Discectomy - After the Operation

[iggiboogirl]

Hey everyone!

Tracey....Thats great that you seem to be managing on co-codamol alone.
I wouldnt wish morphine withdrawal on anyone!
I hope that you get that Christmas chardonnay...Being stuck on painkillers is such a pain (pardon the pun!!)

Olli...Thanks for the heads up on the e45 trick, my scar pulled all the time last time round, and this time, its been cut into again and so is quite bumpy. Thank you!
And also congratulations! Thats a lovely Christmas present isnt it!!! Dont be nervous, it will be fine. As for the lifting, you know your body and your body will let you know what it can and/or can't do. I hope that the stiffness subsides for you, as i have said, the stretches are doing wonders for me at the moment, so will recommend them to everyone!
Hopefully the lifting that you are worried about won't be too much of an issue for you. Many best wishes to you and your wife (and bump to be!)

Hey Melza...how is the walking coming along?

I have been doing my stretches today. I was laying down for quite a while, and i find that it hurt more doing nothing....Then...I had a brainwave and dug out my Wii Fit!
Its got Yoga stretch poses, which were good, and also as my surgeon told me to keep up with the movement, i did the step aerobics.
It was a substitute for going out walking today, as it has been raining all day!
I actually feel better for doing the exercises. I did an hour of stretching and steps, so am feeling proud of myself and not hurting too much.
So if anyone has got Wii Fit, and is able to do light stretches, i would recommend it!
I am also feeling a little more positive and believe that by keeping up with the stretches and step exercises daily, that I can really help myself get better.
I was only 3 weeks into my physio last time i was post-op, when my 2nd prolapse happened, so had to stop the exercises, because it hurt too much to carry on with them. (My physio was a slave driver!!).

So I am a rather happy Ali right now

 

[khyva92]

Hi everyone my name is claire and i am due to have discectomy on the 11th december ,i have a long history of back pain and conditions but never disc prolapse and sciatica the pain is so severe and i can not function at all (really hard with 8yr old and 1yr old )i am terrified of having this op any advice or tips and i would be really grateful.Hope everyone is doing well pre and post op and you all sound like very strong and positive people unlike me at the minute take care claire

 

[Demonen]

Hello Claire 2212! Welcome to the forum!

I have had back problems for about 3 years, and am 2 weeks post microdiscectomy (my 2nd microdiscectomy!), but i am also a mum to a 7 year old daughter, so i completely understand how difficult it is for you to try and cope.

We on this here forum, have had our ups and downs with our doctors, surgeons, surgeries, hospitals and treatments (The NHS in general lol!), and some people have gone private...but we have gained something positive, whether it be people who can sympathise from being in the same position, or gaining some good advice/hints/tips.....but its a good place to vent your spleen if you are upset and/or frustrated!

I really hope that you can gain something positive from this forum, i know i have, and other have too.
So....if you are happy/sad/annoyed/frustrated etc....This is the place to be!!!

Love Ali xx

 

[Black Hat Seo]

Well said Ali.

Hi Claire. I think the key is really, as you say - "the pain is so severe and i can not function at all." Like you, I was very, very frightened of surgery but I was more frightened of no longer being able to do the things I loved (or anything really for that matter) with the pain I had. I asked my surgeon what would happen if I didn't have the discectomy. He said that my symptoms might slightly improve over time but that there wouldn't be that much difference, ie, life would continue with the sciatic pain daily. By that point I could hardly walk, couldn't sit and couldn't drive. I knew it wasn't an option to continue my life like that. That was the point where I agreed that surgery was the best option for me. Within 4 days, I'd had the op. And I am pleased to say, post surgery, I still think it was the best decision. I am so much better than I was before, and going through the pre-op nerves & being frightened was worth it. We all have our different fears too - mine was that I would wake up during the operation. Of course that didn't happen... one minute I was having the anaesthetic and the next I woke up and the operation was all over. Things for me began to get a lot better from that point on.

There is some great advice on this forum about before and after the operation from those of us who are in the same boat as you. I think dannyk wrote a really informative post recently about getting everything at home really organised so that when you get home it's all within easy reach.

Some thing I found helpful - take little bottles of shampoo etc so you don't have to be lifting big weights. Sounds really obvious but I am glad I thought of it. Also, it is helpful to have a good Surgeon who will answer your questions (not always something you can control of course!).

