Discectomy - After the Operation

[ikenna]

Hi Penny lane

Thank you for sharing your story. I am so very happy for you and all your progress. you give us all faith. keep up the good work xx

Carly xx

 

[Jonny Mick]

Hi
I am new here.
The following might sound rather crude, for which I apologise, but I really need some advice.

I have had a L4/L5 discectomy and laminectomy nearly 3 weeks ago. I am rather worried, as I have had numbness in the genetalia area, which I noticed on my bed bath the morning after the op. I can still go to the loo OK ish, as I have an uncomfortable feeling of urgency building up, but do not know when I have finished. I cannot stop mid-stream as I cannot clench anymore. I cannot clench to check if I have finished emptying my bowels. I can feel the toilet tissues, but when I stop wiping, it feels as if the toilet paper is still there. I have to listen to know if I have finished urinating and use moist toilet tissue, as I can feel the cold and wet, otherwise I do not know if I am clean. I feel as if I have a big balloon stuck to my bottom (no not piles!). I am embarrassed to say that I have had an accident and cried like a baby. I am also feeling very depressed and isolated, as I do not go anywhere without spare clothes, even to the physiotherapist. I stay home and spend most of my time on the toilet, waiting.

I was wondering if anybody else has had this experience and if they know what this is and also how long will it last.

Any advice would be much appreciated. I am going to see my consultant on Wednesday for a follow-up. I am also worried about going back to work, as I work in a school and don't want to have any accidents in a class full of teenagers.

By the way, my sciatica started in 2003.

THANK YOU FOR ANY HELP OR ADVICE

 

[Terry Z]

Hi Joasinka

I know how embarrest you must feel. I had my Discetomy opp in Oct 2007 on L5/S1, after my opp I noticed a simmilar thing. My buttocks where completely numb and felt like they were hard and clenched all of the time and in between my legs around all the private bits. I could not feel when I had finished weeing or pooing and had to check myself, its a very weird feeling and quite alarming. For along time I was worried I would have an accident. An when I needed to go to the loo, I could not hold it like everyone does somtimes, I just had to go. Its like you have lost your ability to hold yourself properly. I never did have an accident though thank goodness.

I can say however, that its better now I have more feeling there now or though its not as normal as it was before, but its alot better and the ability to hold and push have come back. I do urge you to speak to the consultant when you see him and explain exsactly what you have said to us to him, they are used to hearing detail. When i told my consultant about this problem he said that if the numbness was not there, in that area before the opp and only occurred after the opp then in time it should lessen or go completely. But do let your consultant know its important.

As you get better and you work on your pelvic floor muscels this will help.
Remember your body has been really messed around with the nerves are delicate things and can take ages to heal, 1 milimeter a day.

Hope this information has helped.

Take Care
Cas08

 

[KendrickWarren]

Good work in the pool Pennylane.

Best wishes to everyone out there, and hope your pre and post-op discs are behaving themselves.

 

[kanaba]

Dear Cas08

Thank you so much for a quick and detailed reply. I am sure people here would love to ask questions but are too embarrassed, but your detail was such a pleasure to read (if you know what I mean) as many people tend to hide from talking about these things. When people ask me how I am, I try to hide these details. If a female friend asks, then it is easy to explain, but when it comes to neighbours, etc, I do shy away, as I feel rather silly.

I did think that maybe it was the Ibuprofen that made me dirty myself. Last time I took these tablets, they made my stomach bad, but now, with loss of sensation too, just could not stop myself.

I have some questions for you, if you have the time: You say that you had the op in October 07, so when did the sensation go? Was it straight after the op? Also, when did it start to come back? How long did it take to feel some improvement? What is this condition called? I would like to know what it is called, as I need to tell work and others and I would rather say I have 'so and so', rather than 'numb bits' or ' numb genitals'.

Thanks again for taking the time to make me feel better.

 

[Janice R]

HI all,

Just arrived back from my GP and thought I'd share his input with you.
I am 3 weeks post op and was absolutely fine for the first 2 weeks post op, however the past week has been terrible. The old symptoms have come back in a big way and I am now back on all the painkillers. So thought I thought best go and get a new supply of them all and also another medical certificate. I know GP's get a bad rep but I must say mine has been fantastic, before my op he did everythinmg he could to get me my operation and I cant thank him enough. He even said he would take me to a&e after his shift finished if I couldnt get there. Anyway back on topic he thinks theres several reasons why I am getting the pain again. Firstly is that there may be imflamation where they operated and when walking etc I am increasing the imflamation thus pressing on the nerve again. Secondly he said that there is a small chance of another prolapse and has written to my surgeon to get he to see me asap. So now im going to take it easy for a week and see how it all goes. Keeping my chin up

 

[{*RandomGirl*}]

Hi Joasinka

I am so glad that we have this forum to talk about problems after and before the opps/treatment that we have. I wish that the NHS gave more help and advice to people about possible problems that we may encounter it would stop a lot of fear out there. But I think that they are frightened to give too much info just incasre they are sued.


