Mr Barrie White

Written by a patient at Queen's Medical Centre

I had been trying to get a diagnosis for my condition which included extreme fatigue, an inability to walk very far and bladder weakness for several years. By the summer of last year I felt very disabled being constantly tired, able to walk only about 200 metres without aid and my bladder problem had become un-controllable. I had no idea what was wrong with me and understandably, neither did my GP. I was however quite depressed and frustrated at the lack of a diagnosis. Eventually, despite having seen one neurologist previously, I was referred back to neurology for a second opinion. Again I was not diagnosed but had a recommendation for an MRI on my brain. I subsequently had the scan and the same evening the consultant neurologist rang my home and explained to me and my wife that they had found a large meningioma (a slow growing tumour) in my brain. He explained that I urgently needed an operation and I was admitted to the Queen's Medical Centre the next day(Friday). On Sunday, I and my wife met Mr White and we were both very impressed by his explanation of the tumour and of the dangers of the operation and of not having it. He seemed very articulate and caring. I signed the consent form and was expecting to be operated on the following morning. On the Monday morning I was being prepped for the operation when I was told the consultants had changed their minds and were going to send me home for a week with a course of steroids. The steroids helped to reduce the pressure on my brain and I felt a lot better. I was readmitted to Queen's the following Wednesday and had the operation on the same day. Mr White personally rang my wife that evening to tell her that the operation had been very successful and they thought they had completely removed the tumour. Myself, I felt better almost immediately although my mind created some very strange problems for me. One moment I felt very relieved and pleased by what had happened and the next I had weird hallucinations which made me very scared. Within a few days I was much improved and was discharged on the following Monday. I don't think I really talked to Mr White during this time but did converse with members of his team. They were extremely professional and caring as were the nursing and auxiliary staff. On discharge, I was allocated a senior nurse contact called Helen who has been very helpful. As I write this it is about 10 weeks since my operation. I feel I am recovering really well and have not felt so alert for many years. I have largely got over the extreme emotions I felt originally but remain extremely grateful to Mr White and his team who I really believe have saved my life. As well as that, Mr White has been a true gentleman and I hope to meet with him in a few days time and will express my thanks in the best way I can.

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Written by a patient at Queen's Medical Centre

After 10 years of frustration from my GP's it was very refreshing to meet Mr White who actually listened to my concerns and explained for the first time what was wrong with my spine, proposed treatment and possible outcomes. I have every confidence Mr White will try to help me and I look forward to hearing from him soon

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Written by a patient at Queen's Medical Centre

Mr White saved my life in 2015 by removing 12 High Cervical Spinal Tumours. Recently a very large Tumour has grown on the nape of my neck down T1-T6. I seen this Neuro Surgeon on Tuesday 5th December and the following day the 6th December I had my operation. This gentleman, yes gentleman from start to finish explains what exactly is going to happen. Mr White is a caring person. He phoned my wife as soon as my operation was soon as my operation was over. He goes beyond and further to support you and your family. I would trust any of my family's life with this surgeon. He's also got an amazing nurse called Laurie who also cares. If anybody says anything about him I suggest them to check this site out. Once again, I cannot thank him enough. Michael & Gail Blair.

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Written by a patient at Queen's Medical Centre

I was referred to Mr Barrie White as an NHS patient from the Musculo-Skeletal team in Louth Lincolnshire. I had been told over the phone by Musculo Skeletal that following a recent MRI that a cyst had been found that was narrowing the spinal cord. I was advised that the Neurosurgical team at QMC were the best. My first appointment with Mr White was on Monday 16th October 2017. Mr White examined me and asked me to describe my symptoms. He then got the MRI imaging on screen and explained that it was an actual tumour narrowing the spinal cord with a cyst on top. He spent time explaining what would happen if I left the tumour in place and the surgical options, including the risks. If I did not have the operation then it was a sure thing that I would end up paralysed and incontinent. There was a 10-20% chance of failure having the operation but for me it was a no brainer. I had the operation a ‘T12/L1 laminectomy for intradural spinal tumour’ on Wednesday 15th November 2017. After the operation Mr White personally called my Husband to let him know how the surgery went. Mr White visited me daily until he went on Holiday, I stayed in Hospital for one week. Mr White is a calm, personable, highly skilled Neurosurgeon who is highly regarded within his field and a valuable member of the Neurosurgical team at QMC. I highly recommend Mr White and trusted him completely, which is crucial with regards to surgery within the spinal cord. Other members of staff described him as ‘The God’ of Neurosurgery. I must say I have been very impressed. I am now at home recovering and although my balance needs some work I walk better than prior to the operation which is amazing. Thank you Mr White, Laurie, his Nurse Practioner and all of the amazing Nurses on NSPU ward, I can honestly say they are an amazing caring team.

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Written by a patient at Queen's Medical Centre

I'm in awe of Doctor Barrie White and all the staff at the Queen's Medical Centre in Nottingham. If you don't know Queens it is a huge hospital complex near Notttingham University. It is five years since (2012) I had an urgent operation to remove an intradural meningioma (benign tumour) from T2 on my spine. I had excellent care and Doctor White was amazing. What is the follow up like at Queens? Excellent and I have had annual MRI scans since July 2012. I had a very, very unexpected panic attack in the MRI scanner in 2017 but have received a letter from Doctor White with alternative solutions so I feel confidant I can do the (hopefull) final MRI scan in due course. How is my health now? Excellent thanks to my care at Queens. The NHS is wonderful. Dorothy Parker

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