Discectomy - After the Operation

[Cacarynse]

Hi all,

11.5 hours post op: I'm still tired and weary but the hungover feeling has gone maybe as I've just had something light but substantial to eat. I've just had my 3rd dose of pain killers and in the half hour before hand, I could feel the pain building up in the op area and my temp rose a little but its fine now. I find I can lay in any postiton albeit for shorts periods, also, I can walk about for few minutes, make a brew and sit quite comforably again for short periods of about half an hour.....I'm going to bed properly soon so I'll see how I get on through the night........

Kip

 

[cyhxunou]

{{{{{{{{{{Kip}}}}}}}}} well done you! xxxxx

Lovely to hear from you, I was so worried and interested, do rest though and keep us posted! You deserve a new thread all of your own that documents the whole thing from start to finish please

 

[JarArrize]

Aww Thanks


If people are interested I'll see what I can do, its not like I havn't got the time lol

 

[ape shit]

Look at this link http://www.spineuniverse.com/conditions/facet-joint-syndrome

If your low-back pain is not discogenic - usually facet joints cause back pain. This can be diagnosed by MRI and then confirmed by diagnostic facet infiltration (usually selective and multi-level). After facet joint(s) is (are) confirmed as pain source, RF ablation can be done and pain can be stopped for very long period.

Additional, reccurent nerve can be removed or cut. This procedure is called Dorsal Endoscopic Rhizotomy of the dorsal ramus.

 

[Daisy Disney]

5 days post op:

I've not been doing so well this last couple of days, I've had the odd twinge in my left calf and and I now have pain deep in my right buttock and the back of my right thigh. As the bruising is starting to come out, I think it may be a bit of swelling of the pirformis muscle, I'll ring the hospital later,

kip

 

[BJ Freeman]

Hiya everyone!! Long time since i was last on here, think its been a year.

Lots has happened but in regards to my back and leg pain its still groundhog day crap! Same ol' Same ol'!!

I have moved to Dunstable, and found out from a fellow spinal patient that the spinal surgeon there was struck off!! I am ever so optimistic!!

Sounds like gettin treatment is gonna be hard bloody work!!

I hope all my fellow oldies here are all good )

Fitbird and Olli, how are your babies?

 

[Laiquendi]

my story so far ...



Got to the hospital 7 am… found I was having op at 3 pm… the wait begins.. But im ok about it all, the news that I had no infections etc had eased my concerns over the surgery.
Went in to surgery expecting to be under the knife an hour or so... this is where the trouble started
Apparently during surgery I had a Dural Tear? This was thankfully spotted during the operation, which now lasted for 4 hours to repair it…
Dural tears are pretty scary stuff and can lead to a lot of problems… as a result I was told that I would have to have complete horizontal bed rest for 8 days (reduced to 5)
I was told about the snag when I came around by a very concerned consultant… poor chap. They do wonders these people and there is always a risk. I didn’t really know what it all meant and was too wasted to take it in… in the morning I woke back n the ward with tubes out my arm one for antibiotics the other morphine.. And the consultant was there again when I woke to explain what had happened and what I had to do… was all a bit blurry and I felt pants… as the days wore on worst was to come..
As I was lay the on my back, I didn’t want to eat or drink because I knew if I did that I would then have to do the obvious… I could pee though so started to have a drink, felt better, so ate…. Hummmmm… after 1 day I began to have tummy cramp but couldn’t go… was still passing urine though unaided and controlled… day two the same but still couldn’t ‘go’… the morphine though taking away the pain was causing constipation… by day three I couldn’t pee any more due to the pressure and finally succumbed and agreed to a catheter… I felt like poo and if I could have got out of bed would have gone to the roof and jumped… small problem.. Couldn’t walk! But the catheter at least did the trick and I was then able to give birth to triplets at about 3 am weighing in at x Lbs each… ;0)
Day 4 and 5 were the worst days of my life I can tell you. How the hell the poor sods who have accidents and are lay flat for weeks cope I just do not know… I could wiggle my toes and feel my feet and legs moving so felt confident there was no lasting damage from the tear.. Fingers and everything else crossed…
Monday was day 5 and the consultant arrived… I hadn’t slept all night... after a quick inspection and chat with the staff around and over the bed, he said I could try and get up now… Moment of truth…
The change from then to now nothing short of remarkable... I got to my feet with some help and a lot of pain in the wound area... I was weak from all the constipation and drugs and stiff as a board from not moving and felt all seized up...
Still… Up I got… and god it felt good. The majority of the pain I had before surgery in my legs and buttocks has GONE :0) Sure im sore, and weak, but I walked up and down the ward and by Tuesday was managing stairs unaided so albe to come home today… wednesday
I have numbness is some area which will ease over time. My back still aches but I knew it would. I can deal with an ache now the pain has gone…. There are still a few things I need to sort out and need to know are working again but am told that will hope fully in time. I have full continence again now too… thank firk...
So there you go... loads more I could put but im ready for sleep