The good news is that, for many of us, it's been a very successful operation. Hopefully it will be for you too. In the meantime, it is VERY normal to be nervous about the op. You can always come on here and update us on how you are going. We've been there too.

 

[Maddi!]

Hello All

I am brand new to this forum and found it whilst looking for the name of a specialist that has been recommended to me. I had a discectomy 6 years ago whilst suffering with a prolapse disc and the difference the op made to me was incredible. I have managed for 6 years relatively pain free, only taking pain killers when absolutely necessary. I have been very limited on activities that I can carry out, no gym work needing to be careful of movements etc but my life has continued well.

That is up until June of this year, when the pain started to worsen and I found that I was taking stronger and stronger painkillers more often. By August after having become intolerant to the usual pills: Tramadol, Co-proxamol and co-codamol I was prescribed Remedeine and Naproxen. It was during August that I went on sick leave from work as the pain was intolerable. It then took the longest time to be referred to a specialist by my GP (even though I have private medical insurance) to see what was happening with my condition.

When I saw the specialist in Oswestry I was told that I actually have a condition called Degenrative Disc Disease and because the pain had not settled down over the usual 6 week period, it was likely to be as good as it was ever going to be. He carried out X-rays and advised that I was not eligible for the new disc replacement procedure as my discs were too worn (???), but that at a later stage my only option might be a disc fusion.

I have since seen a Doctor at a pain management clinic who thinks that I may be eligible for the Disc Replacement (!) and he carried out an MRI scan last week, and I am waiting for the results. He recommended a second specialist to me based in Coventry, based on the outcome of the MRI.

I am due to have a root block (epidural) procedure tomorrow morning (my first ever eek) and hope and pray that I am one of the lucky ones that it works for.

I am posting on here because I am was due to return to work on Monday 3rd November, however my employers only got involved with OC etc at that stage, so I have been waiting for a new type of desk and chair since then. The kit has now arrived and I am due to go back to work next Monday, however my Manager has, without consultation with me, changed my job and the building that I will be working in. I have worked in my current role for 8 years and love my job, and have passed by opportunities in the past to move on. The new job is a role that 3 people have been in and left within a few weeks (what does that say about it) and is also based in a building that is further away and more difficult for me to get to (I no longer drive).

I have had no option than to involve the union today and they are looking into the case for me. They have asked if I can get a letter stating that I am covered by DDA - however when I spoke to my GPs secretary she wasn't sure what it was and said that Occupational Health should deal with this. I am waiting for a call back from OC.

I really wanted some advice from people who may have experienced this before. Where would one normally be shown as covered by DDA? I am not registered as disabled, does this affect it? How does one go about becoming registered as disabled?

I fully intend to go back to work but I have to say that I have become very, very depressed and can't face anyone at the moment especially moving to a new team/role. All weekend I have done nothing but cry - I had been feeling low because of being off work for so long, but I think this change of job etc has tipped me over the edge.

Sorry to have gone on, but thought some background might be useful. Good luck to all of you who are going through recovery, and to those waiting for their treatment.

Maz

 

[anuja]

Hi there,

I'm new to the forum and have a similar problem to you, I have had several vertebrae fused with a bone graft , 95 and have had relativley few problems until the last few years with increasing pain.

Firstly,

Beware of NSAI's, I had a bleeding stomach because of them and was crippled with pain due to them.

Remember under the DDA, any condition that you have which affects your ability to undertake normal every day tasks, may be assumed to be a disability.

For example, I don't look like I have a disability, I remain relativley active however some days I can't walk far not get out of bed in the mornign without waiting for the painkillers to kick in. I cannot function normally without such help so that would be classed as having a disability.

Most doctors/physios will refrain from making comment about your suitability to perform certain tasks at work unless it was very obvious, for example, I was advised not to do manual work, I don't currently do manual work. Doctors tend to refer you to your employers own Occupational Health advisors for fear of getting dragged into what can be a messy affair.

Employers have to make reasonable adjustments to allow you to continue to stay in your current employment under the DDA, but you must be able to still do your job with those adjustments, however it is fair to say that employers can make life difficult for those with disabilities and it is up to you to find good counsel on whether your employer has changed your job, or made it more difficult for you or has done nothing wrong and then you would need to decide whether it was worth taking it forward or not. Is it worth the hassle or is it easier finding another job?

