Discectomy - After the Operation

[iHeckler]

I thought I'd post again, as contributors here really helped me in my pre- and post-op days!

I had a discectomy and decompression almost three years ago after some years of intermittent chronic pain followed by an episode of excruciating sciatic pain and numbness in the saddle area and down my right leg. My consultant recommended the surgery and warned of the possibility of loss of bowel and bladder function if the compression spread to my equinas nerve.

All went well, but I did suffer a lot of post-op pain which I managed with Tramadol. I did worry that I would ever regain full mobility. My wound healed very well and I went on to make a good recovery, though the op made the numbness worse if anything and I still haven't recovered sensation in the back of my thigh (you could stick a pin in me in some places and I wouldn't feel it). For the last 12 months or so I have been concentrating on strengthening my core muscles. This has involved many hours of ab-related work plus associated hip/glut/back exercises using weights. It's been a big commitment (but I really wanted to shape up and shed a few pounds, so it's all been part of a process) and you need to work at it every day to see results. However, I've noticed huge benefits. My core is really strong and acts as a kind of 'cage' that supports the spine and reduces strain on it. I would recommend it to anyone once they're several months post-op. Pilates is a good start as it's gentle and doesn't require a lot of cardio fitness, but I would say to do some one-to-one stuff to start with so you get the right position.

It's just my experience, but it's made a huge difference to my strength and flexibility and I've not had back pain since.

Good luck to all!

JJ

 

[HOT 1]

JustJezebel

This is encouraging - I had a discectomy in November last year and was given no exercises or physio at all. After clearing it with my surgeon I'm now going to start physio and under her recommendations - join a gym. I believe that most of the aches and pains I still experience would be improved if I can build up my core muscles. I had my initial assessment yesterday and I hope to get down to the real hard work next week. Unfortunately the physiotherapist discovered that my left knee is loose - I have had pain in it from time to time but had somehow linked it to my back problem as I had constant pain down my left leg prior to the surgery. However she has told me not to worry about it and to work on my leg muscles which will help support the knee. Don't know how or when it happened but it may explain why I've never been able to ride a bike because of knee pain!

How long does it take to build up your core muscles? At the moment I feel like a lost cause but I'm hoping that there is something I can do to help

Thanks

 

[ellena]

Hi Shelly!

I felt my recovery was slow in some respects because I felt very fragile for many months afterwards - more of a psychological issue than a physical one, in retrospect. I'd say as soon as you feel relatively 'normal' - and that will be different for everyone - then you could start exercising. It's best to be as supple as you can before launching into strengthening work, so walk/swim and stretch for a few weeks to build up your energy/fitness levels and ensure you're not stiff or sore. If, as you say, you have a dodgy knee (as do I) then make sure you're not doing too much high impact work.

My core routine centres heavily on abdominal work. You must protect your back at all times until your muscles are stronger. But if you plan some ab exercises every day or every other day to start with, it's amazing how quickly you will increase your strength. Your trainer will be able to advise you, but try to include some upper ab work (like simple shoulder lifts - back flat on floor and knees bent, feet flat), some oblique work (lifts with a slight twist of elbow towards opposite knee) and lower abs (reverse crunches, back and head flat, lifting bottom gently off the floor towards the ceiling). Be especially careful with the lower ab work - put your hands flat under your bottom or hold your hips up on your hands until you gain strength. You should quickly be able to progress to 'plank' movements that improve all the core muscles. It's also worth using light weights to strengthen back muscles and you should also work hard on your gluts and hip flexors as these all help to support the back.

If you are determined and do your exercises regularly, gradually building up to more and more intensity, I genuinely believe you'll see an improvement in core strength within a couple of months. I do a workout every day in front of the TV which incorporates cardio work as well as strengthening exercises and for me it's been of huge benefit. I did quite a lot of cycling last year too - something I never thought I'd be able to do after my back op.

Your trainer might be able to suggest specific exercises for your knee, but you might also consider wearing a neoprene brace (the ones where your kneecap pokes through, but the surrounding muscles are supported with the strapping) in the meantime. I've just renewed my supplies of Glucosamine/Chondroitin supplements and I'm also trying out something called Bromelain which is a natural anti-inflammatory derived from pineapple, which I'm hoping might help with my knee.

