Discectomy - After the Operation

[Desereh]

Hi Ali thank you for your kind words they really mean alot,So pleased your daughters play was lovely and that you were not in too much pain .I have had a lot of health problems and have not worked since 2002 (i was a nursery nurse)so i'm hoping this op will make me be able to function again thats all i want i know i am never going to be free from pain with the conditions i have but to get on with day to day life would be a blessing .Know what you mean about scar's my dad had kidney cancer 2 years ago and has a massive scar which my oldest son shows everyone even if you don't want to see it.hope your pain killers kick in and you get some relief i take tramadol but havent had much luck with them lately .Once again thanks for your support you have helped me loads and to everyone who has commented thank you x x x claire x x x p.s i love haribo's and flying saucers x

 

[JarArrize]

Just popped on to say best of luck for your operation Claire. Really hope all goes well for you.

 

[HannahTheSwearBear]

A question for you all... I'm a bit confused about who is the best person to assist me in terms of managing my back problems from now on? My neurosurgeon was not particularly specific about resuming some activities and I really feel in need of guidance. I have made an appointment to see a physio today, so maybe that will help. Just don't want to be doing the wrong things, or do something too early.

Update - just returned from the physio and feel much more reassured about what I should/n't be doing. Phew.

Have a good day everyone.

 

[Abakals Answer Service]

Firstly, just wanted to say i'll be thinking of you Clare. Stay strong hun, it will be worth it in the end. Nerve pain from a prolapsed disc is something you just can't live with & for some an op is the only option. Hope you son's nativity goes well. I miss mine being in those. As for crying, I always think its better to let the emotion out. If I tried to hold it back I found I get real tense & my pain increased, so if you want to you just cry girl.

Oli, sorry to hear you've got the 'tingle' back. I can totally sympathise with you. I;ve got a similar thing which is awful as i'm only 2 weeks post op. All was well until I picked up this cold. I have never sneezed so much in my life & with every 1 I have pain in my back, buttocks & leg. I then spend the next 10 minutes with burning & tingling down to my toes. Following my 1st op I went back 8 weeks post op on a graduated return to the ward as a nursing sister although I really struggled with the pain & have transferred to an area that requires less manual work which I found much easier. It may be worth you giving consideration to a move in the brigade even if only short term.

Melza ........... Heels?!!! How brave. Hope you are okay after your fall. Good news that you have finally got that 2nd opinion & although it involves even more travel you should get that treatment you need.

Ali ......... Glad to hear you finally got a call from your Gp & also got to enjoy your little one's nativity. I'm seeing my Gp on Friday regarding the problems with my leg. I'm back on the Tramadol!!!!!!! I've also got pain & numbness in my left hand. Knackers yard here I come i think!!!!! I'm beginning to wonder if my nursing careers ever going to get back to normal. (sorry, i don't mean to be all doom & gloom) Still with christmas upon us I am determined to enjoy myself as much as I possibly can. Starting my physio next week which should be fun as I can only do some of the exercises they gave me. The leg stretches are out due to the pain.

Thats my time up anyway

To all you other pre & post oppers good luck

Tracey xx

 

[Emily Ledgerwood]

Subi, I found the phtsis really helpful & informative afetr my last op. They should be able to let you know when you can resume various things.
Hope that helps
Tracey

 

[baba buttons]

Olli,

Had mine beginning of August, so it has been over 4 months now.

I have to say, I have always suspected that something is wrong since the day I woke up from my op. I haven't gone one day without have some sort of nerve pain down my leg. Today it has got to the point where it almost feels like it did before - my leg is feeling weak and the pain the that sort of compression pain that I used to feel on a daily basis.

My consultant is adament that it will all go away, but I am seriously beginning to doubt his judgement, I have learned to listen to my body over the past 2 years and I am listening intently now.

Its ridiculous as I am only 26 years old, and I am really struggling to understand why I am in this position after over 2 years of suffering. It doesnt bode well for me - I'd love to get back to playing golf and tennis but now that just seems a mile away.

Am i missing something here - am I being unreasonable and impatient - shoud I wait longer??

Sorry for the rant just feeling really down today.

