Discectomy - After the Operation

[PeguinBackPacker]

Hi,
Just wondered if someone could give me some advice-
Im a 26 year old, who has had a microdiscectomy. Im one week on after surgery, and my back/ buttock pain seems to have disappeared so far. Still feeling a little nerve pain, but no where near at the same level.

Anyway, i havent been given much info on a physio plan, and i wondered what other exercises people had been given/ experiences to help them on the road to recovery.
Day 7, and im starting to do 2 10min walks, but not been given exercises/stretches. Right leg currently feeling tight.

Any physio advice would be very appreciated/ what level of exercise i should currently be doing.


Thanks

 

[Hal Atosis]

Hi - exercises I was given from hospital (these are all laying on your back) :

• paddle your feet and ankles up and down briskly for two mins at a time
• quads- point your toes to ceiling and push your knees to bed for 5 seconds at a time
• squeeze buttock muscles firmly together, hold for count of five
• knee bends - bend and straighten legs alternately
• pelvic tilts - knees bent, arms by side, tighten stomach muscles, press small of back into bed letting bottom rise. Hold for five
• abs - pull tummy button towards spine without moving pelvis. Hold for ten secs.
Leg- lie with knees bent, feet flat. Bring one knee gently towards chest. Hold for five, repeat with other leg.

 

[alabamaman]

Sounds like the disc protrusion is moving or growing? Good that you are going to see someone though, write down everything and take a list with you.


Some things will itrritate the disc further, others will improve it so see what does help.

Tramadol, can really help, so I wouldn't rule it out if it makes you feel better, then when you are stronger you can look at that side of things?

 

[jay h]

Hi guys,

Its now been 4 weeks since I had L4-L5 Discectomy(left side). I am finding my lower back been very sore, especially on left side, it looks swallon. I am finding sleeping , using the toilet,moving, walking etc difficult. I am still getting pins and needles and buttock problem

 

[Vampire Lord]

Give it some more time...

 

[crenorryHycle]

I have posted here a few times about 3 weeks ago. Microdiscectomy on 24th June so 7.5 weeks now and recovery is gong so well. As I'm technically not fit to go back to work until 19th August, it means I have been exercising in the gym lots! I spend up to 4 hours a day exercising, so I have come a long way since my 2 x 1km daily walks for the first couple of weeks! This involves swimming, cycling (stationary bike), exercises and many different core exercises. Even though I am really tired, especially when I wake up, I remember very well the extreme pain I was going through only a couple of months ago. This is more than enough motivation to just get out and do as much as I can, while also listening to my body. I have well and truly exceeded my physio's program, but feel that I am in the best position to understand what my body can handle. As I have a job which potentially puts my back at risk (special needs children who can be quite volatile), and also a cyclist, this also helps to motivate me to get my back as strong as possiblein the crucial first 3 months. I can well and truly empathise with those who are still suffering some form of pain and discomfort. And naturally I can also share in the happiness of those who have had surgery and have experienced the pure ectasy of being pain free.It's such a relief and I just don't know how I could have gone on without having the surgery.

 

[*Kimberley*125]

Hi Jodenice,
Thankyou for sharing your exercises. Im now 2 weeks post op. Went to see a physio therapist today, and because its now week 2, he has given me the following exercises-

Laying on back and pulling each leg to chest
sitting on edge of bed and gently leaning forward and back to arch my lower back

I am also doing alot of walking, up to 2 mile walks twice a day.


Leg currently alot less stiff, but the nerve pain has recently come back. Really hoping its just the nerve recovering as read it can take a while.

Thankyou for your exercises, i will try these also.

Thanks

 

[Serin]

Hi Jodenice,
Thankyou for sharing your exercises. Im now 2 weeks post op. Went to see a physio therapist today, and because its now week 2, he has given me the following exercises-

Laying on back and pulling each leg to chest
sitting on edge of bed and gently leaning forward and back to arch my lower back

I am also doing alot of walking, up to 2 mile walks twice a day.


Leg currently alot less stiff, but the nerve pain has recently come back. Really hoping its just the nerve recovering as read it can take a while.

Thankyou for your exercises, i will try these also.

Thanks

 

[Pompal 09.]

Also Jodenise,
Just read your question regarding walking-
I felt very unsteady walking at first, and for the first 4 days, i just kept getting out of bed every few hours to walk across the landing. 4-7 days i walked down stairs and walked around the garden, and doing what i felt comfortable with. Every day got easier.
7- 14 days, i walked down a lane near my house, and each day increased the distance.
Im now doing 2 mile walks twice a day and im walking much better, but to be honest, it may be a little far for most people, but im a keen walker.
Hope this helps.

