Discectomy - After the Operation

[queenhenide776]

Hi everyone,yesterday I was finally seen by the Neuro surgery team at my local hospital after suicidal pain since December last year they finally agree with me and the MRI scans "mmm yes it does seem as though there is a problem!!!!" Well done Sherlock I think after close onto 300 tramadol, countless Diclofenic ( copious amounts of alcohol medicinal only !!) and the superb little blue amphtripolene "goodnight cruel world" tablets I too agree its not in my head its definately a pain in my back.

It appears I have the spinal integrity of a 100 year old Russian heavy weight lifter, I am in fact a 38 year old Health and Safety advisor ( please stop grinning I know manual handling etc etc ) Discs have herniated and press on the Sciatic nerve,muscles spasm I look like a corkscrew at the end of every day and I walk behind everyone like a leper because I cant keep up BUT the good news is I am now going to be operated on so in a few weeks I will have an op date and then I can look forwards to a new world of pain but at least one that will hopefully be more positive,

Reading all the threads really has made me smile wince and groan I cannot believe so many of us are crippled by this damn weaknes "glassyus backyuss" is the latin expression I believe.

I am also interested in the Pilates link that so many of you seem to agree with I am also thinking that my freind Wii fit may take some battering in the post opp months it looks to be a very good excercise system for regaining balance poise posture etc.

I am rambling I know but I would like to keep the info coming in for the next unfortunate that stumbles on the site I will keep you posted as to dates and things hope that you who are not suffering the dreaded "oww oh S**T my back has just gone " mantra stay well and any of you like me who are still high on meds and boring everyone with your "you dont know what a bad back really is " dialouge keep on getting better

 

[Maryana Z]

quick question for all those post op... last night (4 weeks and 5 days post op), my 'bad' leg became really painful. an annoying (and familiar) ache started in my ankle and worked its way up to my knee. the pain got worse, in line with my worrying. diclofenac didn't do anything. went to bed and eventually took paracetamol about 4 hours later, after lots of tears and worrying. the pain then went away and i got a pretty good night's sleep.
it was definitely a nerve pain. nothing like the intensity of the month leading up to the operation, but it was really scary. i have no idea what brought it on as i had a pretty lazy day yesterday. i think that's what scares me the most...not understanding where it came from so therefore being unable to do anything to prevent it happening again!!
so my question is, has anyone else experienced this? do you know why, and what helped??
thank you!
jess xx

 

[pxcczeos]

Hi Jess
I am now post op 2weeks 5 days and over the last week I have found that the least I do the worse the sciatica( although nothing like before op). I find that going for a walk for about an hour really helps and before I go to bed I always do my exercices. I know it's hard not to panic when you start getting pain again but it has been said to me on more than one occasion that this is to be expected and can last for several months post op. I see my surgeon tomorrow for my follow up appointment and then I'm hoping he will let me back to work next week on light duties. On the whole my recovery so far has been really good the only thing I can't do is sit for any length of time , this seems to aggrivate the sciatica , I'm sure this will get better in time. Best Wishes Viv

 

[MtBikr]

Dear Lumbar Jack, thank you so much for your hilarious post, I know I shouldn't laugh but you have managed to make suffering on a large scale very funny indeed. I don't know how many times I've tried to impress on my kids, friends (even complete strangers)how bad the pain really is. I too have had a long spell of that shuffling Frankinsteins monster walk, it's really embarrassing. I swear people think I'm a secret drinker.

By the way, you do need to suffer for at least a year before they decide to take you seriously, I'm one year and 2 months down the line and still waiting! And then it seems we have post op pain to look forward to as well.

Can any post ops tell me what position they were put in for the op (even if you were asleep at the time), I'm guessing I will be on my stomach when I get the lumbar disc done but I'm prematurely concerned that my head will be turned to the side and will seriously upset my upper back and cause me pain, my neck doesn't move round that far, can anyone reassure me? We could assume they will take that into account but I don't have that kind of faith any more.

 

[fizixx]

Melza,

I asked the same question before my op just because i wanted to know. The surgeon said i would be on all fours in a sort of way with my knee's and head supported. I have know idea how they got in the position, i went to sleep on my back and opened my eyes in the same position.

Hope this helps.

Jess,

3 months down the line and i get pain in my foot and calf some times. You have to remember this is a very slow process for the nerve to heal. If i do too much my leg hurts a bit and if i do too little it gets stiff in the back of my leg. Sometimes it can be something you did the day before that can cause the pain. Try not to think about it too much. If the pain stays for a long time (days) then you shouls see the Doc.

Cheers Olli

 

[Zarquon The Great]

Hi, I've had a slipped disc since March this year. It was agony with severe shooting pains down my right leg. I was given crutches by my physio and was using them for 4 months, then it improved. However, I still have back pain which is stopping me doing what I need to do so my consultant has booked me in for a discectomy in 2 weeks time! I am terrified, after reading all the problems that some people have encountered on here! I'm on my own with 2 kids and don't know whether to go ahead and pray or cancel it and hope it doesn't get horrendous again!!! I'm grateful for any comments or suggestions please!!
Many thanks

 

[thecheapest902]

It may not seem like it but you are lucky to be treated so quickly. Nerve damage can set in if you leave this condition which makes recovery more difficult. If you have had an MRI scan and the surgeon reccomends a discectomy I woud go ahead. Conservative treatment (sit around and wait for nature to take its course if it feels like it) is possible though not an option I would take.