I have some questions for you, if you have the time: You say that you had the op in October 07, so when did the sensation go? Was it straight after the op? Also, when did it start to come back?

It was about 6 months although I think that the improvemnets in the sensation, pushing, clenching and holding etc. It was so gradual that I did not notice anything much until it was more noticeable if you know.


I would like to know what it is called,

I think its just plain old nerve damage.


Since I have had this probelm and second time last July 2008 and then unfortunatly in March of this year on the same disc. Which i want to stress is very rare!!!! I was told that my Disc had prolasped into my spinal cannal. I was so freaked out I thought, its going to paralyse me if I have another opp. I have since done alot of reasearch on the spine and how it works and its been so fascinating . I think if we understand how something works and what position and movements make it worse then I think we can help prevent having more problems.

I found out that the spinal cord finishes around the L1/ L2 area although that varies with different people. It then splits into a bundle of parallel nerves called the Cauda Equina or the othewise known as the horses tail. These nerves supply the bum and the grion area. So when we have surgery on the lower spine no wonder it caused problems in that area.

When you do see the consultant again ask him about the problem. Then they know and they may be able to sugest something.


Anyway hope you dont mind me sharing a few facts with you. You said you were a teacher I hope your not an English teacher you will see how bad my spelling is!!!!!!!!!!!

Take Care
Cas08

 

[grandma zaza]

Hi Cas08

Don’t worry about your spelling. Hee hee. I used to be a supply teacher for 11 years, but now work as a Cover Supervisor. My subject is IT, so no need to worry.

I am so glad that you have shared your experiences, you poor thing. You have been through so much.

I am only 3 weeks post op (today) and I see my consultant tomorrow, so I suppose that I must not expect too much.

I too wish that they would tell us more before the op. I was told that I may have a bad headache due to the possibility of the surgeon going into the dura tap, but nothing about numbness. They said that if this happens I would have to be left in a darkened room for 24 hours. I was lucky, I suppose, cos this did not happen to me.

I had more physio yesterday and she noticed a swelling in my left leg. This is where I have some numbness and have had this since the start. She said that it might be nerve damage.

6 months seems a long time. How did you manage? Did you go back to work during this time? And if you did, did you have to wear nappies? I don’t fancy having an accident in school. Just imagine the kids laughing cos the teacher has pooed her pants. That is a definite NO NO for me. With covering 5 lessons a day, I deal with around 150 kids a day. I can’t just run out of the classroom to the loo!!!! Also, the loo is downstairs and I might be in a room upstairs. We never know what room we are in until the morning we turn up for work.

Don’t worry, I will attack my consultant with loads of questions. I have also kept a diary of my goings-on.

Thanks again for all your advice. Are you the only one here who has had this problem, I wonder?

 

[xpander]

To MSKSQUARED

Hi I was given four post op exercises to do which involve lying on your back and strenghthing the core muscle group.
1. lie on back with knees bent - pull in your core muscle (try to use the muscle deep in the vagina) - hold for a count of ten and then relax.
2. lie on back with knees bent - with your hands flat beside you try and bridge your back - your back will come off the floor but feet stay put.
3. lie on back with knees bent - pull in core muscles and tilt your pelvis backwards - this makes the small of your back go into the floor - hold for ten.
and finally lie on back with legs out in front of you - bring one leg at a time up towards your face keeping your heel on the bed/floor - pull in your core muscle.
I have to repeat these exercise twice a day and usually do two lots of ten repetitions.

If you are only two weeks post op I would stick with these until you get chance to speak with a physio - the last thing you want to do is put your back out again.

I get all kinds of weird sensations in my leg too - from muscle twitching to aching the weirdest thing is watching my toes jump at night when I lie down- if the muscle twitching keeps you awake try taking a glass of tonic water before bedtime - the quinine calms things down.

hope this helps - good luck with your recovery - you will get there and before you know it you will be cuddling your little ones again. Be positive x

 

[That one Dude]

Hi Cas08
thanks for your post - I think you may have been right about my stabbing pain being nerve damage. Since my first post the pain from this eased up quite a bit, became barely noticeable yesterday and today - no stabbing! I am hoping that I am turning the corner. My leg generally aches from the butt down but this feels more like muscle fatigue and the back of my calves are very tight - have to keep stretching off. Hip is doing a lot better now, just my hamstrings which remain tight and achy - but good news is I have got my first lot of physio booked for Friday - this girl is fab and really knows her stuff - so hopefully I have anything else going on other than immflammation she will be able to tell me. Its come around at a good time as I have my post op review with my consultant a week today. Trying hard to take your advice and remain positive x

 

[Pompal 09.]