Hope all works out

Badgergrod

 

[spbbomqh]

Hi Maz,
You are deemed to be covered by DDA if your condition has lasted or is likely to last for 12 months or more. I'm not fully up on it although you can get info from government websites. As for being registered disabled its a minefield of form filling & waiting. More information can be gained from the department of work & pensions helpline. Telephone number is 08456123456 i think!!! All the best with it. Please don't let it get you down (i know its hard i've been there) feel free to come on here n rant & rave!!!
Clare - good luck with your op. I'm 6 days post op (2nd time) & its the best thing I ever did!!!! Good luck
t

 

[Maddy P]

Hey Tracey...Good to hear you sounding positive about your op.
Hope your recovery is going well

Melza...Where are youuu? Are you ok?

I phoned the Disability Living Allowance Helpline (DLA) last week and asked how they go about this benefit stuff.
There is, as Tracey said, loads of form filling, but DLA is not a means tested benefit and is tax free. Tax free!!! FAB!!! lol
I asked if it can be awarded if someone has had surgery, such as us who are post op, and might get better, and the guy said yes. So at least there is that bit of help there, until we are fully recovered.
And of course, those who are post op and no better and those who are pre-op and struggling financially and struggling to get around, that help is there for you too.
And there are other benefits of applying for DLA, such as if the lower, middle and/or higher mobility component is awarded; then the applicant becomes eligible for free help with getting around. There are concessionary bus passes, shop mobility scooters, and even cars. These are available throught the motability scheme.
However, i think that if you are applying for a free vehicle through this scheme, you need to have been awarded at least the middle rate mobility component, otherwise, as i say, there are free bus passes and mobility scooters. They are relatively easy to apply for, its the initial benefit application that takes a while.
I have had a bit of experience through my work with getting bus passes for my clients and even a motability vehicle. It didnt take long to get it, so its a good service to have available to those who need it.
http://www.motability.co.uk/main.cfm for more info.
It doesnt seem to a very well known service which is a shame for those who struggle to get out and about.
http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/DisabledPeople/FinancialSupport/DG_10011731
for anyone who wants more info about claiming DLA.
I hope that people find this info helpful.


As for me, I am doing ok, 2 weeks today post op!!!
I am quite sore today, but on the whole, still remaining positive and doing my exercises!!!
The insomnia is still a problem, i didnt get to sleep till nearly 4am
Not good when my little lady needs to go to school of a morning!!
I reduce my oramorph again by another 2.5mls on thursday, tho whole weaning thing is going ok, but the not sleeping at night is not fun!!!

Anyhow, i must feed my child now....

God bless you all, Love Ali x

 

[celtish]

is there also an option for someone you live with to claim carers allowance?? ali you probably know the answer to that....i'm kinda rusty on the benefits thing, but i'm pretty sure carers allowance might apply alongside DLA, especially if you need help getting to appointments etc or if someone has to take time off work/can't work in order to care for you. don't think my husbands trips to starbucks (10 mins walk) counted, but they were lifesaving to me at the time!!

ali and other insomniacs...have you tried valerian root? probably mentioned this before, but you can get tablets with valerian in them in any holland and barrett type place, or even boots. they are supposed to aid restful sleep and stop you waking up. didn't help me with the withdrawals though and they do smell like feet. but work for some people. clipper do a 'sleep easy' tea which has valerian in and doesn't smell like feet...

were you taking amitryptaline or diazepam? they got the blame for my insomnia and i wish that i had just taken them for longer, maybe every other night or every 3 nights for a while, just to get some sleep and avoid insanity.

hang in there and happy recovery! careful putting the xmas decorations up. no climbing!

lots of festive love,
jess xx

 

[Bpvdwdpnminiy]

I have had a root block procedure (epidural) done this morning and feel a little sore and achy . The procedure was pain free and over and done in 10 - 15 minutes. My specialist had said that disc L5 was the problem again, so the Dr who carried out this mornings procedure was going to do the root block there.

Luckily the MRI scan turned up just prior to him starting, and it showed that the problem is in fact another prolapse disc, but at L4 (not L5). He therefore treated that disc and has said I need to be extra careful with it being another prolapse. The last one in 2002 actually ruptured so I know how important it is to try and prevent that from happening.

I am in less pain already, but apparantly will not know whether the procedure has worked for me for a few days.

I have a follow up appointment on Monday 22nd December to see how the root block is working.

Thankyou for the replies to my previous post, I am feeling more optimistic that the union may sort out my grievances at work (fingers crossed) and have only cried twice today!