Obviously everyone is different and I would stress that you need to listen to your own body and not overdo the exercises. But I think everybody's back would benefit from a bit more support from the surrounding muscles - just think how much easier it would be to get off the sofa if you had really strong quads, gluts and abs, rather than relying on your poor back to do all the work!

Good luck with your recovery.

JJ

 

[corinthians]

Hello everyone and thank you to those who responded to my earlier and first post one this site. I am curently 9 days post surgery. Had the Left Lumbar L4 -S1 decompression surgery to releive nerve impingment and to releive 2 bulging disks. before the surgery i had a constant pain running down my left leg and that pain has been gone from the second i woke up from surgery. I still feel numbness in my left outside of my foot but it is more of a tingle now. The surgeon said after the surgery that he was able to stimulate that nerve after the decompression surgery so i am hoping the nerve will fully regenerate and the medial gastroc in my left calf will begin to build muscle due to the atrophy the impingment caused prior to surgery. I have minimal pain in my lower back and all seems to be from the surgical procedures. I will go back to meet with the surgeon on tuesday the 16th of Febuary. Can anyone help me brainstorm for questions to ask?? i apreciate all help and advice. this site has beed great and seems to be filled with great people.

 

[Mama77]

Hello everyone,
My husband who has his prolapsed disc removed six weeks ago has asked me to ask you that when you sit on the sofa, due to his numbness in his bottom, how do you guys manage to sit comfortably. At the moment he sits on a pillow!

Also, any of you suffer from cauda equina syndrome (i hear this is quite uncommon)

Thanks, and wishing you all well,
Dani

 

[kimbolina452003]

Hi all,

Feel the urge to share as you all have done.

Last June I felt a twinge in my left leg, odd twinge, convinced it was something nasty, got a bit worse in July, saw a doctor in August and he diagnosed Sciatica. It was a relief that it was nerve. I'd not considered that and my mind had conjured up much more horrible scenarios.

September my 2nd child was born so after that was all sorted I went back to my GP as was in real pain. Got referred to physio. They helped me switch off the leg pain. But as a condition it was getting worse. I could barely sit down. Driving went from uncomfortable to painful to almost impossible. So much so that I barely do it. I am still at work but as I am in Sales its difficult!!

October I decided to push for an MRI. I'm lucky I have BUPA. November I had the MRI. Late November I saw a consultant and he said it was the "biggest disc" he'd seen in ages. Referred me to a surgeon.

In December Surgeon suggested epidural as a first course of action and as Xmas I got in the way it was mid Jan when I had the epidural. I was terrified and needn't have been. I was basically knocked out for the procdure. (When conscious again I asked then when they were going to start! They said - you've already had it love). However, that did nothing.

I am currently waiting to see the surgeon again in a weeks time.

However, the worry I have is that my pain is nothing like some on here. Its painful. Sitting seems to trigger off the pain like nothing else. Sitting and extending the left leg also. So clutch control is hard. I get a large dull pain in my hip/buttock as if I was kicked by a horse 2 days ago and its a big bruise. Tingling in the leg, some numbness in the foot from time to time. Can't touch the floor anymore. I used to be able to press fingers against the floor, now can only touch tops of shins.

But it comes and goes. This morning agony, now, feel good. One day walking the dog is great, next days I am limping like and old man and fighting back tears.

Some of the accounts on here sound terrible and I feel a bit lucky and question the need for surgery but when I look at my life and all the compromises (there are LOADS) my quality of life has reduced enormously.

Worst thing is living this for 5 months+. Chronic pain is a bad companion. I am sure I am not depressed but its been a challenge with a young family, new-born and running a sales team without looking like someone in pain (not a good leadership style) especially as work has been very challenging since September.

Anyone identify with this set of symptoms?

