Discectomy - After the Operation

[djqjuxul]

So sorry to hear you are having such a tough, horrible time of it Ali. I really hope things get better for you soon.

Tracey - how frustrating!! I hope you get to find an actual answer soon - it is awful being told different things that may or may not be a problem. You just want to know what you are dealing with, and then how to treat it. My arthritis and spondy were picked up from the MRI had for my disc proplase... I didn't even know they were issues before they showed up on the MRI report. Although they probably explain the back pain I'd had for years (and had ignored). Hope you get answers you need soon.

Welcome to the 'other side' Jayne. (The post-operative side.) Hope the op has made a good difference for you.

 

[Peaches32]

Sorry to do this to you Ali.... Southampton only deal with the upper back or cervical spine. If you remember I went to Dorchester for the lower back and then Southampton for the upper back...thats why its all taking so 'flipping' long! I've yet to discover who does the middle bit but grateful that that part of my back is okay...touch wood. I still feel like I have another lumbar disc problem but hoping it only feels like that.

I don't own a car but I imagine medical professionals rely on them a lot, and if they had this much trouble fixing their beloved machine at the garage they'd find somewhere else to take it. Unfortunately we don't have that option, well I don't think we do anyway, where else could I go to if I have to travel all the way to Southampton as it is. I have to travel a long way to get there and I've also heard the hospital car service has been disbanded too, another complication perhaps.

How are our post op men coming along I wonder, maybe they're being very brave about it all and don't have to post all their miseries.

 

[j.mg23]

Melza, one of my friends had a lumbar disc problem and was taken to Southampton where they fused him straight away.
He has occasional days with lower back pain but apart from that he is practically fully healed.
That was about 3 years ago, maybe with this stupid new PAN dorset spinal service that covers the whole of Dorset, i really don't have anyone else to turn to and have had it....a bloody invalid at 30 years old.
I can't ask the PAN Dorset lot for a 2nd opinion cos the one i saw yesterday WAS the flippin' PAN dorset lot.
I no way have the cash to get a private consultation, so if they say they ain't gonna do nuthin' then i am screwed.

 

[Tater Salad]

Hi all

Returned home from hols today and am surprised how much has happened on here.

Ali, Melza and tracey

So sorry to hear you are all suffering again. Ali you seemed to be doing so well before I went away!

Scissorhands

Hello and welcome to the thread


I had a lovely holiday with only 2 or 3 bad pain days.
Sunshine must have done me good. I was very good and got up every morning and walked 6 laps of the deck which is 2 miles and i think that helped a lot. As for laying a sunbed - forget it - I found that very uncomfortable and half an hour was all I could manage but I am not complaining, Got through the long flights with no problems at all.
Now it is back to reality.

I hope you all start to feel better soon

pennylane x

 

[WevehecymnWew]

hi every1,
well like i said i had my op monday and came home tues and everything seemed to be going ok, but since wed i have been in really bad pain, i cannot walk anymore without severe pain in my hips and really bad shooting pains going down my leg, can anyone tell me if this is normal ? it feels worst than before my op and im kind of wishing i aint of had the op now.
I cannot sleep and i have gone back to taking a lot of morphine again just to try ease the pain, i dont know if i should rring the hospital and explain how i feel and how much pain im in.
I go back to see the surgeon on tues so will be telling him everything but im hoping he will tell me its just part of the healing process and not that the rest of my disc has prolapssed and need another op.

If anyone can please help and let me know if this kind of pain is normal i will be very greatfull.

soz for the moaning but did not think i would be in so much pain.