Privately the op and scan would cost you £6,000 to £7,000.

The pain is pretty minimal and they keep you well drugged up post op for a day or so. You are likely to need a week in bed post op and I went back to work three weeks post op.

The scar is small.

The main issue is that if you don't have a partner you will need backup form family and friends for about three weeks. You may be able to get some help from social services - worth checking.

Try not to get too worried. Our minds tend to build these molehills up into mountains. It is no big deal really. Try to think positively. Good luck with your decision. Keep going!

Rod

 

[iveouulaijzixrehc]

Thank you Olli, I would never have guessed that position but it seems like that's another worry I can cross off my list. Ta!

Debs, the problems with your back aren't going to go away and might even get worse (the nerve problems Olli mentioned) and make recovery more difficult. You don't say how old your children are but if they are very young you probably need an extra pair of hands. Your doctor could refer you to social services if you're really stuck, mention it to him/her. When I had my gall bladder removed (the prehistoric method) I was told not to lift heavy weights for 6 months, not easy with a four year old and twin two year olds at home. I had to work it out for myself as hospital staff don't take account of these 'little details', I urge you start working on it right away...and plead poverty!

My Surgery.

In my fantasy world I shall arrive at the hospital, get anaesthetised, and then wake up again with it all done and dusted. I shall feel a little sore afterwards, I might even say 'ouch!' a couple of times, but that's all. In no time at all I shall be striding over the cliffs (assuming they haven't eroded before surgery) and all this will be a dim and distant memory. Sounds good to me!

 

[AliL]

Deb I had a microdiscectomy nearly 3 weeks ago and like you was really apprehensive about it but am so glad now that I went ahead. As Rod says the longer it is left the higher risk of permanent nerve damage. I found the pain was minimal after the op , before the op I was taking up to 10 tablets of different strengths a day and now I only take 1 for pain releif at night and hope to stop that over the next few days. From my own experience I can only agree with what Rod has said . Best Wishes with whatever you decide to do.

 

[Pompal 09.]

deb...i just want to echo what everyone else has said. there is a chance that your leg pain could get worse without surgery and this could happen years down the line. i first slipped my disc 7 years ago and had periodic pain over that period prior to surgery. being offered surgery so quickly is great and i definitely think you should go for it. as long as you don't need to lift your children (or change nappies on the floor...hard work) for the first few weeks after the surgery, i reckon you will be fine. i am a social worker so really don't recommend contacting social services unless absolutely necessary...if you live anywhere like glasgow you won't get much help anyway!! although if you need financial help then it might be worth a try. if you have a good gp, i would ask about help there.

and as for experiences in hospital... the most painful part for me was getting the needle thingy put in my hand in order for the good drugs to go in and knock me out. and i am a big wuss with needles and it really didn't hurt that much! i went to sleep on my back and woke up on my back. wound was a bit sore for a few days, but only as you would expect for a little cut. don't be afraid to get up and walk as soon as they ask you to. i hadn't stood straight in weeks and it was the best feeling to take a few steps on my own. felt kinda dizzy though, so watch out for that.

my other big piece of advice is don't come off the painkillers too soon. i had horrendous withdrawal symptoms (see previous posts), mostly from coming off the opiate based meds.

finally, please ignore my neurotic messages about post op leg pain and other worries...i am a nightmare, honestly!!

good luck all,
jess xx

ps...does anyone still have trouble putting socks on post op? still can't do my right one without serious effort!

 

[ahingitrummori23]

Just the thought of being able to get to my sock draw at the moment is making my back twinge.I am pre opp and counting the days down until I go under the knife however this not being able to pull socks on and do shoelaces up has firstly saved my wife much washing and also given me possibly the best tanned feet I have ever had ( I hope its a tan) I used to think blokes in flip flops were a bit "odd" but what the heck .
I even found slip on safety shoes !!!!!

Reading the posts I am now concerned over the "assumed position" all fours and out of it on anesthetic seems like a recipe for disaster especially if the surgeon is a flip flop wearer.

I am quickly going to youtube to see if any surgical teams have a sick sense of humour !!!

Take care all

 

[sandeep]

Thanks to everyone who has taken the time to reply to me, I went to see my GP today and discussed it in length with him. His view was to avoid surgery at the moment. The pain in my leg is marginal, in fact the back pain is worse than the leg pain. In his opinion, the discetomy should only be done if the leg pain is not getting better! Therefore, after loads of debating and boring everyone stupid - I have decided to cancel my op! Figure it will give someone else who's in more pain than me a chance anyway. Have spoken to my consultants secretary and she agreed, it's almost pointless performing the op if the disc is not on the nerve anymore. The plus point is, she hasnt struck me off her list and if/when (?) it ever goes again, I can call her and hopefully get back on the list relatively quickly.
I really hope everyone who is suffering at the moment gets better soon and I will stay on this site just to see how everyone is. Thanks and good luck!

