Expat Community > Belgium

Nousch
Joined 2023
Posts: 1

ANTWERP: Specialist for herniated disk?

1 year ago

Hi!

My 33yo partner, who lives in the Netherlands, was diagnosed with a really bad herniated disk. Moving is extremely painful and has gotten to a point where it has an effect on bladder and bowels, as well as on the right leg, which has started to drag recently.

Despite the severe complaints, my partner was sent home by the neurologist in the hospital and told to take paracetamol (which don't help, which was also communicated) and to sit it out for 3 months with some physio to then come back if there's still pain.

In the meantime the complaints have worsened and we asked for a 2nd opinion from the specialist from the insurance company. We were told he's on a holiday for a month, so too bad for my partner. Working has become daily torture since walking is barely possible, and there is no hope at the end of the hernia tunnel if we have to rely on the healthcare system in the Netherlands, since apparently paracetamol cures everything in this country.

It's not the first time the Dutch healthcare system has failed to provide help in a dire situation, so the plan is to go to a specialist here in Antwerp. The only hospital that has a contract with my partner's Dutch insurance company is UZA, but I have no experience with the department of neurology there.

Do any of you (who have/had a herniated disk) have experience with the neurologists of UZA, and if so which neurologist do you recommend? I do have to mention that my partner doesn't want a surgery. This should be the very last resort, since there isn't really any reliable data yet on the long term effects.

Other recommendations in other hospitals are welcome as well if UZA doesn't turn out to be the right place.

Thank you so much for your feedback!

William Russell

Get a quote for international health insurance from our partner, William Russell.
Get Quote

William Russell

Get a quote for international health insurance from our partner, William Russell.
Get Quote

Living in Belgium Guide

Should you drive or take public transportation in Brussels? Do you think that rental prices in Bruge are affordable or very expensive? Read the article to get the answers to these questions and other tips about living in Belgium.

Belgium Forum
Join our Belgium forum to meet other expats and talk about living in Belgium.

Contribute
Help other expats and newcomers by answering questions about the challenges and adventures of living in Belgium.

Best Places to Live in Belgium

If you're considering a move to Belgium, here are the 15 Best Places to Live in Belgium in 2023.

Healthcare in Belgium

If you're moving to Belgium, understanding the healthcare system is essential. This article covers public healthcare, private healthcare, hospitals, English-speaking doctors in Belgium, prescription medications and medical emergencies.

Cost of Living in Belgium

Expats offer insight into the cost of living in Belgium.

Moving to Belgium Guide

If you're moving to Belgium, this is a must-read guide to help you get started in your planning -- it covers international schools, healthcare in Belgium, jobs, real estate and cost of living.

Real Estate in Belgium

Real estate listings in popular cities and towns in Belgium.

Pros & Cons of Living in Belgium

Take off your rose-colored glasses and learn what expats have to say about the biggest challenges and the greatest rewards of living in Belgium.

Retiring in Belgium

Advice for people retiring in Belgium.

10 Tips for Living in Belgium

If you've recently arrived in Belgium, here are 10 tips for digital nomads living in Belgium.

Additional Information:

Visit our Belgium Index for a Full List

William Russell

Get a quote for international health insurance from our partner, William Russell.
Get Quote

William Russell

Get a quote for international health insurance from our partner, William Russell.
Get Quote

Contribute
Help others in Belgium by answering questions about the challenges and adventures of living in Belgium.

Login

Or, Send Login Link

Expat Community > Belgium

ANTWERP: Specialist for herniated disk?

Login