Just had microdiscectomy

[IWonder]

Hello Everyone,

I had a microdiscectomy last Monday and it has been such a help locating this forum.

A bit of history - I tore a knee ligament last April at the gym and at the same time I must have damaged my back (stupidly trying out weights). I was in a lot of pain and limping badly then my back started to hurt. I had to keep going back to docs but I kept being told that my back pain was due to my knee and that I was using other muscles to compensate. I normally go to docs maybe once a year but I ended up going every week or so because the pain was getting worse.

Doc casually mentioned that maybe I should have MRI in case I had a trapped nerve and in the meantime put me forward for physio. Some weeks later physio started and therapist said I didn't need MRI because my reflexes were good! I decided to have it anyway because therapist was trying to bend my legs up to my shoulders and I was biting the pillow in pain.

MRI showed I had two slipped discs L4/5. Physio stopped immediately and I picked a hospital with shortest waiting time. When my appointment finally arrived the consultant hadn't got my scan, he wanted to know why I had chosen Coventry instead of local hospital and said he would make another appointment in two months time by which time he should have been able to get my scan through!

I went back to docs and said please do something because I was finding it increasingly difficult to walk and I was fed up of everyone's laid back attitude. So, I had to book in to local hospital to see surgeon - two months hence.

When I did eventually see the guy he was great. Said it was straightforward op. He gave me confidence because everyone has a horror story about back ops. I had to have sick leave from work because I couldn't stay upright without a great deal of pain and I rocked from side to side as I walked.

I expected op to be in Jan. I rang the hospital a couple of times to see whether I had a date yet. No joy. A week before my op I rang again and was told I wasn't on that week's list. I explained to the receptionist how I had deteriorated since my consultation and that I was now using a walking stick (something I swore I wouldn't buy but I had to - my right leg kept giving way). I threw myself on her mercy and she was a star. She emailed surgeon and then rang me back with the op appointment for following week. I was so happy, I just wanted to get back to walking normally again.

So, op now over and I am getting a bit stronger each day. Since Sunday I have been trying to walk outside (rather than potter round house). I still walk like an old lady but know that that will improve. I'm still getting pain but feel reassured to read of other's experiences and know it won't last for ever.

However, I am so scared of causing more damage to my back and yet I am doing STUPID things. I must have left some brain cells behind at the hospital. I picked up heavy magazine rack without thinking and pain shot down my back. I also moved an ironing board. And I didn't need to do either - what the hell is wrong with me? Someone please reassure me I haven't caused further prolapse. I keep beating myself up for being an idiot.

My staples come out on Thursday and I intend to go back to work probably second week in March.

Sorry it is so long-winded.

 

[chrissy boy]

hi sal, just to let you know there is another thread, called after the discectomy. i found that forum at the end of january, and have found the advice and exercise tips from everyone there a big help to me. i am sure if you went over to that thread that they would be of help to you too. take care, tracy x

 

[Jakash3]

Hi Sal, I hope you are still improving. I think I'm at the beginning of your 'experience' and not getting much help from my GP.
I'm curious to know what a microdiscectomy is as opposed to a discectomy?
Does this mean you have only a small entry wound or is there a more complex explanation?

 

[goodheart19512007]

In mirco surgery there is a lot less moving of muscles and other bits. They say that you will recover quicker from micro surgery because of this.

Thats all i know.

Olli