 

[asrai]

Hi I also suffer very similar symptons to yours. I have had 3 sets of injections now epidurals and root block treatment - the first 2 did help but the 3rd was a waste of time. I am due to have my second MRI scan tomorrow (also on private healthcare) as it is sometime ago I had the first one. My surgeon will operate on the 15th March - to be quite honest I don't care any more I just want to get rid of the pain. I have also worked all the way through I have no choice I am a partner in a company and am very busy. Also a desk job but I get up and walk around a lot. Walking is the only thing that takes the pain away - bedtime is a nightmare - dose myself up and hope to sleep through for a few hours. Sitting is also very painful - also my left leg pain all the way down from the buttocks - I also get a lot of pins and needles. Sitting on the tube for the commute is the worst - I usually stand all the way for 40 mins - usually Im rushing to get a seat. I hope this op will cure this pain - Im not looking forward to the recovery but 10 months is now long enough and I dont want to (or hope I havent) done any permanent damage to the nerve. Go and see your specialist - if the disc is too large it won't go back on its own with the injections. I did try an osetopath but that didn't work either.
You have to do whats best for you and having the op with young babies is not the ideal scenerio - you will certainly need help and someone to be with you for the first few weeks at least after the op. Good luck - Ill let the site know how I got on once I have had the op.

 

[Jim S]

Hello all, 1st post.
I would take the trouble to describe my symptoms but I think SteveLeeds has done a wonderful job - mine are exactly the same. It's the sitting that gets me. If I stay on my feet all day buzzing about I feel great.

I've had 1 epidural with a fair amount of success. That was back in November but things are slowly getting worse again and I don't fancy ending up how I was before the injection - basically in a right mess.

So (on the advice of my surgeon) I've decided to go in for the op.
I'm booked in for a week on Friday (26th Feb 2010).

I've got lots of doubts creeping in like I haven't even explored the acupuncture option, will it get better on it's own, will I end up in a worse position.

I'm just going to have to go for it and hopeully in a month or 2 I'll be able to pick up my kids and get back to doing some sport.

I'll keep you all posted on my progress.
Thanks to everyone who's posted before - I've found it all really helpful

Cheers
Craig

 

[lalCauracig]

Craigy, My understanding is that acupuncture is a pain relief and works by stimulating endorphins. I've had it 6-7 times. No effect other than to make me queasy and take the mind of the leg!

At the end of the day 90% of people recover from sciatica with subtle changes in lifestyle and a bit of physio.

But conservative therapies like physio, acupuncture and interferential machines (I love them - I got to turn the dial today!) won't push a disc prolapse back in place.

If the epidural doesn't work then, as the physio was saying today, if you are young, can get it sorted then do so, far too much living to be had not to compromise.

I think I am prepared for it, sort of looking forward to a bit of time off actually, brush up on my sudoku skills, slow down for 1-3 months. Physio reckoned I could go running after 12 weeks. Which, if I didn't do the surgery, is better than never again.

I've got a ticket for glastonbury so thats my target to be well again.

 

[Zachariah]

DaniG - I didn't sit on my sofa for months after my surgery. I hated the sensation of pain that I would get as I squished down lower in to the soft cushions. Owww. I ended up opting for sitting on hard chairs that were supportive and so much easier to get in and out of.

Steve Leeds - my quality of life has improved HUGELY since my op. I can now do most things I used to do. The things I don't do (like lifting heavy objects) I should have never done in the first place anyway. Surgery can seem like a scary option (I know it did for me) but for some of us it has worked out very well. It's given me my life back. Can't bare to think how things would be if I hadn't had it done.

 

[Ted]

It's been about a month since my surgery. I had horrible sciatica in both legs before. Nothing was comfortable standing sitting laying, it did not matter u was in constant excrutiating pain. After the surgery I was very sore and thought I may have made a bad decision. But it has gotten much better with some time and physio. I can do basic activities pain free. I still have minor pain in my left leg and feel weak, but at least as a nineteen year old my friends have stopped saying I look like I walk like a ninety year old with a corn cob in his rear! So far I am extremely happy with my progress

 

[Manuelcor]

I might be the youngest here yet feel the oldest
Im 20 years old, had laminactomy+discectomy on L4-L5 a little over a month ago after complete diteriaration of the disk (the MRI report stated "Bone Dry Disk, funny ha?) and intense pressure on the dural sack which led to stenosis.