 

[divinemystick]

i am day 8 post op and feel great! i am 28 and had largest herniated disc my NS had ever seen no chance of reherniation as theres nothing left there after l4 l5 microdiscetomy. I had had some symptoms for 1 yr and extreme sciatica since feb 2011 , i didnt complain enough and didnt have a xray or cat scan till july 2011 and had seen drs chiropractor and physio, surgery was aug 10th they rushed me through the system. i had pain in lower back, but, down back of leg shin and foot, there was a huge lump on my back and a bit of a curve you could see when standing and my hips were way off. post surgery 1st few days sucked it was so painful to move use washroom or anything but when i awoke from surgery there was no but leg or foot pain just some numbness in foot (was there but different before surgery) i felt sick to my stomach for 5 or 6 days after surgery and got super dizzy everytime i got up so i got up only to se washroom at first. now yesterday i started walking to my mailbox, went up to the garden this morning little walks a few times a day a bit tight across the back and insisions super itchy and still a little inflamed but for the first time in about a year i stand straight my hips look even i can lay flat on m,y back or tummy and havent taken painkillers in two days. i havent seen Physio waiting for ok from insurance and do wonder if i should be doing as much as im feeling like i can o ya only numbness is just big toe now so im very confidant this too shall pass so 8 days post op i have felt better than i have in a year and that says alot for how much pain we endure dealing with this, because its not like im perfect the insisions still a bit raw and cant sit for very long
. i have a 17 month old thank god he has grandparents who can help me and him right now because my husband passed away tragically in a truck accident May 29th 2011 so ive been in a whirl wind greiving the loss of my husband and greiving for my son who doesnt understand the loss of his father we are coming up to 3 months now since hes been gone and since then have had a diagnosis and the spinal surgery, i regret he will never get to see me feel better , to finally see me run around and play with our son the way i was never able too but im glad that im getting a chance to be the mom i want to be, to pull him around the yard in a wagon without taking painkillers and regretting it later im so glad to be getting the quality of life back, i need my body to mend so i can concentrate healing a shattered heart

 

[ADeassalgext]

Baybey_doll so sorry for your loss, ending you and your family lots of positive thoughts for such a difficult time, hoping you have a swift recovery xxxxxx

 

[ylspycwj]

Baybey doll, what a terrible lot to deal with, glad you are feeling better.

King, you sound like you are doing really well too. I do lots and lots of smaller ten minute walks. It's a bit hilly where I live and I was a bit apprehensive at first but now getting better. It's +2.5 weeks, back is still sore but nothing major, just twinges if I overdo it. I see my physio next week. I've noticed I'll do a fair amount one day and then really need to sleep lots the next.

My main problem is sitting down, it's so uncomfortable. And getting in and out of the bath (my shower is within the bath and the side of the bath is very high) and getting in and out of cars. These are the next things I need to conquer!

 

[nik_oops]

i'm new to this so no idea how it works, this is my first posting although I did type a long history a couple of hours ago which may or may not have been posted.

I had a microdiscectomy 5 weeks ago and sadly am in alot more pain then I was prior to the operation. I was told one night in hospital and 2/ 3 weeks before I could drive again,( I should be able to judge this by my own recovery). I was told not to sit very much (impossible anyway), and to keep mobile. I was given two very insignificant exercises by the hospital Physio and no mention of any follow up exercises or treatment. A breeze I thought, but I was so wrongly.

I've suffered for many years, especially the past 21/2 years. I've had 2 cortizone/steroid injections, the 2nd helped enormously as previous to this, I couldn't sleep or sit. I could walk without much problem except my back got very sore after a long day.

I was quite concerned about the continued numbness in my leg, into my foot and now occasional back pain but decided to check this out and was told by an orthopaedic specialist and then a neurosurgeon that I could either try another injection, or see if my prolapsed disc (now 2 years on) would eventually settle, or try this simple operation. I decided that as both suggested it and I wanted to feel my leg again I would give it a try, what did I have to lose. The Neurosurgeon (my chosen specialist) did mention he could help the nerve discomfort but couldn't guarantee stopping the back pain. I chose the wrong specialist as I am in 10x more pain then I was before the operation and had I stayed with the orthopaedic specialist I believe he would be able to sort this out.
The Neurosurgeon has said it hasn't worked as I should be better now and he is referring me for another MRI and for pain management. He hasn't even asked to see me. I'm not at all happy about either, I am taking as many if not more pills then before and all I can say is I wish I hadn't bothered

 

[heather123]

Hey, I'm 22 and from Edinburgh. I've had a slipped disc since I was around 17, it never really hurt when I was younger so I just left it. Also I never knew I had it. Over the past few years it's flared up and gone away again, but this year I went to Bupa to have it checked as the pain was becoming unbearable and found out I had a posterior disc bulge/slip at L5/S1 and a minor slip at L4/5. I carried out a 6 week physiotherapy course which helped the pain for a short while but after I returned back to the gym the pain came back with a vengeance. Even when I lie here writing this I'm in excruciating pain.