Hope everyone is ok,

With love, Jayne x x x

 

[ra2shadow]

jayne 69 - I had my L5/S1 discectomy and S1 decompression 3 weeks ago and I went through the same as you. about 3 days after surgery my leg pain and other pains got so much worse it was keeping me awake all night - i was also worried that the operation had made it worse. However, within a week things started to improve slowly, now i hardly get any leg pain and it has only been three weeks. I have a friend who had the same surgery and he had the same and advised me that things will get better and its just all the nerves are settling down. the scatic nerve has a long memory and takes a long time to recover. I'm seeing my surgeon in 3 weeks and will mention it to him but i know what he will say...it takes time to heal. so just hang in there and things will get better soon. Keep us update on how you go

 

[Da laiker]

Hi Jayne69, isn't it a disappointment when the pain starts again...we have so many high hopes when we have the surgery too. I'm probably 4 months post op and you may have noticed I'm wondering why I have continued pain and nerve irritation in my left leg, so I don't think I can advise you on your pain I'm afraid. And Ali's experiences make me wonder if I shall benefit from chasing consultants to see what's happening in there, I certainly won't be chasing her little man though.

I remembered something about my epidural thingy. Most of my pain was in my left leg and so the left hand side of the disc was injected. I thought it was really strange that my right leg bacame painful after that, it was only after an MRI scan that I discovered the disc was a central prolapse and put pressure on both legs, now I understood why the epidural didn't appear to be working. Just to confuse things even more I now have pain in my left leg again, is it because I'm female and just plain bloody awkward! When I looked at my original scan results it showed 3 disc bulges....and thats what's on my mind when my leg hurts (another one's gone). Its nowhere near as painful as before though, which is a blessing.

Ali, hold on in there and don't get too negative will you, something has to go right some time. x

 

[Beautiful stud]

Hi AliH78,

I have been reading your posts and can sympathise how frustrating things can get.

I’ve had back pain for years and was originally under Poole Hospital - in the end I got so frustrated that nothing was being sorted I went back to my doctors in Poole and asked to be referred to Bournemouth & Christchurch Hospital as I was not happy with Poole. From there I was referred to a rheumatologist at Christchurch who sent me for a MRI scan followed by a epidural (which didn’t work) . Because I refused a 2nd epidural I was referred onto 2 neurosurgeons at a private clinic in Southampton (Spire Hospital). From there things moved on so much quicker and after a nerve root block I went back and saw them and they offered me an operation the following week. As soon as I was referred privately things moved on so quickly. Is there anyway you can get yourself referred to Bournemouth and Christchurch because if they do refer you on then you will likely been seen privately.

I know at the Spire Hospital the Neurosurgeons run an assessment clinic for anyone willing to pay as well as private and NHS – God knows how much it is but it’s worth calling and asking and then you can get a second opinion a lot quicker– and the 2 surgeons that operated on me won’t operate unless it’s really necessary and they feel they can help you.

I hope you get things sorted and keep pushing them - I shall be watching your progress

 

[Dalton Barnes]

Jayne 69

Please don't worry, after an operation it can actually get worse richard Knight ( a private specalist) has a good website that talk about this and earlier forum members ( I think BEn talked about this), something to do with scar and blood. This can come on up to 10 days after and last for up to 2 weeks. I had my op last July and did get pain after about 2-3 weeks post op, which gradually after a further 2 and bit weeks improved. All in all I am OK-ish, still get achey days, especially after lifting ( an active 18 month olds) and sitting- I work up to 10 hours per day and have a special chair, but at meetings, I'm stuck with the usual chairs and these can be uncomfortable. The most important thing is try and walk, even slowly as this is the best exercise and stops the scar tissue inflicting further pain. I have gone from active gym member to 2 short 15 walks a day and 20 mins stretching, however, in the begining I didn't do much except walk for first 6 weeks. Accupuncture really helped me, not cheap, but can be effective.

Hope you and others feel better soon.

Howie

 

[ummeeaom]

Hey Topracket,

I have had this problem for a few years now as well, i was referred the other way round though!
I was referred to christchurch hospital, who sent me for a scan, gave me a couple of nerve blocks which failed and then referred me to poole.
As the 2nd op date was taking dorset county so long to sort out, i almost had it at the spire through this new NHS 18 week rule thing but then dorset county pulled their finger out of their proverbial and so the date was booked there.
What you said you, i will keep that in mind though....thanks!