Before that I was a student and a sport addict for years (proper diet,gym,running).

The pain "maxed out" several months before sergury to a point that I It would hurt my legs walking for more then 100m without sitting down, It was very painful standing and the more "pleasurable" pain my left butocks area would apeal out of nowhere so I couldnt really anticipate\prevent it.

This would have been fine and well and I would be carrying on with my life and handling the pain if it wasnt for this damn leg fetigue\weakness\drop leg which started later on.
Even laying down It felt as if gravity was 10 times greater.

I had 3 Epidural shots,all failed to do anything for the pain.

Back to the sergury,
Im now 6 weeks PO, pain free in my left leg, I can lift my legs slightly more, the back pain from sergury is much less BUT fetigu\weakness is the same,right leg is still painful while standing\walking is the same.

Any medical aid for this muscle pain? If it wasnt for it I would be back running (with pain but pain is not a limit factor for me) in no time.

Anyhow now Im not doing much,
Trying to set a new course in life. Was about to join the army after I finished studying but doesnt seem possible now.

 

[smills0205]

Hi Tomer, I think Jayyjelly gets the youngest person award so far....unless I'm mistaken. I'm no expert but you have to remember that your nerves have had a real battering and they can take quite a while to fix. I was told it could take 18 months. Are you doing physio? There is some good exercise advice here somewhere, sorry, I forgot who posted it. Take a look at those and remember to listen to your body, don't push too hard. I think we all advise to stay positive, hard as that is sometimes its a good rule to follow. If surgery was a month ago you need to give yourself more time.....it can take a few months at least to feel some benefit.

 

[Samantha Gibson]

Good luck with the op. I had mine on 26th November - takes a while to get over and first month is awful but I'm now feeling better than I have done for two years. Just started physio (delayed as none offered by the hospital) and I guess now I just have to stick to it if I'm to get stronger.

I kept a diary of my first two months after the op so if you wants coming next just let me know

Let us know how you get on

 

[PermaSmirk]

Evening all,

It's been a while since I posted, I thought it was time for an update. I had my op on 3rd November, see previous posts for the pre-op symptoms and the first few months post op. I went back to work at the start of January, an hour and a half train commute to London, and after the first two weeks I was getting really worried. My leg pain was getting worse, the pain in my heel was getting more severe - in the mornings I couldn't believe how hard the floor was! I was thinking that I was going back to the pains I had before the op, and I was not happy!

Then I had a long chat with my physio, who had tried everything, and we agreed to up the exercise to see what happened. The logic here was that I had a really good exercise routine before I went back to work, and since then just wasn't doing enough. So I hit the gym three times a week, lots of cardio stuff, a bit of weights, and some swimming, and of course the core strength work continuing. Also trying to walk as much as I can, a 30 minute walk at lunchtime, weather permitting.

This seems to be working, this week my leg and foot feels better than it has for a while. I saw the consultant / surgeon this week, he was really pleased with how I am doing, Said the pain I have is nerve damage, my nerve had been compressed for a long time, and he said it was pretty badly damaged and it could take a year or more to heal, if indeed it ever completely recovers. Said I have to keep doing what I am doing, especially walking, I will have good days and bad day, take painkillers on the bad days, just keep exercising to get the nerve the nutrients it needs. i need to be patient.

So, four months on, I am delighted that I had the op, I had doubts before, but my quality of life has improved dramatically, I hope that by the summer I should be back to how I was a few years ago, before this all started.

So that's me for now, I will keep going and let you know what happens.

Good luck everyone.

Essexboy.

 

[unuseincent]

Hi All,

Not posted for months. My back and nerve pain is doing well. I still get bits of pain if i do to much but it tends to go after a week or so.

Getting in the gym is a must if you can. Lots of walking, swimming, stretching, core work and leg exercises.

Keep thinking positive. I know its hard some days but i think it helped me when the pain was bad and following the op.

I am coming up for 2 years post op. and all is well. I am glad i had the op and would have it again if i had to. So there is anyone out there who is wondering what to do i say go for it, it may change your life.