No one seems to want to give me anything in writing advising of "DDA due to chronic back problems" (GP nor OC) however the Dr that carried out the root block has said that he will gladly do it (for a charge).

I am so glad to have stumbled across this site, whilst I wouldn't wish these problems on anyone, it is so good to be able to share experiences and know that we are not alone x

 

[Pompal 09.]

Hi Jess, how are you? Havent seen you on here for a while. How is things going with your back hun?

Its withdrawals from oramorph thats the culprit for the insomnia. I have been on it for 4 months and so my body is dependent on it. I had a real bad time last monday. Where i had run out of it the day before, by monday morning i was violently vomiting, shaking, sweating profusely and was just in a real state. So much so, that my GP had to come out and give me an injection just so i could get some rest. My system just went crazy, and i just couldnt control anything.
So i am weaning now, and reducing by 2.5mls a week, i should be off it in 2 weeks, and fortunately, the only side effects i am getting now is insomnia, and a bit of the restless leg syndrome. But i can cope with that, compared to how i was last monday!!!
But i have also been on amitriptyline, i was warned (coincidentally, i think by you lol!) that i would get insomnia coming off it, but i was off it ages ago with no problem. I think thats because i was hitting the oramorph quite hard!!!
I refused diazepam when i was offered it, as i was afraid of becoming addicted lol Oh the irony!!!

I am now on 7.5mls (will be 5 mls come thursday) oramorph, paracetamol and slow release diclofenac for pain relief now, and it seems to keep things ticking over, i am not in unbearable pain, but still concerned that i still have sciatica 2 weeks post op!!!
My surgeon says that its to be expected as the nerve was stuck to the disc for a long time (a year!!!) and so wasnt too concerned, but i cant help worrying, as its my 2nd microdiscectomy.
Oh well, i have been doing as i am told and trying to stay active, and its helping so hopefully the sciatica will settle.

As for the carers allowance, thats a really hard benefit to get. My friend's parents are both registered disabled and she is trying to claim carers allowance, but so far they have refused. I think its because she works and the carers allowance award board see it as 'well if she works, then she isnt caring for them', which is ridiculous as people still need to work to pay bills etc! She is appealing against their decision at the moment.
Here's the website address, see if there's anything there that can help you
http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/CaringForSomeone/MoneyMatters/DG_10012522

I hope that you find some useful info there. It is a seperate benefit from DLA, but hopefully you might find some useful info there

Maz....Hello there and welcome to the forum!!
My name is Ali and I am currently 2nd time post op microdiscectomy. Have had back problems for about 3 years, but hopefully now on the mend!! For good this time, hopefully no further prolapses!!
I was L4/5 same as you, and have had 3 nerve blocks in the last 18 months.
I personally didnt find them that helpful, but everyone is different and so i hope that this will give you some relief.
Its upsetting when you suffer one prolapse and totally devastating when it reoccurs, i dont think people who havent suffered back problems understand that it isnt just a physical ailment, but it affects psychologically as well. Living with pain 24/7 is just awful, and thats why i feel really happy that i found this forum back in may this year.
I was 7 months first time post-op and 6 months into investigations for my 2nd prolapse. And i found everyone on here really sympathetic and readily available to assist with listening, and/or advice, or i just came on here to have a rant!!! Its a good place to do that!!! So if you ever feel like you need to do so, be our guest!!!

Anyways, i wish you all a restful night's slumber. I wont be sleeping any time soon but hope that you all will!!!
God bless, Love Ali xxx

 

[ahvcsscu]

Still noooo sleeeeep for Aliiiii!!!!!!!!!!!

I was thinking of reducing my oramorph dose a day early....dont know now!!!

Bah!!!!!!!!!!!

 

[etf_luvr<3(=]

How frustrating Ali! I can relate to your insomnia. It seems to kick in particularly a couple of weeks after the 'good' drugs start to deplete. The first few weeks when I still had a nice supply of drugs, I slept very well. But now... it's insomnia for me too. Personally, I have been watching all sorts of old tv shows on youtube in the small hours. Unfortunately some of them have made me laugh so much it hurts my back! (So don't find anything that's too amusing.)