There is something i just thought of though that i don't get, it has just randomly popped into my head....
I remember sitting in mine and Melza's little friend's (LOL!) office last year and he told me my disc had popped again and so he would operate again, but when he went in to do it he said there was scar tissue all over the shop, and my poor nerve was glued to the prolapse with it and actually stuck down. But he didn't mention any scar tissue when he was looking at my scan.
However, this doctor i saw on friday reckons my pain is more than likely to be scar tissue wrapping itself all round my nerve.
But....If they didn't see the scar tissue on the scan i had last year, does scar tissue show up on scans?
I had a few scans last year and with 2 of them i was given that contrast dye stuff so they could get clearer pics of my disc cos the scar tissue was clouding their view, but i wonder if the scar tissue actually shows up on scans?......Just a thought!

Melza, sorry for my negativity in that last post....I am not going to let this go until i know for sure what can and/or can't be done....I was just sounding off!!!
I had a 'nuts to the pain' evening last night, my church group had arranged a skittles evening weeks ago and thought 'beggar it, i need some fun' and had a right good laugh and came 2nd at the skittles!!
Of course my friendies had to help me out by picking up the balls for me but i was quite able to lob 'em down the alley by myself!!
I have indeed aggravated my sciatica more, but 'whatever!' I had fun doing it ho ho ho!!!

P.S. Jayne, I'm sorry that you are having this leg pain, but as the others have said, your nerve is probably red raw and so thats why its hurting you.
I didn't have leg pain the following few days after my op and then it did kick in again so i know how you feel. I just hope my posts aren't scaring you!!
At least you see your surgeon tuesday, i hope he can put your mind at rest.
Love Ali xxx

 

[MrsE]

finally got my date !! after ages of waiting. 6 weeks to day i should be pain free ! has anyone had this op at ninewells in dundee ? if so how did it go ?
Im so scared about this, as im only 18. please give me info if poss.

thanks

 

[stupidone!]

Hey Greg,

Thats great news, hoping for a smooth recovery for you!!

 

[Light Yagami]

Hey Greg thats great news.

I had the operation 3 weeks and so far so good - I cant believe how mobile i'am after just 3 weeks. Please listen to the advice of the physio and remember to do your exercises - and keep a positive attitude it really will help with the recovery process. You have age on your side and because you are young you are likely to recover a lot quicker.

Keep us posted and good luck

 

[jesper s]

Hi all,

So glad I have found this site I have been reading your posts and found them all inspiring. I can relate to a lot of what you are all going through - my own probs started in 2002 and unfortunately after 3 failed back ops for prolapsed disc L5 S1 I now have trouble with the level above (please be aware every op carried out makes the spine weaker) After a 3rd opinion a few weeks ago my consultant said my back should never have been touched in the first place and that everything alternative should have been tried first- he then went on to offer more surgery scs implant and morphine pump (which I declined as there are no guaranteees this would help) I am now in physio and am hoping to try pilates soon but at the moment "life sucks"

good luck to all contemplating surgery I know there are successes but in my opinion there are too many failures and a second opinion should always be sought too many of us are being left invalids while surgeons get richer.

bye for now

Chris

 

[mur2d2]

Well I had my NRB on tuesday afternoon. I wasn't nervous but was a bit dubious as I'd been told it was going to hurt.
Wheeled into the theatre, skin numbed with local. My surgeon stuck the needle in, further and further. OMG I have never felt anything like it. Hot needles were surely bursting from my leg! Anyway it soon wore off and apart from my foot being numb I had no pain in either of my legs, miracle. Sadly it only lasted a couple of hours but at least I know they've definatley got the right nerves. Unfortunately it looks like I'm going to have to wait 4-6 weeks until I next get to see my surgeon. Well at least I know they are on the right track, another visit to my GP for some stronger pain killers and one with life as usual.

Hope everyone is managing with their pain x

 

[jinjafey]

Hi All,

Last Sunday went shopping and was waslking about slow for about 2 hours, during this time my right leg had an attack of pins and needles. It lasted about 2 minutes and everything was fine again. Over the last week my right leg has tightened up and i have and ache in my calf and hamstring.

I am not sure what would have caused my leg to do this. Everything else seems ok and my streching seems ok as well even the nerve stretch i do which can tell me if the nerve has got tight again. I am seeing the physio on Tuesday so i am hoping she can tell me whats wrong.