 

[Have Compassion]

Hey! Where do you live Debs, I'm ready to pack up and move there. Glad it all got sorted for you though.

I might have got my Rods and Ollie's mixed up on here, apologies to you both. Not sure if I shall ever be able to think clearly again, damned drugs. I've been trying to do without the prescribed pills but now have pain EVERYWHERE, back to doc tomorrow. Feel really miserable today.

 

[Suallenell]

Debs good to hear you in a period of sanity at the moment .Melza keep the chin up feel bad today but tomorrow is a brand new day and every bad day had is a bad day out of the way !!

 

[LookAliveSunshine]

Hey Melza!

Hows things? Whats the latest on your surgery situation?
Well quelle surprise...the epidural did not work, and still on morphine tablets, liquid, paracetamol, anti sickness drugs, tramadol...And still on the crutches. Although, due to yet another increase of the morphine tablets, I no longer need them around the house, only when I go out. I am able to move around a lot easier. And, I don't need the tramadol as much. In myself I feel great! Not being able to drive is a bummer tho.

I think the boredom is slowly and painfully killing me, I swear if I have to see Jeremy Kyle's pompous smug mug on my telly again, I will have to throw my TV out the window!!! And as well, there is only so much Facebooking that can be done in one day!!!!

Have had my pre clerking appointment and so am just awaiting a date (I have cobwebs!!! )

Debs....I too am a single mother of a 7 year old daughter. She is incredibly patient for one so young! She understands that mummy isn't well and that she needs to help, and she is really good!
I understand the difficulties of coping with severe pain and raising small kids, its soooo hard.
I hope your pain continues to ease.

Lumbar Jack...Your post was both amusing and witty! Funny how we can make fun out of such debilitating pain!!!

Much love to you all xxx

 

[Godgardann]

AliH, Thanks for your message, It's not fun being a single mum and coping with severe pain is it! My kids are 12 and 8 and they do their best to help but with the best will in the world, it's doesn't always work does it! You seem to have gone thru so much, its horrendous to think they haven't managed to 'mend you yet' Really hope it works out for you very soon and you become finally pain free! x

 

[Monika]

I'm just wondering if any of you that are post op suffered an increase in sciatic pain about 3 weeks post op? I thought I was doing really well up until the last couple of days when I've started to get sciatica again in my right leg, it's not as bad as pre op but the only way I can get any releif from it is to walk. I saw my consultant yesterday for my follow up appointment and he was a bit vague about it and just said that when he sees me in November if it hasn't settled down he will do another MRI as he operated on my left side and there may still be some disc protrusion on the right, I'm trying not to panic and hope it will settle down. Any advice would be great. Thanks

 

[cqxvqkdp]

Hey there!

Deb...thank you for your kind words, this is actually my 2nd time round! I had my first microdiscectomy last October 2007! The affected disc has again prolapsed, worse so this time. Am on the waiting list for a repeat microdiscectomy...hopefully any day now i will recieve my appointment.

Viv...My sciatic pain began again 7 weeks post op (last christmas eve), and I did not get an appointment until may this year! In my experience, they are very very slow if you experience problems post op. The only reason things have moved on so far is because I had awful pain in my back and leg and ended up in hospital for nearly 2 weeks!

My advice would be, is to push and push and bug the hell out of them until something is done. Or, go to A&E and create a hoo hah!!!

On a serious note, i understand how frustrated you are, and sympathise greatly. But if you are going with the NHS for investigations and treatments, then pushing and ringing them constantly is the only way to get anywhere.

I hope you get some help very soon xxx

 

[MagpieRhino]

Hi, this is my first time on these pages and I've read a lot of the 'posts' here. I have suffered with discs L4/L5 and my MRI scan showed prolapse with nerve 'stuck' to the outer (hence PAIN). I too, was given medication like sweets! Finally decided to research whilst waiting on LONG list to see specialist and found treatment called Power Assisted Micro Manipulation. I booked a session (why not...nothing to lose!) and after the first 45 mins session I could stand upright, i could bend, I could walk pain free! I had to return the following day and then a week later...result is amazing! I no longer use my triangular walking frame, I can walk fine!

Finally got appt thru for Kings hosp and the surgeon was amazed to witness me walk in, sit fine, state I had NO leg pain and back pain is minimal...she stated that my MRI showed a very bad prolapse and she couldn't believe how i was...She had never heard of PAMMS and now I'm unsure of needing to have the discectomy I'm due to have in November! I have confused the surgeon too! Basically, she's left it up to me.

I can carry on having this PAMMS twice a year and no op...or have the op and 'hope' that all goes well...

I have gone back to walking 2x 20mins per day, even tried the gym (bike & walking).

Has anyone else had PAMMS and did it work as well for you? I am COMPLETELY off medication, not even a paracetamol! (I have taken co-codamol, diazepam, morphine patches, amitryllin and tramadol in past year and was like a zombie!) NO tablets since May this year...

 

[FLO]

Hi Chez,

Thanks for the post, it was really interesting!

What is PAMMS and how does it work?

Regards, Ali