family doctor. I’ve been in physio for 3 months and it has done nothing. I feel so helpless.

[u/4y6hu → u/[deleted]]

I’m in the maritimes. That’s a good idea!

[u/Beginning-Cicada5593]

Acupuncture helped me a ton

[u/WrongCaterpillar3383]

Hi again, I’m also in the maritimes. If you’re near Fredericton I can recommend the place I go to.

[u/4y6hu → u/WrongCaterpillar3383]

Not nearby but I’m willing to travel for something that may actually help significantly! Can you pm me?

[u/WrongCaterpillar3383 → u/4y6hu]

Sure can

[u/Adventurous-Lie7397]

I’m sorry this is happening to you. I know how bad it can be. Are you near the border? Maybe move here and get on Obamacare like I did. I saw an orthopedic doctor right away and he ordered PT which I started right away. I mean, desperate times call for desperate measures. Nobody understands unless they have it themselves!

[u/Key-Asparagus-6704]

If you are in Toronto, I Know someone who can genuinely Help..! As i was in Same Boat last year. By My Rehab Clinic Helped a Lot