GolfGTIforum.co.uk
Model specific boards => Golf mk7 => Topic started by: Brenbo on 28 September 2018, 15:28
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As some of you guys may know, I have a Golf R and I have now just come up to my 2nd year service. However due to 2018 being the worst year of my life I am currently unable to go to my local dealer to get the service carried out at the moment.
The reason for this is my father died unexpectedly in his sleep in May this year and my wife and I were the first on the scene to attend to him and try to give him rolled over on to his back and give him CPR. Due to the advisor on 999 call telling my mother to get him off the bed, and my father being too heavy for my mother to do this, he ended up on the floor face down in a small area of his bedroom. I struggled to get him on his back prior to giving him CPR and caused myself an injury. However long story short, I ended up giving myself a pain in my side, which developed in to Sciatica in my left leg first then both legs at this present time. It is thought that I have caused my L5 - S1 Disc to bulge/rupture and hit/irritate my L5 nerve which is causing the sciatica. It is due to the cronic pain I have had for 4 months since my fathers death to this present day (which is a great memory of my father) that I am unable to drive any real distance until I have recovered from the pain I am in (which over time is still getting worse, not better?).
Anyway my Golf is now due it's 2nd year service and I am unable to take it to the dealer. The question I want to ask those who might know on this forum, is, does the 2 year service plan have a validity date for when you have to use it by, before it becomes invalid?
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Most dealers offer a collection and return service.
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The thing is that I live about 40+ miles form the dealer and going their past record when i have taken my car in for work to be done, I am unsure if I could trust them to look after my car with collection and return.
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Sorry for your loss dude, and the problems following it, if you was near me I’d take it in for you and then bring it back,
Sorry I can’t help on the service plan tho
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Terms and conditions here - http://www.vwfsaftersales.co.uk/ourplans/under-1-year/ They don't mention a time limitation but do state servicing must be as per schedule so I'd imagine there would be a limit to how late you can book it. Might be best to give the dealer a call or VFS. How long are you thinking, days, weeks, months?
Sorry to hear of your problems, hope you feel better soon.
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Cheers for the kind words guys. My father was like a brother as well as a father to me. It will be a great loss and the feeling of drugs, grief and cronic pain is so awesome I never want to experience it again.
I am hopefully going to be having an MRI scan within the next 7 to 10 days. Then I will know what it is and can workout the plan of action to getting fighting fit again. I was due the service about a week ago. But was going to wait for the MRI scan first then once I know what I am dealing with and whether I have to wait for the pain to recover naturally or via surgery I was going to call the dealer then and see about the service and my options of having it done.
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I'm going through the same issue with my back, disc L1 and L2 have shrunk, bulging and dehydrated. I'm 4 month in and only just started driving again full time. They've recommended I have physio.
Maybe drop VW an email or find a local garage to carry out the work. As long as the garage uses genuine parts and everything is documented you won't invalidate warranty. Google 'Block Exemption Regulation'
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Have just contacted VW Exeter (my local dealer). They say that as I am 40 miles away i cannot have my car collected, which is not a surprise to me with the distance. However they allow 1000 miles or a month extra past the specified 12000 miles/12 month timescale date and due to the low mileage on my car and my situation I will be OK to leave it up to the end of this month to take it up to the service. If I am OK to drive it that is. Lets hope the MRI shows a result I can sort out quickly as the not knowing if I will recover is frustrating... especially since I have Golf R in my drive and I am unable to drive it any distance without causing pain.
Also I always said my father was a pain in the butt, however I didn't expect this comment to become literal :sad:
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Cheers for the info Ryan90GTI... I guess I could say I feel your pain :laugh:.
Hope you recover from the pain soon mate. My doctor and osteopath have recommended light walking, swimming etc,. But where a month ago it helped to relieve some pain it now causes it to be worse and both legs have cramped up solid. I also feel a lot of constant pain on my Coccyx and am wondering if I have actually caused damage to this area rather than my L5 - S1 disc, guess the MRI will show all.