Bonnie10

Thanks so much for that. They are pretty similar to what I was told to do in the hospital - I feel relieved that I'm probably not missing anything crucial right now. Although of course after the birth of my son 9 weeks ago now my pelvic floor is in pieces!! But I know, I know, need to work at it.

Anyway, I am glad to hear that things feel a bit better for you. I really sympathise with you having to deal with this twice over - that is s***.

But we just have to keep positive as you say make the best possible recovery. Take care. xxx

 

[Shafiq]

Hi Joasinka

I didn't have exactly the same problem as you, but after my son was born 9 weeks ago, I have had urinary retention - problems peeing - and have had to use small catheters to make sure my bladder empties itself properly. Actually since my discectomy 3 weeks ago this problem has got much better so I think that the two things were related, and that all these problems were caused by the birth itself.

Anyway, I just wanted to say that self-catheterizing is easier than you think and might be one way to have more control over your bladder. It's really not that bad, and would make you feel more relaxed in the classroom because you could use the catheters during the breaks to reduce the likelihood of needing urgently at the wrong time.

The pooing thing is more tricky - I have the same problem of sphincter weakness, also since the birht of my baby, and that hasn't improved much yet. I guess you have to do the pelvic floor exercises as often as you can and that should help the muscle tone in the sphincter. LEt me knwo what your consultant says about that.

All the best!

K

 

[Brittani]

Hi again to all fellow pre and post op sufferers!

Further to my entries on P54 & P55, I had post 6 wk post op check from my specialist on Monday, although as mentioned in previous entry this is now wk 8 as the specialist was called away for the first appt!
I went rather dubiously to the appt with some issues around further aches and pains in left Buttock and leg thinking possibly the worst. Indeed after having the muscle spasm in wk 2 post op i felt that some of the exercises the physio had requested i do may have actually made things worse. I can understand the feelings that Chris 12 is having with a relapse and back on the pain killers in wk3.
However after explaining for the first 5 minutes of the consultation that I really felt that possibly things were going nowhere as the pains were causing speradic discomfort and I'm back on half doses of medication including anti-inflamatories etc, the specialist looked me in the eye and said 'Are things better than they were pre-op'. I must admit this stopped me in my tracks because of course they are! An obvious thought, but still enough to shock me a little. He reminded me that the operation is not a quick fix and everyone has different ways of dealing with recovery. I'm nearly 47, a little overweight and more of an armchair sportsman nowadays. My aches and pains are only my bodies way of getting back to normal after the whole set up was not right for the last 9 months or so! He did say that my 5 wk post op MRI that he arranged to have done showed that I still did have signs of swelling, but I should really now start to push myself rather than ease up when the going gets tough. At 8 weeks although still needing to be treated with respect, the actual time now is to start with more exercise, swimming etc. Indeed he praised the physio for the exercises that has got my body back almost up dead straight again after the spasm as well as the exercises for the post op disc.

After arriving home I went off for a 3 mile walk and thought of myself as being a bit of 'wuss' after thinking things were wrong, and on Tuesday drove a 340 mile round trip for business, followed by a 3 mile walk with no
bad effects. Tomorrow another 350 miles with breaks to stretch and walk every 40 minutes or so. Indeed I am pleased to say that I shall be back at work full time the week after next. Equally thru the whole process I have even lost 3/4 stone!

I just would say to all post op sufferers especially during the first 4-5 weeks or so, just answer yourself the question he asked me, and if things are not better, then the 6 wk post op check is your time to speak out. For those who it does'nt work for, i'm sorry but I do feel for you.

If anyone from Mr Nelsons team at Frenchay in Bristol reads this..... Thank you for your help, but most of all Mr Nelson himself for his sound, reassuring way of dealing with my situation. Thank you. Now I'm looking forward to seeing him again in another 6 weeks with a clear bill of health!

Now something for the boys ....On the topic of exercises, I cannot help a lot of you with what I have done exercise wise as it seems lot of ladies write on this forum! All I can say is my physio gave me some to get my body back up straight after my body went into spasm, but he said for blokes deal at first with your 'pelvic floor'.... Lie on your back, head on a low cushion and legs slightly bent at the knees and slightly apart. Now imagine a bag of ice under your 'dangly bits'. Keep the stomach musles tight and breath normaly 5-6 times. Do this 4-5 times day to get the stomach muscles stronger. This can also be done when sitting down or driving, (just dont let anyone see your face!).
Equally lie in the same position doing the same as above, but with one leg in the air, slightly raised so your shin is horizontal, then repeat with the other leg. Mini sit ups can also be attempted to, but let your body tell you in the early stages if you are ready.
I shall see my physio on friday with the fresh specialists advice and let you all know if theres anything to add.