My nly remaining concern if i am honest is that i have a numbness in my saddle area ? though i do have full control of my bowels and urine i also feel a bit numb about my scrotum... i have yet to try and get sexually aroused but the time will come i hope, and so far the signs are a bit confusing... i.e. i dont feel i can get an erection? the consultant said to not think or worry about it and he is sure that these things will come back to me in time.... and he wasnt suprised give the tough time my body has been through... but of course I DO worry.. worried sick in fact...



anyone had anything similar ? ive read some scary stuff about it but time will tell and trying to stay postive :0)


any advice or help would be appreciated

 

[???? ???? ???? ??j?]

I have just joined this forume as I am one of the many back sufferers and delighted to be able to share and listen to others who have similar issues.

I was diagnosed with a DDD with an annular tear to the left side of L5/S1 disc, in a close approximity to the S1 nerve, that was in 2002. My initial symptoms were pain on the left side of my legs, comes and goes at times,but subsequentely became more persistent, also general weakness when sitting, standing, cant walk for very long, cant lift anything heavy, cant sleep, etc...basically I have a life of existance and no quality at all. I tried all of the alternative treatments, physio, chiropractor, osteopathy, massage therapy and you name it, nothing worked.

In 2002 they initially told me they would take the disc out and fuse it with bone graft, using my own graft taken from my pelvis/hip, somewhere.
months and years went by, I was operated in 2006, but the surgeon had changed his mind and did a non-instrumented post-lateral fusion, he told me just about one hour befor the operation, that he is not going to go into my spinal canal. Little I knew and have been so desperate and most vulnerable, I had put my faith in his experties. I was 8 days in hospital with a 6 inch scar in my back and the pain in my left side worst than ever, He told me that this was normal and the healing process will take 2 years. During my stay in hospital I had morphine, pethadine injections and paracetamol/codine.

The operation did nothing for me at all, in fact it only made my pain worse, particularly on the right hand side of the buttock. I have been getting such severe bouts of pain that would just paralyse me for few days. Pain killers and morphine patches, injections, would help to dampen the edge of the pain, but I know I am only buying time as it will only be a matter of time for a re-occurance.

I got so fed up waitng for appointments on the nhs and waiting months for this and that, I decided to pay for a new MRI scan and get another expert opinion outside my health trust. The mri showed same diagnosis as 2002 with the addition of degenrative facet joint at the L5/S1 level and some degeneration at the facet of the level above (L4/L5). The expert surgeon I went to see was quite shocked by the decision taken to carry out of the selected procedure that was carried out in 2002 !. He offered me an instumental fusion with cage (ALIF), using minimum invasive surgery. he did tell me that since this is a revision surgery, chances of success is limited.

As I dont feel I am living a life really, I am no good to myself nor to my family, and have the responsibilities of 3 children, I feel, unless any one out there have another suggestion, but to go for the surgery and hope for the best.

I would be greatfull if anyone had a revision surgery, similar to my prognosis, would share their experience and the outcome.

Many thanks.

 

[Lauryn]

First of all, I don't understand what exactly did he did in first procedure?

He just stabilized your spine with pedicle screws and left the disc intact? If this is the case, your pains are understandable and very often in many cases. When disc is left intact, discogenic pain stay even though motion is stopped. Disc does not need motion to cause pain. I agree with your new surgeon and his comments about this.

Second, ALIF surgery is rated highly among spinal surgeons. Not only ALIF, also ADR with anterior approach. However, it can be dangerous and it is a serious procedure. Renowned surgeons still prefer fusion (most often ALIF) over ADR. However, I urge you to study about ADR and find a surgeon who is trained for ADR surgery. Get a second opinion.

Good luck !

 

[Jos h2o]

Hi Keano16, thank you for your reply.
My first procedure was a non instrumented posterior fusion, there were no screws or any metal used, just some form of bone graft (not from my own), which did not form a union (no fusion was accomplished). The disc is left intact.