Heres to getting back in to our rides again and enjoying them pain free again one day.
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I'm a HGV driver and it's quite a common problem for us. Loads of people recommended me to see a chiropractor but I never went to see one. It took about 12-16 weeks for the pain to start to ease and now I'm not so bad, I'm back driving again but I'm very wary of how I get in and out of the truck etc.
It doesn't surprise me VW won't do anything, their customer service is truly awful. Find yourself a decent independent garage and don't bother giving VW anymore money.
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I'm a HGV driver and it's quite a common problem for us. Loads of people recommended me to see a chiropractor but I never went to see one. It took about 12-16 weeks for the pain to start to ease and now I'm not so bad, I'm back driving again but I'm very wary of how I get in and out of the truck etc.
It doesn't surprise me VW won't do anything, their customer service is truly awful. Find yourself a decent independent garage and don't bother giving VW anymore money.
Cheers mate. I tore the muscles/tendonous sheet across the upper lumbar/lower thoracic area of my back from coughing too hard with flu last year that was similar to your recovery period, but took 9 months to fully go without a trace of twinges or pain. But this time it feels worse after four months rather than better. I am going to to do MRI then service of car at a good garage after, once I know the facts of what I am dealing with.
My main goal in life to get back to being fighting fit and healthy so I can live like a 41 year old not an 81 year old as I feel at present. There's no point in having a car like a Golf R unless you can get out and enjoy driving it.
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Sorry to hear your sad news Brenbo.
Being a fellow sciatica sufferer on and off for the past (nearly) 40 years or so - initially caused by a sporting injury, I feel your pain; no pun intended. I’ve experienced the numb legs and feet, shooting sharp pains in the lower back, muscle spasms and the inability to stand up from a sitting position, and having to go up and down the stairs on my backside! Stepping heavily off a high pavement while on holiday in New Zealand a few years ago set it off again, and that’s not good when you’re on a driving holiday and can’t sit in a car. The 26 hour flight home was painful experience! I get periodic recurrences, and this year it’s given me quite a lot of grief; I wanted/needed to machine polish my car, but haven’t been able to, as using the DA isn’t the best therapy for back problems!
Makes you realise how much you take good mobility for granted when you become a sciatica sufferer.
Back on the subject of the service plan; if you’re still unable to drive to the dealer’s in a month’s time, another option might be to get someone you trust (friend or relative) to take your car to the dealer for the second service. It shouldn’t be too expensive to get them added to your insurance for a day.
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Sorry to hear your sad news Brenbo.
Being a fellow sciatica sufferer on and off for the past (nearly) 40 years or so - initially caused by a sporting injury, I feel your pain; no pun intended. I’ve experienced the numb legs and feet, shooting sharp pains in the lower back, muscle spasms and the inability to stand up from a sitting position, and having to go up and down the stairs on my backside! Stepping heavily off a high pavement while on holiday in New Zealand a few years ago set it off again, and that’s not good when you’re on a driving holiday and can’t sit in a car. The 26 hour flight home was painful experience! I get periodic recurrences, and this year it’s given me quite a lot of grief; I wanted/needed to machine polish my car, but haven’t been able to, as using the DA isn’t the best therapy for back problems!
Makes you realise how much you take good mobility for granted when you become a sciatica sufferer.
Back on the subject of the service plan; if you’re still unable to drive to the dealer’s in a month’s time, another option might be to get someone you trust (friend or relative) to take your car to the dealer for the second service. It shouldn’t be too expensive to get them added to your insurance for a day.
Its good to hear from others who have experienced a similar pain such as my sciatica, hope you recover well and soon mate, i wouldn't wish the pain from sciatica on anyone as it is the worst. It's funny you mention about having to fly 26 hours with back pain/sciatica as I did something similar last year with the torn mid back pain I had from flu last year. Of all places to go with a torn back we had Disney Florida booked up as a holiday just a week after I had flu and tore my back. The flight of 10 hours on a plane with narrow seats was interesting and a delight. An experience I don't want to go through again. Also some of the rides at Disney lost their edge of fun when I was bracing myself for the shock. Bad back or not I was not going to miss out on going to Disney Florida.