Today I went back for a second consultation and theses 2 options were offered to me(as they were the first consultation) a discectomy or a steroid injection. From what the doc said a steroid injection could ease the pain and hopefully the body could heal itself. From what I understand a steroid injection is just a direct form of painkiller straight into the nerve to stop the pain? So would this most likely be short term?

Surgery really was the last option for me but at the age of 22 I fee as if my youth has been taken away from me. Everyday I'm in so much pain and can't even put my own socks on some mornings. I struggle to drive, can't sleep properly and can't play any sports such as football and struggle when I go to gym. I've became so down with the disc prolapse and feel genuinely depressed at times. I just want to be normal again and do normal things, I feel too young to be in this type of pain and it's affecting every aspect of my life. I know I'm not the only one feeling like this but would like some advice from other people in this situation. Should I go for the discectomy!? I'm worried something could go wrong or even make the pain worse or even make no difference? I know there's risk to every surgery but what are peoples opinions. I know I have a better chance of recovery getting it done sooner rather than later. But according to the doc as I've past the 1 year stage it won't make much difference whether I get it done now or later?

Someone please help as I feel so confused and I don't think anyone really understands my pain.

 

[Dogshowfreak]

Hi Black9

I am 57 (female) and had a bad back for 30 years. I saw the consultant on Monday and have my Discectomy in December. He said after all this time it us highly unlikely to rectify itself. He told me the operation would stop the pain in my back, but not the sciatica. That could improve once I have had the operation. It cannot come fast enough for me. Some relief is better than no relief. Go ahead and have it done. Your are young enough to make a really good recovery. I will post again after my op.

 

[xSoni]

Should I go for the discectomy!? I'm worried something could go wrong or even make the pain worse or even make no difference? I know there's risk to every surgery but what are peoples opinions. I know I have a better chance of recovery getting it done sooner rather than later. But according to the doc as I've past the 1 year stage it won't make much difference whether I get it done now or later?

Someone please help as I feel so confused and I don't think anyone really understands my pain.[/quote]

I would say that the option of a Nerve root block (steriod) injection is a good pre operation option. This is for 2 reasons: If the diagnosed target area is correct!!
1) it should offer you a temporary relief from your 'most severe' pains and spasms!
2) If these pains and spasms were reduced, it would confirm the location of your
causational root.

With regards to information about 'cutting edge' surgical procedures, look up (MISS) Minimally Invasive Spinal Surgery. It is not avalable on the NHS, but it will show you what is avalable here in the UK and around the world.

Best wishes

SPINELF

 

[KatieLovesMichael]

Change your doctor ASAP.

(I say that based on reply he gave you)

 

[[VegLove]]

Hello.

I have had a micro discectomy . It was in July 2011 , I was sore and had pain in my leg bum and back . The pain moved round and sometime went away , but finally after 6 years of varing amounts of pain the bulge in my disc made it impossible for me to stand. I went to local doctors and then to physio and was recommended to a surgeon .MRI..etc. 8 weeks later on the way to have surgery even in the car was worrying about what would happen., like you are. had surgery and afterwards as soon as I woke up I could feel things were better somehow. I recouperated for 4 weeks and everything seems to be going really well and at wk 6, on the surgeons advice I started physio and taking up exercise again. I did too much and the pain flared back up. but it was only the nerve being irritated , straight legs raises proved the nerve was not impeded by scar tissue. At week 12 now, and feel pretty good. there is still some pain but it is only wk 12.
As for MISS I have read some comments on this forum about it and I think that some people are perhaps misinformed. There are no minimally evasive surgery on the spine. The simple fact of the matter is a device has to be put into the spine and will cause trauma. Some people on this website I believe are employed by the NHS to put you off. (Horse girl) (I live in New Zealand and had my surgery done here) But it shouldnt matter who does it.
For everyone out there that read this. Just want to say , take it easy on the recouperation. There are studies that show vigorous exercise after 6 weeks can be beneficial but I overdid it. Swimming is good but avoid breaststroke and will never be doing it again.

 

[ramone35]

I think you have got that wrong. A discectomy won't help back pain but it is designed to improve sciatica, why not investigate an operation that will improve both? Get another opinion pdq.

 

[iyamacog]

I would call MISS minimally invasive as it does not invlove scraping muscle off of bone and then drilling through the bone and sawing or pulling off bits of disc or scar tissue etc. MISS uses an endoscope at a side angle to enter the operation site without having to go through bone. Instead it goes under and between the vertebra leaving minimal damage.

MISS does not put anything into the spine, instead as above the tools go between the vertebra, conventional surgery enters from the back or the front and drills saws through the vertebra to get to the disc, so obviously very very traumatic.

What makes you say that? Why would the nhs try and put anyone off, and put them off what? There are already enough blocks in place to stop anyone if they want lol.