I have strong convictions that my first surgery was experimental or else the surgeon inadequate skills that made him choose this technique. He was very complacent at all times and always wanted me out of his consultation room as soon as he could, dismissive of all questions I asked.

I have asked my new surgeon about the ADR,and he is well known to have performed this procedure frequentely (he is also well known on other forums), He said it was too late. If I had done it first time round it would have been better, but since I have developed facet degeneration at the L5/S1 level and to my understanding, it would not help.

Do you know of anyone that had an ADR following a failed back surgery, like mine ?
From my reading around and research, it seems like an ADR would be most effective with patients who have a relatively uncompromised facets ? Am I correct in saying this ?

Much appreciates your feedback.

Thanks.

 

[Catherine H]

Hi guys, I've suffered from sciatica pain down my left leg since early summer (~june). I have recently had an MRI which confirmed a prolapsed disc, i've seen physios both privately and on the nhs, done traction et al but my pain has only gotten worse. I see a consultant next friday and from our phonecall he seemed keen on surgery.

However, I'm unsure that surgery is the right option, especially reading some of the stories here and the lack of MISS on the NHS. I'm incredibly worried that I shall never be able to play football again or have anywhere near the (very good) level of fitness I had prior to the onset of this terrible pain. I'm rather depressed and kind of angry that this pain should seemingly sporadically present itself like this (I'm 21).

I'll keep y'all updated.

 

[FallenAngel]

Mike

I know the anger and the pain... I was sooo angy after i life of being fit, working out and playing rugby and golf, when many around me sat idle did nothing and were couch potatoes... yet it was me that got the back snag... lesson in that somewhere..

My penarth worth.. you are 21... they would not or should not look at surgery unless it really is the only way forwrds... if so then dont fear it (read my post below)

Mine was complicated and not the greatest experience but two weeks on the pain reflief is brilliant and i am slowly but surely getting back to health

sadly you may have to face up to the music that life sport wise will not be the same again... and thats hard... but im confident that i will be able to do 99 percent again.. though i may never rip another 330 yard drive...

have faith just check out the reputation of your consultant...

 

[Lay Lay]

One year post op

Mike, I could have been reading my own post a year ago. On 26th November 2009 I had this op and would recommend it to anyone suffering they way I did. I have to say the first three weeks or so afterwards are hell but this year I've been able to go out for walks and do the garden - which I was unable to do before the op.

I "met" a guy on here who had the op beginning of November last year who is very sporty and he seems to be pretty much back to normal after his op.

Good luck with whatever you decide but it was the right decision for me.

 

[cyhxunou]

What op though? there are many!

 

[cunoxer]

L5/S1 discectomy - sorry I should have said!

 

[Skully]

Hi Mike x

Just read your posts about being sporty and having fitness after a back op. I had an l5/si microdiscectomy and a nerve root decompression june 2008. I am a fitness instructor and was indeed worried about being able to return to fitness and my job after the op. I can truly say that i am back to full fitness and mobility and teach 20 classes a week. some are very high impact! I took things slowly and looked after myself and still do. I still do pilates and feel as a pilates instructor this is vital to anyones recovery.

It absolutely is possible to return to a full and active life. You also have age on your side at 21. I was 43 when I had mine done.

Good luck to you whatever you decide to do and keep us posted.

Fitbird.xxx

 

[Shaannnnnn Moo]

Hello everyone,

I am new, I was so happy to read most of your quotes (in a reasuring way). Iam not alone in this world. To cut a story short I am recovering from decompression surgery L5. It lasted 3 hours as my disc was half out. Before surgery I waS IN CRONICH pain, which went on for 7 months before I found myself a good consultant.

Pain went away which I was experiancing down my whole left leg to my foot/L Buttoks. The only thing I could do to ease it all was stand 24/7.

3 weeks later I am experiancing muscler pain down my left leg. I find myself asking is this ment to happen, will it ever stop!!! Have been off work for 2 months. Would like to return in new year. I walk alot, have just started swiming and palarties.
Can i have my active life back?