The thing is its not that painfull but it f*!ks me off that just walking about can cause the nerve to get irritated when some days i am climbing ladders and bashing down doors to get into buildings.

Oh well, I will let you know how it goes next week.

Olli

 

[oweaponx]

Hi Olli

I can see why your are p*****d off. It just doesn't make any sense when you can do other much more physical things and something like slow walking sets off a problem again. I take it that was the leg you suffered with prior to op?

I am sure your physio will sort it out for you hopefully. What would we do without them!

I have had a good week this week. Have realised that sitting on my comfy sofa is what is causing me a lot of my grief. Have a nice little chair with a firm back to sit in now and I am so much better for it. Only twigged by fluke really because having just come back off holiday where I did not sit on a sofa for 2 weeks - then as soon as i sat down at home i thought my back does not like this at all. Sometimes the answer is so simple it is just finding it!

Anyway good luck with the physio and hope to hear soon that your problems are solved and you are feeling good again.

bye for now
pennylane

 

[Heather T]

PHYSIO's

Good fortune is shining on me at the moment, the physio whose exercises to make my disc 'slip back' and caused me unbearable pain is retiring next week...hooray! This pain left me virtually immobile for nearly 4 months and shall never be forgotten. Now I can return to physio after the next op, if I have one that is.

You made a good point Pennylane, it took me ages to find out why my legs were still so painful and irritated. Now I have banned myself from all carrying and lifting and its much better, somehow I thought it would be okay to continue carrying the shopping and washing a few weeks post op. I've also given Folic Acid a trial, don't know if thats doing anything but only suffering with neck pain at the moment. Anyone with post op pain would benefit from investigating the trigger points.

Can't wait to see neurosurgeon on 2nd April, he'll either make me feel better or suicidal. The words I don't want to hear are ' I don't think you will benefit from surgery madam'. YES I WILL!!! CURE ME!!!!!

 

[VFKNerd]

hi all,

olli...hope you get some answers at the physio and the annoying pins and needles have gone away.

I am starting to think that it doesn't matter what we do...stand up, sit down, walk, run, housework, or nothing at all, our damaged and confused nerves are going to fire silly signals to our (slightly) damaged and confused brains, causing us to feel pins and needles or pain in legs and arms, even when we haven't caused any physiological damage. this certainly seems true for me cos no matter what i do or don't do, i still get some aches and pains and pins and needles. i respond to this by either stretching like crazy in an attempt to 'free' my little nerve which may perhaps of somehow got squished again (and was oh so easily free-ed by stretching before....not!); or alternatively by lying down pathetically and pathalogically resting until the pain/needles go away. again, this was not exactly something that worked when my nerve was genuinely squished under a bit of sticking-out disc.

so, i am now thinking that the pain etc that some of us are feeling is not because of what we have or haven't done, but because our damaged nerves still fire out signals, but this time by mistake. of course this isn't true for everyone cos some people's nerves are more scarred than others (ali...how are you???), but i have decided this is what is happening to me.

this has helped me not to panic or get annoyed when things happen, or worry incessantly about doing something i shouldn't. instead, when i get the ache/pins and needles, i just say to myself (and occasionally out loud) "oops...there goes that broken nerve again". it helps me, so maybe it will help some of you too??

take care all,
Jess xx

* please note i have no medical qualifications *...was it that obvious?!?

ps...pennylane, i had to give up my comfy sofa too. and my 'fatboy' bean bag. i have found a thin memory foam cushion/pillow to be really helpful in the car and in meetings at work, cos those seats are so bad for backs too xx

 

[mark l]

Morning all!

How are we?

I had a 'bugger the pain' moment yesterday because my house needed cleaning, it had been left for some considerable time due to my stupid sciatica....and oh my giddy aunt....i wish i still lived under a metre of dust cos it hurrrrrrrrts!!!!!!
On the plus side, there is an explanation as to why it hurts so bloody much lol!

Got my next outpatient appointment on the 1st May, they are cutting it a bit fine though, haven't had my scan appointment yet.
Have to chase that up myself i suppose.....Doh......!

Anyway, i hope you all have a good day and enjoy the fine weather