Anyway back to the subject as well. My wife is on my insurance already, but she would rather not drive my car as she feels it is too powerful for her and fears damaging my pride and joy. I may have to see what the MRI says and if it is something I am not going to make worse by driving, I may have to just dose up on the pain killers and drive to the garage for the service in the half term when I have time off on holiday to recouperate before and after. It's dual carriageway all the way so I can dump it to a high gear and cruise most the way hopefully.
You guys on this forum really are great and many thanks for the kind words. It makes me glad to be part of this forum. Now off to console my mother on the day which would have been her golden wedding anniversary.. Damn I love 2018
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I have the gti not the R but find that putting it in eco mode really blunts the performance (obviously), would this be a fix to help your wife drive it?
Hope you can put this all behind soon.
Tom
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Have just contacted VW Exeter (my local dealer). They say that as I am 40 miles away i cannot have my car collected, which is not a surprise to me with the distance.
I bet they would if you were buying a new vehicle.....poor customer service in my opinion
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I have the gti not the R but find that putting it in eco mode really blunts the performance (obviously), would this be a fix to help your wife drive it?
Hope you can put this all behind soon.
Tom
I have suggested eco mode as an option to my wife. I also feel the dealer may have a different outlook if was buying a new vehicle this year. However with the way things are going on the pain stakes I may just book a service sooner rather later and take my mother/other party along with me so If I need to swap over and get them to drive due to pain then I can. I may also give the cruise control a whirl for the first time ever.
Cheers for all your kind words of support, I just hope the MRI scan shows something obvious so I can get a plan of action and start the road to recovery. As yesterday morning I got full leg cramp from buttock to heel. Could not stand, walk lay down or sit, just had to let it go on it's own. All I could do yesterday was look at my car through the window. Looking forward to 2019 right now, as I may be on road to recovery and the it's another year closer to the Golf Mk8's being released, that should cheer me up. :wink:
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Really really sorry to hear your dreadful news and godawful year Brenbo.
I’m lost for words. :sad:
If there’s any way I can help drop me a message.
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My wife is on my insurance already, but she would rather not drive my car as she feels it is too powerful for her and fears damaging my pride and joy.
Now this I never understand. It need only go as fast as she makes it go.
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My wife is on my insurance already, but she would rather not drive my car as she feels it is too powerful for her and fears damaging my pride and joy.
Now this I never understand. It need only go as fast as she makes it go.
No sexism intended, I think it is wife logic.
@ Exonian I have an MRI scan on Friday and once I get my results hopefully within a week after unless told otherwise (have gone private) I will then know if I can take my car in for a service. If I find I am unable to take the car in for a service myself, as a last resort, It would be a big favour to ask as I am 40 miles away from you mate, but would you be able to drive my car in for the service if I am unable to do so myself, and if the offer still stands at the end of October?
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PM’d Brendan
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The situation has taken a dramatic turn. went to MRI Scan on friday and was in such pain getting on/ off scanner table the radiologist told me he was going to fast track result and get consultant immediately. Then consultant rushed me to Derriford and they operated on me next day (saturday). it was an enlarged herniated disc from which the jelly substance inside had touch every last nerve and spinal fluid to the legs. I was told if left any longer it would have permanently damaged nerves for legs but was caught just in time. Also good news is the pain has completely gone. Bad news is cannot drive for at least 4 weeks+ all goin well. Which is after the extra months grace on my service. I may give VW a call and tell about situation to see if they can extend the extra month
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Wow! Hope you have a speedy recovery and remain pain free. :smiley:
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Aww, bad times.
But hopefully now much better times to come :smiley:
Can you not ask a friend to help? Maybe put them on the insurance for a couple of days?