Ben

 

[Aitellalkmiz]

Hi everyone thnks for all your best wishes ,just come back from my son 's christmas play it was lovely first one i have seen as a junior and they all looked so grown up , i struggled towards the end as the pain took over but i was determined to stay until the end no matter how much pain i was in , my mam came as we also had the litttle terror my 1yr old with us who loved it and was no bother just kept dancing all the time .I feel really anxious and nervous but also strangely calm, think i just want to get in and get it over with now not long to go have to go in for 2pm and the op is 5:30pm so hope when i come back that i sleep all night and feel a little less pain ,have not slept for 48 hours apart from a few hours here and there .Best go and get sorted and thanks again for all your support and i will be back on when i can to tell you all my success story !!!!! claire x x x

 

[Kyle Vaughan]

Hi claire, i'm so glad you enjoyed your son's nativity, sounds like your tiny one did too!
I will be thinking of you for your op, and look forward to hearing how it went. As you said, you just want to be able to function again, its not too much to ask is it? I really hope that this will happen for you

Melza...how are you doing today my lovely? Recovered from your outing yet?

Hey Tracey! Sorry to hear about your germs, i have been sneezing loads and it feels like my pelvic area is going to explode with the pain!!
I am sure your physio will be able to help you, i asked my physio to do a bit more with me than the last one, and she was very willing to oblige, which was a relief.
I know being back on tramadol isn't ideal, but if it helps you to be able to mobilise, then its a good thing.
I went to the docs this morning, and she said that she would rather me go back on the tramadol, and be mobile, than ride it out and become immobile, so i was pleased about that. I think i would have cracked otherwise and just cried, am feeling quite emotional at the moment. I think its a culmination of the last year, being in and out of hospital, and my poor daughter being all panicked, becoming dependent on morphine, surgery again, and still having nerve pain. I am sure it will settle, its just annoying!!
She and I wasn't keen on bumping the oramorph up again, especially as i am so close to getting off it completely. 2 more weeks to go, then it is no more!!! Yippee!!!
Not sure if i am going to get that glass of christmas plonk now tho, i made that mistake with tramadol before and i was almost comatose!! After one glass!! Maybe its cos i am a lightweight!!!

I have been out for a few hours this morning, just come home to dose myself up. I popped into work for a while after the docs (i work in a hostel for adults with mental health problems) so it was nice to sit/stand and chat with them for a while.
A couple of them were putting up the christmas tree, so i helped by spreading out the branches (nothing strenuous at all!).

Anyhow, its rest time for me now.....ta ta for now!!!


P.S. Benny, sorry to hear you are feeling low and suffering there.
Have you spoken to your GP about this? Maybe your GP can refer you for an MRI scan?
That way, you can find out for sure if everything is ok or not.
I have had the 'The nerve has been compressed for a long time and takes time to heal' speech too, but like you. knew something was up and it turned out i was right. You know your body better then anyone, myself and Melza had to get shirty with our hospital to get anythng done, its not ideal, but its better than being worried and not knowing whats happening.
Do you still see your physiotherapist? If you do, have a word with them?
Either way, i hope something can be done soon,. even if to just put your mind at rest.

Best wishes, Ali xxx

 

[Mocha]

Hi All,

The tingling isn't painful its just pissing me off. What is more of a pain is the dull ache in the base of my back. It feels like there is something wrong with the disc and its making my back ache. I think i will get some anti-inflamatories today and see if that makes any difference. Seeing the physio tomorrow so i hope see can do some good.

I will go to the doctors but only as a last resort, i have no faith in them, they will just say what they have said to everyone else here and thats is "it takes time for your disc to heal". This is true but it only took about 1 hour for my right leg to go from pain free to me being on a drip in hospital and then they just gave me pain killers. I think they would say the same thing if i was 3 years post op.

I think they should do a 6 month or 1 year MRI post op just to make sure your back is ok.

I will let you know if it goes or gets worse. Thanks for the support.

Olli

 

[dorriskrausS]

Hi guys Fitbird here. Having not been on the site for a long while I have spent the last couple of hours reading through all the posts about you all.
First let me update you on my progress. I had my micro on June 26th this year so am coming up to 6 months. As an exercise instructor I was desperate to get back to work. I started very slowly with much walking as soon as I was able and stayed away from anything else for 6 weeks. I did not have physio at all as my surgeon was very against physio for spinal patients! As soon as my 6 week check was over I started with pilates twice a week and some very light conditioning. I did very little stretching in the beginning as it was painful. I found an execellent chyropractor who specialises in active release treatment. This works the muscles and releases any tension very gently in your back and leg muscles. I still see him and believe he has helped me no end. I started harder classes with impact after 3 months and am now teaching 15 classes a week and even manage to sprint for short bursts. I am still doing pilates and yoga. When you have a back injury and surgery you are left with muscle imbalances and weak back muscles which can hinder your recovery. There is a muscle in your back which runs vertically down and attaches to your vertebrae. It is crucial that you re-build this muscle as soon as you are able. The exercise to do this is called the Pointer and all your physios will be able to help you with this. I am not pain free however! I am sore and stiff in the morning and still suffer fatigue in my back after a long day but rest when ever I need to. Driving is still uncomfortable as is sitting for a long time. I do not have sciatica but my nerve is still sore. I am told this will last for at least 12 months!!! I still take pain killers when I need to but nothing stronger than paracetomol and aspirin. I have a TENS machine which helps lots too.