 

[Seth398]

Hi all.
ali & Subi, Hope you managed to get some sleep.
Quick update on my recovery.
Clips come out next week & it can't come quick enough its driving me mad!!!!
Now what is concerning me is I was fine with just a little nerve pain to my rt calf & ankle post op. BUT ..... i've been experiencing intermittent sciatic pain again AND last night I could have screamed as my leg & foot were tingling & burning although it appears to have stopped again now.
I am trying so hard to be positive, & keeping up with my physio as they advised me but I have to say every little twinge makes me think ............. please, not again!!!!!!!!!
Tracey xx

 

[Munduhiric]

Oh dear Tracey....I know EXACTLY what you mean. I am still getting sciatica down my right bum cheek, behind knee and down calf. Total panic stations...If it happens again, i think i will just curl up into a ball and climb under a rock and stay there.
I felt it the first night i was home!!!!
I did bring this to the attention of my surgeon, and he said where the nerve was stuck down for so long, then residual sciatica is likely to remain until things have settled down.
It may be, that its the same in your case (where your nerve was squashed for so long), it needs time to recover.
However, if i were you, i would mention it at your wound check next week when you have your clips out.


Subi....Insomnia is a biatch isn't it!! I have just got off the phone to my GP, who is giving me some short term use sleeping tablets.
I decided to knock my oramorph down to 5mls today after all, i just figure that its just easier to get off it as soon as possible.
I watch random things on the internet at night too!! Do you have this comedy called 'Gavin and Stacey' in Australia? If not, youtube it....its hilarious!!! It wont make you slip a disc or anything, but its 'feel good' comedy!!!

Anyway folks, i am feeling a need to walk coming on (I mean, i need to walk to my GP surgery to get my sleeping pills), Its not too far, and hopefully it will help with the pain in my butt cheek that i be experiencing right now!!!

Ta ta for now all you lovely people xxx

 

[joe.attaboy]

I was told that you may get pains on and off after the op for up to 2 years before the nerve settles down. even then there may be a bit of damage so you may have to put up with a bit of pain. I still get pain in my right leg. There were a few times after my op when my leg went into cramp and i **** myself because i wasn't sure it the sciatica was coming back.

Hang in there i am sure you guys will be ok.

Olli

 

[LookForward]

Hi, I stumbled on this site when I googled 'Disectomy' and have spent a great deal of time going through the 27 pages of threads over the past 24 hrs. I have been suffering from pain in my legs, mainly in my right leg and buttock, numbness, ankle cramps, reduced mobility, sciatica etc for coming up a year. I had a brief spell of similar symptoms for a few months a while back that disappeared on its own only to return in Feb 08 which has steadily got worse during the course of this year. On a day to day basis I manage my pain with diclofenac, paracetamol and codine. I have managed to continue to work.....just, but have had long periods of sickness due to the pain. I have a home working facility which is useful however as my job involves alot of driving my employer has made changes to accommodate reduced driving responsibilities. It is strange because most of the time I am relatively mobile as long as I dont do anything too strenuous, however when it kicks in the pain brings me to tears and I struggle to walk. ... I find excessives of anything can bring it on...excessive walking, sitting, driving etc. After months of physio, back clinics, traction and chiropractic treatment I was finally referred for an MRI which showed disc bulges. I have been referred for surgery and have received a letter stating I am going to have a Discectomy L4/L5 right?
I am still wondering if surgery is the right option. I know I cant go on like this, I'm 41 and was a very active person. But reading through your threads it seems generally that most of you continue to have pain and problems post surgery. Although I appreciate for some of you it is still very early days. I am very very scared, I have never had an operation before, and also worried that I will end up even worse if I have the operation. Worries I can now see that most of you have had. Any how, waiting now to hear from the hospital with a date, been told it will be between 10 to 15 weeks....we will see! Can I just add that I think you are all very brave and so positive considering what you have all been through. I am so glad I have found this site and can now talk to people who know what it is like.

 

[Laurent]

Hello everyone, this has been a busy site lately hasn't it....and I see we're going to have a baby! Congrats to the Olli family. Poor Tracey got beaten up by the surgeons, sounds gruesome and, as with Ali, I don't know how you can bear it. But then you don't get much of a choice do you really. I think to myself that at least I'm on the right side of suffering now....recovery and then normal living (sort of).

Yet another person having trouble at work....I don't even want to think about all that. It's causing me so much grief I feel stressed to death with it all. And what has little Melza been up to, got a bit miserable I'm afraid. My upper back started grumbling but I tried to ignore it, unfortunately it just got worse and worse with the most awful headaches, so I saw the doc today. Not my favourite doc and I had to explain every bit of medication I take, he wasn't happy with me taking more diazepam because it's addictive . He started to say 'the ideal thing would be....' so I butted in with 'the ideal thing would be for me to get treated so I don't have to keep asking for these things'. I think that won my argument. Diazepam is the only thing that relaxes the muscles and I only take a short course for heavens sake. I'm getting so stroppy with these medical professionals there's probably a warning on my notes 'UNSTABLE'.