Take care and hang on in there!

Adrian

 

[blue heart]

Hi msksquared

Thanks for yor post. I remember after my last baby was born. He was 9 and a half pounds and I also had weird feelings down below. It is similar to what I am like now, but went away rather quickly, so quickly, that it didn't bother me much.

I have seen my consultant and he said that I need to see a physio about pelvic floor exercises, so I will be seeing 2 physios. He doesn't want me to go back to work just yet. He is so lovely and said that I was doing quite well, which is very reassuring, so I went away quite happy with myself. He is also referring me to a colon doctor, but I cannot remember the word he used for him.

I can also start to drive again (but, I do have an automatic). My dodgey leg will not be needed for any emergency stops. I will go for a short drive with somebody next to me first. But, still will take a change of clothing with me, just in case.

As Cas08 said, a little at a time, a millimetre a day. That's something worth thinking about when I feel down in the dumps!

Thanks again

 

[hobtpbfx]

Hey all,

I made it out of hospital on yet more pills following the fall, but because of the retaining of my wee wee, i still have the catheter.
The district nurse said it could take up to 4 to 12 weeks for the swelling and bruising to subside, not only that, but the hospital i was being 'treated' in, left me filling up for 7 hours and so my bladder is 2 and a half times the size it should be.

I am seriously depressed now, and am on anti-depressants, its not even a setback cos the NHS couldnt fix my adhesions, its just another problem to add to my list.
I still have the hope of Martin Knight from the spinal foundation fixing me up.
I have asked my GP to refer me but she wants to see if my NHS surgeon is ok with it, and i think he will, because he said he felt bad i was left in this situation.
Its the battle with my local PCT that may hinder things, because I will need them to fund any treatment i may get from him (Martin Knight).


But.....at the moment i feel like crap, in pain 24/7, peeing into a bag....all at the age of 30, and with an 8 year old daughter to look after.
Thankfully i have help from friends or i don't know what i would do.
But my daughter says she wants to do this and that, and i just can't and she is always so disappointed, so i feel worse.

Sorry guys for the negativity, but i have been trying to keep positive for so long, i am just worn down now.
I am seeing my GP regularly, she is helping me through my depression, she is wonderful.

I hope you guys are doing better than I, and i hope my next post will bring happy news )

 

[warrior]

Hi ALiH78

I am soooo sorry that you have now more to deal with. You have been through so much already, its not fair. I can really empathise with you going through all of this and being so depressed. I know how hard it is but hang in there hun. I know its hard but Try and hang on to anyhting posative and concontrate on that, that will help you though this.

Speak soon
Luv
Cas08

 

[erfan a]

Hi ALiH78

Its me again, I was just sorting through some things and came across something a friend sent me, I thought it might help you. She wrote "Concontrate on the things you CAN DO and not on what you can't". I found this really helped me. I know it easier said than done and I originally thought yerrr right, but I did try it and it did help me!

I just think when you get depressed you need a servival kit of things you collect, do, read or listen to that help you. The website www.painsupport.co.uk I found, was also useful. Hope this helps a bit.

Take Care
Luv
Cas08
xx

 

[Lillyyyy]

i just logged on here to have a big old moan about my achy leg and have read ali's post and have got some serious perspective! i am so so sorry to hear how awful things have been for you ali. it just seems like when you get one thing sorted, another hurdle presents itself. it's great to hear you have lots of people around you....i think the emotional support they can offer is probably the most valuable thing...better than any little tablet the nhs might shove your way. i realise as a cyber friend my knowledge of your situation is pretty limited, but i know you can get through this because you have been through worse and come out smiling and joking and helping other people feel so much better about life (me included). i think you need a new 'gavin and stacey' style prog to help you through the tough times...any suggestions anyone??
lots of love to you all,
jess + achy right leg xx

 

[AshRay]

Ali - I'm so sorry - I understand how the whole thing can certainly wear you down...
Glad you have a good support network and a decent GP to assist.
I hope there are some brighter days ahead for you very, very shortly.

 

[DAnegjr]

Hi Ali, sorry to hear you're still having mega problems. Both Tracey and I are struggling too, I'm just having a break from constant whingeing. Never mind, I see the consultant on the 16th July...which will be another opportunity for him to dismiss my problems, for whatever reason, and for me to travel back feeling miserable as hell.

How long have we been pushing ourselves into the positive approach? Seems like years. I'm still working but really suffering with neck and shoulders, plus my now wonky back. I wish obvious back problems could be taken more seriously. I had to laugh at the bit in the newspaper where the experts are concerned people with back problems could end up having unnecessary back surgery through the use of holistic treatments. I wanted to write in and say 'no chance of that my friends, you can't even get the necessary surgery done these days!'

I have to say I'm slowly giving up hope for recovery.