Olli

 

[Witness]

I thought I'd add my update - I'm three months post op (L5/S1 discectomy) and I too am much improved. I won't say its been easy but I'm pleased I had the op and would recommend to anyone to have it done. I wasn't given any physio from the hospital but luckily my place of work has an on site physiotherapist who has given me a short programme of core stability exercises which I have to do each day. In addition I have also joined the gym and they have also come up with a short programme to help build up my strength. Both programmes will increase gradually so I'm hoping that by the summer I can go for long walks and do my garden - I don't ask for much, but these are things I've missed out on for the last two years. Hopefully things will continue to improve and who knows these core stability exercises may even give me a flat stomach - LOL

 

[Buy]

I'm always shocked when surgeons do a great job only to have their work ruined by lack of communication re rehab?

Why should anyone have to source their own rehab/physio post op ????

 

[esaxrjiq]

Hello all,
Coward here, I have been reading a lot of the threads, reason? I am going in shortly for an L5 operation, sorry, don't know the full title of this fancy surgery. Anyway, I hurt my back about 1999/2000, but it recovered slowly over about two years, one cause was the terrible seats in my company car, the other was the seats in my own cars. When I changed my car manufacturer, the problem gradually went away. Lo and behold, I have the problem back, but much worse this time, any connection's? Yes, I tried a newer version of that car manufacturer. It just seems such a big co-incidence!
I have had a stiff/sore back since before Christmas, but second week in Jan 10, I got up from cleaning the dogs feet and bang, sciatica, unable to sit, could lie and stand, but not sit. Doc said two days in bed to help, which I did, then on the third morning I tried stepping into the shower and "bigger bang." For the next two weeks I could not get out of bed, going to the toilet was a nightmare, the pain was unbelievable. One doctor came out to see me, he changed my painkillers to Gabapentin, the following day I was out of bed, no pain, only if I jerked or moved too quickly did I get a nip. The only problem was the three toes on the left foot are numb, and at night if I lay too long on my back, my saddle area would get numb. I mentioned this to my doctor who got me an MRI scan the following week, (private clinic as the NHS were too busy.) The results were back a few days later with a warning, "Immediate Neuro-surgical intervention required." But my local NHS uses a different operating system to the private clinic, so the scans had to go by post. It then took a further week before someone could get the time to read them, when this was done, they sent for me immediately. They are now recommending an operation asap, possibly this week, but are amazed that I have no pain. Apparently a large amount of the disc contents have come out! I think I have no choice but to have the op, as I seem unable to improve my leg strength, and at the moment I get an odd twinge far too easily. I consider my situation to have progressed very quickly compared to a lot I have read about and I think I am fortunate, but I tend to be a lazy sod and the thought of all the exercise needed to recover is getting me down. Don't get me wrong, I am not great fat lazy overweight devil, but I hope I can find the endurance within me to do this, plus being just over 50 wont help. Many thanks to those who have bothered to write in and assure those who are on the fence, I hope that I will be able to give much needed encouragement to those who come after.

 

[aJofpiomia]

Hiya dickymint, despite being a 'lazy sod' you have to think long term with this condition. I shouldn't say anything because I continue to have problems, even though I did all the physio following my surgery, but not exercising can cause an awful lot of problems. I'm not sure of my facts here but I think the stretching can prevent adhesions forming around the surgery site, and if you don't try and avoid that it will be pointless having surgery. Just make sure you follow physio advice and keep yourself active..you don't have to break any fitness records but you do have to keep moving...in the right way. Being just over 50 only means having a bit more patience...I'm really shocked that so many young people are suffering with their discs, far too young for all that pain and misery.

If anyone is still awake regarding my sorry tale....I decided to have a go at packing my possessions up, in the hope of moving house, and managed to get another lumbar muscle spasm...damn, they hurt!

Have now put a complaint to the parliamentary ombudsman because I would really like some medical attention. And if that doesn't get me some progress then I quit (again). I don't think anyone believes I have a problem with my back after all this time.. and its making me really angry. This saga began in June 2007...and its never ending!