 

[sreeguevilhifyejf]

Hi Faith, I had a discectomy 8 weeks ago to relieve the pressure off both sciatic nerves. I still have pain & numbness in my right leg and now that I have come off the morphine I am suffering low back pain again. I am 100% better than before I had the op but seemed to have "peaked" and don't feel like I'm making much progress. I have read many many posts on this forum and it really does seem to be an individual thing. I was sadly under the illusion that I would jump off the operating table and be fixed but unfortunately it doesn't seem to work that way. My doctor says it could be months before I am fully recovered and as I have degenerative disc disease in the other discs I may never be completely free of back pain. The upside is that some people do completely recover in a relatively short period of time so let's hope you are one of them! Shellym

 

[SypeImmum]

Hi,

i have similar background of events leading me to require a discectomy as other peope have posted (Severe prolapse at L5, S1 with left leg numbness, tingly sensation and cold feeling), although mine was brought on from Rugby and weight training. I don't see many posts on here relating to rugby so wanted to add my story for revue and to hopefully give a bit of hope, as i was in a real panic about what changes would happen in my beloved life a few weeks back.

I am 28 and was laid up only able to lay on my front or on my back with a pillow under my left buttock for 7 weeks. I was on paracetamol, codeine and diclofenac througout (also found TENS machine allowed me to get off to sleep better), but also took senakot as the codeine effected my bowels.

I managed to get an emergency MRI scan in week 5 from physio referrel. I waited a week for the results from my GP, but being told that it would take 2-3 weeks until i would then receive a appointment with a specialist and then a 3 month waiting list for any operation i freaked and began searching for private care.

I have a young family with 3 year old twins and being in so much shock and depression from this pain, i was extremely keen to get back on my feet to gain some sense of normality. (i know many people have more severe circumstances than this, my sympothy goes out to them)

I rang BUPA and was able to get an appointment with a surgeon in week 7 for a conultation for £190. The surgeon was also a NHS doctor and seeing the pain i was in and the nerve damage building from my toes to my buttocks, he immediatly had me book myself in at A&E and put into a ward for a operation by him the next day on the NHS.

I had the operation and went home the next day. I have not had to take any pain killers since 2 days after surgery and i am now 2 weeks since the sugery making frequent trips to the gym, cycling short journeys and out walking the dog every day, while being able to get back to enjoying my young family.

I am already on staged retunr to work and also expect to be back playing rugby after xmas.

I hope this is again as others have posted a sign of hope. I would like to add that i have been very persitstent with speaking to my GP every day on some occasions, chasing up my own MRI results directly and asking why, why and why and who i need to speak to and have they got the correct details etc... to get the process done quickly. The NHS is so big that if you are not under the eye of a specific doctor or taking up a hospital bed you are just going to be put on a waiting list and then put back every time somebody with more urgent requirements turn up.

I understand the NHS doctors are under severe pressure to follow a waiting list process, but like anybody they have openings in there schedule with no patinets booked in, but they have to be in a hospital ward to be seen.

I definately advise that people have a one off private consultation (with a doctor that does the actual surgery working private and for the NHS at the local hospital) sooner than later for speedy recoveries and to reduce long term effects, directly chase up any paperwork or results and research/document the process to avoid any surprises and to understand were you are in the system.

Its a ridiculuous waiting time set out by the NHS, but calling the system all the names under thesun at home, i was really happy with the care i got face to face with doctors and in the hospital from all teams.

Greatest thanks to my GP, Physio, Doctor and Wife

Babbled on a bit here (and i cut it short!)

Thanks
Paul

 

[ape2016]

QUICK UPDATE... and promise to kjeep you all up to speed as I know what a help it can be.

My op date was November 3rd... TODAY I STARTED BACK TO WORK :0) even though I experienced the Dural Tear..

I sit at a desk for most of my work so have a little alarm clock.. every 20 minuteas I get up and walk around the building... I go for a longer walk at dinner time (Though the snow and ice are hampering that, i drive to the indoor shopping mall and walk through there... debit card taking a hammering though with some extra retail therapy... ive had a tough few years .. i deserve it)

Picking up on the final paragraph of my last post, I can report that my undercariage is also fully operational :0) though feels slightly different and i do have a little numbness... but it all works and no complaints from from the recieving end either ... gently does it however :0)

All in all.. please read my experience... it was a troublesome operation but despite this a great success... I would never advise anyone what to do the choice is yours but I will say my life is a zillion times better already.. so there is hope...

DO YOUR EXCERCISES.. TAKE THE DRUGS.. EAT WELL... SLEEP WHEN YOU NEED AND FOCUS ON THE FUTURE NOT THE PAIN XXX

Laurence