My heart and soul goes out to all you recent pre-oppers. Playing the waiting game for recovery seems to go on forever and am not sure you ever fully recover from this surgery.

Olli
I am so sorry to hear of your recent pain, you were my lifeline when I had my op and hope and pray it is nothing more serious. Congrats on baby news too!

ALI
You are such an inspiration to people on this site, I wish you well and enjoy your online shopping and parcel deliveries!!!

MELZA
You have a double whammy with top and bottom!!! I hope they sort you out soon......

CLAIRE
GOOD LUCK!!

Any one else I have missed all the very best and much love to you all
I am going to be a regular now as this site and you guys are fab!!!

Take care all and safe recoveries!
xxxxxxxxxxxxxx

 

[Abu Dhabi Nihilism Front]

Fitbird,

Nice to hear from you again and good to see you are doing well.

Well i have just given myself a good talking to and its all going to be positive from now on. Bloody buzzing foot will not get me down!!!!

Well off to work soon so i must have a shower after my 15 mile run (Only 5 miles not)

See you all soon.

Olli

 

[? haylie! ???]

Hello again everyone, I feel like repeating information that has been passed on to me by the medical 'experts'.....so that's what I'm going to do. The surgery we've had will only resolve leg problems, if we didn't have leg problems there's every chance we wouldn't get surgery at all. I've had long term back ache for many years (well, quite a few anyway) and dreaded standing for long periods of time, but had no idea it would lead me into this situation. I was told over and over again that this surgery only benefits people with additional leg pain, but does not cure back pain. I grudgingly accept that.

Just the same with my neck and shoulders I suppose, if my arms were unaffected I would be stuck with the pain.....and that is such an awful ache it makes me as miserable as hell. I wonder if an epidural would bring some relief in this situation (and you know I don't rate those things very highly), but perhaps they are more effective once the nerve pressure is lifted. I've had my little research session and think there is some sort of pain relief injection for neck pain that I might benefit from if surgery doesn't take that away.

Please note that I'm trying to be very serious here, drugs and all. I just wonder if those suffering post op back pain should enquire about additional long term pain relief for that area, whatever is available of course. Any other opinions out there? Too soon for me to notice how much back pain I have now and can't comment on the chances of me having an epidural thingy, but I would have something (anything) injected into my neck if that was the only solution.

And will you girls stop talking about nativity plays! What very special memories they all have....I hope you all successfully choked back your tears, such joy watching those little people trying so hard to impress mum/dad. Ollie, you have some wonderful experiences ahead of you, you lucky man.

Love to all, and if I have rambled too much I promise you I knew exactly what I was trying to say when I started.

xx

 

[lynne]

Hey Melza,

Well, when i was post-op last time and had the sciatica come back, my GP told me that i could have had a post-op epidural. Now, i was happy to give it a go, but didnt get it because i had to go through Hilton, but i didnt get to see him until 5 months later, by then, he said my symptoms had been back for too long and so it was too late to try this.
What i am trying to say is, that i believe there is some kind of post operative epidural, that could reduce inflammation, the idea being that the pain in the operation area is reduced. I'm not 100% on that, but maybe its worth asking about it.
I am not a champion of epidurals either, but i would be willing to try anything if there is any chance it could help.
I know what you were saying about the drugs, i didnt think the doc would let me go back on tramadol, as the doctors at the hospital wanted me to have minimal medication (and minimal it was!!!)....I think they wanted me to suffer because i was making loads of noise about the way they treated me.!!
So I was pleased that she said yes to the tramadol, to use it and get mobile again. I was really slowing down, but today was much better
I also hear what you are saying about the leg pain thing, no-one would have touched me with a barge pole if it was back pain alone, it seems people just get sent off with a supply of anti-inflammatories and maybe an offer of physio. The same with your neck issue, as you say, without the pain in your arms, you doubt they would treat you. Thats awful, how can they expect people to live with debilitating pain, and do nothing?
I do have to say though, my GP has been fantastic, he really went all out to get me in for surgery sooner, he sent letters to the surgeon, and in regards to proper pain relief, he wrote to the pain clinic. I couldnt have asked for better. The only time I had to get shirty and shout a bit, was when i had to deal with the hospital that operated on me and the stroppy little secretary that Melza and I know well!!! They needed a kick up the jacksie to get things moving or we would probably still be waiting!!!
But it seems the general consensus is, that the majority of people with back complaints are fobbed off. Not good....anyhow, rant over!!! Sorry!!!