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Wishing you a speedy recovery :smiley:
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Now I am back with it a bit more, I have just discovered it was not jut one herniated disc but two. I had herniated L4 and L5 discs at same time. Apparently the surgeon said it was one of worst cases he had seen. I have been told I can drive by week 3 to 4 so may be OK to eventually do it myself now. Will just take it day by day and see how I go. Thanks for your words of support guys This is a great forum to be part of. :smiley:
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If I'd done my back in to the extent that you have, getting my car serviced would be the last thing on my mind if I'm being honest.
I've suffered back problems since I was 21 and I know how debilitating it can be.
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It will be a low priority getting the car serviced. I have done low mileage and to be honest the yearly thing is partly a ploy by dealers to ensure your service plans/services are regular so they get more money out of you. However by 4 weeks in to recovery I guess I may be feeling like a caged animal and if the physio gives me clean bill of health to drive I may take it in then at the earliest.
Health is more important and the surgeons have given me a quality of life I never thought I would ever get back. So I am eternally grateful to them. Their words for the state of my herniated discs/nerves on my spine was 'It was a Mess', 'it was one of the worst they had seen' and that I was lucky to not have had permanent nerve damage to my legs. If I had left it any longer I would have. So I will tell the osteopath on my appointment that the MRI was important, unlike he suggested, and lucky I did do it as I was not going to recover on my own and could have had permanent damage if I had not have had the MRI as soon as I did. It's gonna be an awkward appointment I think when i tell him.. My advice to all of you guys who do have sciatic pain in your legs is to get it checked out properly via an MRI scan as it may be something more serious.
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I So I will tell the osteopath on my appointment that the MRI was important, unlike he suggested, and lucky I did do it as I was not going to recover on my own and could have had permanent damage if I had not have had the MRI as soon as I did. It's gonna be an awkward appointment I think when i tell him..
My advice to all of you guys who do have sciatic pain in your legs is to get it checked out properly via an MRI scan as it may be something more serious.
About 10yrs ago I had a bout of sciatica..which turned out to be the worst the GP (about to retire) had seen....
I had experience shooting stabbing pains in end of left big toe & discomfort in lower back...saw osteopath who said is was my "gait" as I have hyper flexing ankles..so sent me to see podiatrist who recommended special footbeds...so more money.... 4 months on over winter..still no progress....then I was doing something stupid...under kitchen cupboard under sink install/plumbing...on back over the cupboard edge....the next day was painful...the day after I was at my business I I could feel my back tensing up & getting more painful by the hour....so got home with a walking stick 15mins stagger
Now I was on the max over the counter painkillers...so get home hot waterbottle...couldn't get upstairs so had dinner & fell asleep on couch...morning I was crying as the pain was unbearable....cramp seizers in the gluts. The biggest body muscle...your arse basically....thing its painful in the arch of your foot try that instead....then every few minutes it felt as if some one a pealed the skin back at the top of the leg & was pouring liquid fire, followed by liquid ice down the leg under the skin...
Got the is aforementioned GP out...she did an exam & got me to sign a document for heavy duty synthetic morphine injection..which I did..that took the edge off for 2hrs ..enough time to get the heavy duty prescription pain killers....
Anyway I eventually got a consultants appointment about 8 weeks later...NHS is very fast..lol...by that time i had decided to forget the ostio & the stupid podiatrist....I was starting to see a "mctimony" chiropractor....this is the most gentle form ..no crunching you...& this was working in fact the poor bloke was himself very scared due to my state, but we did a little every week, then every two weeks..I was then also taking Syndol which then contained a muscle relaxant...it doe not any more as addictive & I was on the max does to come of the higher strength prescription stuff as I was off my face...so this stuff allowed the muscles to unlock & relaxed....I also started seeing a physio...who just does muscle massage..no crunching...just massage the knots etc out of muscles...
So the McT chiro to align the bones & the physio to massages the muscles...& the drugs to unlock the muscles & ease the pain...
This worked...when I had my first meting with the consultant he was wondering why I was not in as bad a shape as the GP saw me...well 8 weeks & the about costly out my own pockets....so he booked me for an MRI etc....