Sounds like Ali is slowly joining planet earth, what a miserable process for you to go through my dear. I have to tell you that you and Tracey have made me think that i too may have to go through all that again, NO! Enough already. Lower back is doing okay but still not happy with too much sitting or walking, which seems to be normal. And of course the continued nerve irritation, but not as bad as it was pre op. Fingers crossed my surgery was a long term success, fingers crossed!

Best wishes everyone....and I hope you're all doing better at christmas presents than I am! xx

 

[sst]

Hey Melza hun, sorry to hear you are stressed out.
I agree with what you told that doctor, good on you girl. Its not right though, that we have to get stroppy with the doctors in order to get treated. Its what they are there for, for goodness sakes!!!
And after getting stroppy with them about our right to treatment, we are then labelled 'difficult patients'. I know i was in dorset county, but thats only because they were treating me like an idiot who didnt know what i was talking about, never mind that i was in fact now an expert with my back issues (had long enough experience!), and had to fight, phone daily, complain and cry to get anywhere!!!
I really hope that things settle down for you my lovely, and that your headaches and upper back become easier.

Monty!...Welcome to the forum, it most certainly IS a good place to talk to others about back issues, get good advice, and even have a moan if you feel like it!!! We are a supportive bunch!!!
All surgery carries risks, but really its about weighing up for yourself as to whether its the right thing for you. I'm sure that whatever decision you make, will be the right one for you
I understand that your are anxious, I would be if i were in your position. I HAVE been in your position!!
But....faced with a future of rubbish mobility and extreme pain on a 24/7 basis, my mind was made up! And had the surgery.
Am 2 weeks post op, its tough going with the recovery, but with physio and little bits of exercise at home, am sure that things will settle. You might just hear me complaining about it on here rather a lot however
ha ha!! But i dont regret my decision.
When your surgical referral comes through, discuss it with your surgeon. Maybe write down concerns that you have or any questions and take it with you to your appointment. Hopefully, you can get the info you need that will reassure you


And finally!!!!............
I managed to get out this afternoon, which was good to do.
I havent exercised properly for 2 days due to pain so thought i would get out and do some walking today. I only walked TO the surgery and got a bus back for picking up my little princess from school.
Ah well, i have my sleeping tablets (non-addictive they are apparently, which is a relief, i am already trying to get off one medication!), so hopefully i will get decent kip 2nite and will be less achy tomorrow.

Well, here goes....will Ali get some sleep??? Da da da daaaa!!!!!!!!!!!
SO DRAMATIC...SORRY FOLKS MWAHAHAHAHA!!!!!!!!!!!!
Nitey nite!!!

 

[de_anonymous92]

Hey All

I just got back from my one month review today with my Surgeon and the news is all is good! I was so happy walking out of the hospital today to think I am finally going to start to get my life back. Since my op I feel so much better. I only have slight sciatic pain (maybe 5% of what it was pre-op and very manageable), which the surgeon said is normal and should settle. I do have some ongoing back pain although in my case it is a symptom of having degenerative discs (those dreaded black ones) but I knew the discectomy wasn't going to solve that issue. Unfortunately it doesn't sound like there's any quick fix there. I'm just going to have to be careful from now on, but also try and get back to my life as much as I can - as safely as possible. Looking back to how I was a month ago to now, the operation was very worth having. There's still lots of work to do but today really feels like I've turned a corner.

Thanks Ali, I got to episode 3 of Gavin and Stacey during the small hours on you tube.

Hope you are feeling better soon Melza. Some days are much tougher than others. Hang in there.

Hi Monty2. Yes, it's a great site for those of us who are having similar isssues. I just wish I had found it sooner. This forum has been an enormous help to me, particularly at times when I think 'but no one understands'... but on here we do. I think I went into shock when I heard I needed surgery. I was completely in denial that things were that bad, even though I couldn't see them improving. Like you, I was absolutely terrified of having an op. But I trusted my surgeon and believed him when he said that it was my best option. A bit like an exam, the hardest part was the worrying before. Best of luck to you.

Look forward to hearing how you are all going and wishing you all well.
xx