FITBIRD!!! Nice to hear from you, and thank you kindly for your lovely words.
Thats why i love this site, Lots of good advice can be found here and people who really understand what its like to live with back issues on here are willing to share experiences to try to help others.
Glad to hear you are back doing your fitness classes, 15 classes a week is good going!! Glad to see you are gonna be on more regular, its good to keep up with how people both pre and post op are getting on.

Claire...Thinking of you my lovely, sending lots of hugs to you xxx

Subi....Watched any more G&S lately? Word is, that on christmas eve, there is a one hour christmas special...woo hoo!!
Hope you are doing ok with your back hun, now that you know what you should and shouldnt be doing hehe!!!

P.S. Melza, i did choke back tears at the nativity! But i will not mention it no more....***Zipped up trap***!!!!

Ha ha, Nite all, I wish good peaceful slumber upon each and everyone, God bless xxxxxxxx

 

[Audioslave FTW =]]

fitbird!! how lovely to hear from you! tried to send you a personal message the other day cos saw you were logged on, but think it ended up being a post on your profile/personal page thingy. hopefully it is still there!!... so lovely to hear positive post-op news. not that the slightly less positive stuff isn't ok to hear about too... i really depend on all your news and above all your understanding. i talk about you all often and genuinely think of you as my friends - the cyber variety at least! so thank you!!!
jess xx

 

[Guitar Guy]

Completely agree with what you say in your post about back pain Melza. I am planning to take as much of a pro-active approach, ie with the right sort of exercises, physio, etc as I can to try and manage the issues I now know I have with my back. I hope you are feeling ok after your fall too.

Thanks tracey-1 you are quite right. I feel a LOT better after having gone to see a physio. He did not ask me to do too much and checked continuously to see whether anything was hurting. I was actually surprised at how much movement I have in my back at this point in time (5ish weeks post-op), and none of the (very gentle) stretches/exercises we did hurt at all. I have been too scared to do too much by myself for fear of that old pain returning. Also having some exercises gives me something to work on. I have my fingers crossed very hard as I am hoping to resume horse riding in a few months. Good to hear you have resumed your job as an exercise instructor fitbird, and to hear about your friend who dances Jess. That gives me hope that resuming my sport is possible too.

Benny, it's difficult not to get down some days, isn't it? I hope you find some relief from your pain soon.

Ali, I'll have to look for the G&S Christmas special on youtube!

 

[Psycho-psych]

tip of the day...

do not sit on the floor for over an hour wrapping xmas presents, no matter how much fun it is. reaching for the sellotape does not count as stretching. nor does lifting the scissors. and having xmas music playing in the background does not mean getting up from the floor will be easy.

xx

 

[azn m0n]

Hello,

Well i have been to the physio today and feel much better. She is sure thatt he nerve is just pissed off due to me walking about 8 miles last week and working long hours. She has stuck some more needles in me and i feel a lot better.

She told me that if you have had tingling or numbness whilst your nerve was trapped these conditions can come back whilst your nerve is healing or stay if your nerve is damaged.

I am off to do some stretching and get myself ready for 13 days of work starting on the 16th so i have a few days to get myself together.

Take care

Olli.

 

[xweoeumniwtifoerb]

Olli...Your physio stuck needles in you???
Hope that things are manageable for you for your long stretch at work.
My brother was in the brigade, so i know how physically demanding the work can be. Hope all is well with your wife and bump!

Claire...Hope all is ok for you there, have been thinking of you x

Jess...I havent wrapped my pressies yet, i have debated it, but as you say, it hurts!! That, and playing Guitar hero on my Wii is more interesting than wrapping pressies!!!
I have one more package to arrive, then i had better get on with it, my daughter breaks up from school this friday and can't be wrapping pressies with her around!! She has a loose tongue and tells people what we got them, bless her, she gets so excited!!!

 

[Father Christmas]

Acupuncture. I love it. I have little red dots all over my bum and legs but i know tomorow i will fell good.

Hope you all have a good weekend

Olli.

 

[Des]

Ah i see, i have heard many a good thing about acupuncture.

I am so loving heat therapy at the moment, its really helpful.
Hot water bottles, hot baths, heat patches....really helps with aches, and even sciatic pain. Really sorts me out