By the time I had the MRI & the second meeting with him...it was September early..& the initial GP was Feb.....so 6-7moths latter.....by which time I was almost normal for me which is fitter than most people...& he wondered why so I told him...
Anyway my back has 4 in the "L" which are FUBAR..two are very dried out & they offered to remove the discs & pin..but I said NO as 40% failure & knew someone who had just had it done...more problems with sciatica due to scar tissue as they cut over the spine (now they like to go through the stomach)...consultant agreed with me & also said the podiatrist was right..I do have hyper flexing ankles..but he ewas wrong is giving me footbeds...that just make maters worse...your body adapts..have you ever had problems like this before?..NO...its natural wear & tear on the discs & most people get it eventually.....so that was that..
Basically if you get pains in the big toe its serious....the discs bulge out/sideways & press the outer sheath of the sciatic nerve into the nerve core..this shorts the nerves...the sciatic nerve goes from the L4 lower back...down the rear across the hip, through the groin, down the inside of the thigh...& ends in the big toe....
Best course of action is gentle Pilates..stretching/yoga...get the muscles unlocked & the bones put back into place....10yrs on I'm still fine still winter mountaineering, telemark ski-ing etc....swimming ...doing car mechanics..
Yes I still feel it giving me jyp...put I know what to do..I also know that decent backpacks with big hip belt lock out the spine & dump the load onto the hips..bypassing the spine...& know that my lower back muscles are very strong which is why i had the problems...they took loads of over loading...then when they failed it dumped everything on the spine...which ran away...
anyway I'm rambling now... :rolleyes:
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Glad to hear you have got over your pain.
As you may know, the best form of prevention and recovery is to ensure you have strong core muscles. Which from your skiing and mountaineering etc, sounds like you do.
Although I had a bad night and day today feeling sick, stomach cramps and dizzy from aftermath of codeine withdrawal and anesthetic. The pain relief of the sciatic pain i have witnessed is like night and day. I also had the leg on fire pain on occasions which also made my genitals ache like someone had kicked me with steel toe cap boots. I am glad the pain is all over now just need to get body back to a normal state of activity post perscription drugs. Which is taking a while but slowly getting there. :smiley:
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OK time to wrap this thread up with some good news. Recovery from operation is going well. Although I had the diagnosis as stated on my previous posts. Have just found out the condition I had was called 'Cauda Equina Syndrome', online the symptoms untreated look horrific so a lucky escape all round.
Anyway back to the topic. I have been advised not to drive for 4 weeks from the surgery date. This means the service will be just past the one months grace period I was told by the dealer. So I rang them today to inform them of the surgery and advisory on driving and that I would be booking the service after half term all going well. The gilr in the service dept at dealer told me that would not be viable and if I wanted to to try and extend my service plan to ring VW UK for any concessionary period extension as they cannot/will not do this themselves, oh and I had to get my car in on 20 october or else it will be voided as a service plan?. So I called VW UK and they said the grace period after service date is infact 2 months for a service plan to be used within not 1 month.
So I called my dealership back but this time the service dept manager and had a bit of a rant of how the previous staff member had been a bit jobs worthy and explained my situation and condition and surgery etc,. They were horrified this had been the case on my last call and said that I can have two months as explained by VW UK and they have booked me in for the service, sometime in November to allow for recovery to be good enough before driving in. So this is great, but a lot of uneeded hassle to get as a result.
The reason I writing this post is to inform those of you who don't know or have been miss informed the service plan can be extend to a date of 2 months later than the expected date. Also if you want something done right always go to the manager of the department.
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Some much better news at last Brendan.
As said previously, I’m only around 12 miles from the dealer so if you get stuck or need a passenger in case of emergency just give me a shout.
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No worries Exonian, the fact you are offer alone show how much of a great bloke you are... unless of course you are just trying to get a look my car while I am in a vulnerable state. The same will go to you mate. If you ever need help in the future let me know even if it is for your sons career advice or help etc, just let me know and Ill see what I can do for you. :wink:
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Yeah, you know me Brendan, any excuse to admire a MK7 Golf! :grin: