‘I am living in pain’ - Sleepless nights for man with spinal issues

Construction worker Carlton Barnes has not had a pain free day in years due to a herniated disc.

According to the Portmore, St Catherine resident, when he underwent corrective surgery at the Kingston Public Hospital (KPH) in November 2023, he thought that would bring relief. But he said his condition has got even more agonising. Unable to bear the torment any longer, Barnes said he is reaching out to those in the medical field who can assist.

"I need a referral or just a consultation from any doctor who can assist me because I want to get back to my normal self. It is hard living like this. I have even visited the Ministry of Health because I just want to get back on track. I can't do nothing for myself. I am not employed or getting an earning. I have a daughter going to school and I can't even help her. I wasn't like this before so I am begging even Dr Tufton to see what he can do for me. I am living in pain," Barnes said.

A herniated disc is an injury to the intervertebral disc between two vertebrae, usually caused by excessive strain or trauma to the spine. According to Barnes, he felt severe pain in his lower back for years, but did not seek medical attention until 2023.

"The doctors at KPH suggested surgery but I was hesitant and asked about other forms of treatment. But the pain medicine didn't work. Mi end up do the surgery in November 2023, but after mi do it, mi realise say mi can't move. Mi ask dem what's the problem but they said I just did surgery so that's why. I went home and could not walk but I didn't start doing therapy in early 2024," Barnes said.

Barnes emphasised that although he did several sessions of physiotherapy, they were ineffective. He said he has since been readmitted to KPH twice, but none of the medication applied has worked. He said he has even sought other medical advice but his condition remains the same.

"Right now the pain that I am facing is on a scale of 10. It just cannot get any worse. My body feels stiff so I can barely walk or take care of myself or my family. I was in a lot of pain before the surgery but it wasn't like this. I was able to work and function. I could climb a tree or even a flight of stairs but I can't right now," he said, calling the pain unbearable.

"I feel a squeezing and tightness in my back and legs and the muscle spasms are terrible. It's over a year since I do the surgery and my condition is getting worse. I haven't got a good sleep because there is not a minute that I get a break from the pain. I am not being extra, it's just the truth," he said.

Persons wishing to assist Carlton Barnes may contact him at 876-883-3373.