Discectomy - After the Operation

[Edgar M]

northernmonkey... my advice would be to have the op if that's what the experts are recommending. yes, there are risks and yes sometimes people have ongoing problems after surgery, but in a lot of cases, these problems are because of significant nerve damage caused by a ridiculously long wait for the op on the nhs. based on people i know both on here and in 'real' life, the best outcomes seem come from having surgery asap to minimise nerve damage. do you have pain in your leg/legs?? surgery should stop this. it won't necessarily affect back pain though.

if physio won't help you now, it is unlikely to help in the future in terms of 'getting rid' of the prolapse. the only way to get rid of a prolapse and release a nerve in the long term is through surgery.

outcomes can be really positive. life can get back to normal!

phew...that was a bit of a rant, sorry! i am just so annoyed that people are left with long term, chronic pain and reduced mobility because our nhs surgeons don't act quickly enough. make the most of any opportunity for private treatment!

good luck and keep in touch...let us know how you get on!

love to all,
jess xx

 

[bunnster16]

Melza i am 42, very good, have you got a crystal ball?... had a bad weekend so far, all toes on left foot numb and white apart from little one which is bright red whats that about?

 

[alobbessadsex]

Wookie...why are you studying your toes, isn't there anything on the telly? Only kidding of course. Last night I went for a meal with work colleagues (crazy lot) and had a really good time, it was my first real night out, but I knew there would be a price to pay and it wouldn't be a hangover. Left leg is really sore and weak, nerve irritation in my legs and my neck is unbelievably painful and making my hands numb and itchy. I have a few diazepam I can use to ease the muscles but I'm worried about the interrogation I have to go through if I ask the doc for some more...what to do?????

Northern Monkey, I'm with Jess on this one. You've been told surgery is your only option so you have to go with it. Try and ignore my constant post op whingeing, recovery can be a slow process but I think you've been very fortunate with your treatment and may fare better.

Hope everyones spirits have been lifted by the sunshine, mine certainly have. But then I know this is british summer time so will enjoy it while its here.

 

[yirnnkgt]

Hello Everyone,
I didnt have the time to read through 46 pages , But from what I have read , some of you are having Surgery, have had it already, Or are thinking of it . I really feel I should share my experience. This isn't intended to scare anyone but I am the flip side to ONE discectomy . I had my back operation june 2003. I was 32 years old and like all of you suffered pain and was at my witts end . It failed ! Plain and simple .. I was left disabled for the rest of my life and also on narcotic pain pills. This operation is very serious... It can impact your life in ways you never even thought it would. Im 39 And i would give anything in the world to trade back that one day! I wante to sahre this because Dr's or people wont tell you about .. what happens if it dont work? and can it get worse? Ohh yess it sure can. I was also hoping a fusion would fix this , but when i went to a top Dr , here in Boston Mass . I was told straight out .. DO NOT do it and dont find anyone willing . I was also told by this same fine Dr .. your chances of success with multiple surgeries are much lower . almost cut in 1/2. How many times have we heard the stories of ppl having 2-3 or even more surgeries? ALOT!.. Please all I can say to anyone is ... Do not do this unless you are prepared for what could be a bad result . My operation wasnt from a botched Dr either . Thats just the way the cards fell for me . This operation ruined my life , not only did it leave me in more pain and on pain pills , Finalcially it ruined me . I had no insuraance for 3 years to even get help so the dr who did my surgery atleast gave me pain meds . I ddint qualify got State help because my husband worked . It was a mess! Always, always always get a 2nd and 3rd opinion. I wish you all well for a speedy and fantastic recovery for those of ypou who've already had this surgery and for those who havent .. Keep in mind no 2 are the same . You cannot base anything on anybody else's expercince including mine , but The flip side .. may just be a higher price than you relize.

 

[Chipmunk]

Hi Melza
Glad you enjoyed being back in the fold I am looking forward to being back with the girls again. I really don't think i'll get back to being full time again though & as with you, I think i'll lose my job eventually
Ali - Good to hear you have your MRI. I have my apt with god tomorrow. I may leave my stick at home as if he says his normal 'we'll see how you get on' I may be done for assault. (although with the severity of the back spasms i'm getting each time I try to twist or bend i doubt very much that I could carry it through, but its nice to dream!!) I've also got nerve conduction studies tomorrow & then a meeting on Wednesday with my manager. HR & my union rep.
Gregdfc - the way your being treated at college is disgusting. Makes you wonder exactly what their knowledge is. No way would i be doing half of that stuff & wouldn't expect anyone else too!!! I would certainly take it further or at the very least put something in writing to cover yourself if your problem worsens through some idiots ignorance. There again I am ready to fight the world at the moment as I am so pissed off & frustrated, so it may be best to just ignore anything i say
To everyone else, hi & hope you are okay

Tracey xx

 

[mxdjfnrp]

Hi Tracey, have just done 3 hours work today and completely stressed! So what ever you're feeling at the moment I'm right in there with you.

Hope Gregdfc has sorted out his problems, this back stuff is just unbelievable isn't it. And to think that not so long ago my only health problem was coping with the menopause!

Love to all

 

[Steveman30]

Melza they are starting me on 4 hour shifts for the first 2 weeks & then gradually increasing it. I stood & did a couple of hours ironing today (with very regular breaks) & that nigh on killed me off!!
What I find unbelievable is the lack of understanding regarding the impact a disc problem can have on an individuals whole life that these so called professionals have, wether it be a consultant, sports tutor as in gregdfc's case & also NHS employers!!!!!! Sorry started to slip into rant mode there

Tracey x

 

[Kelle]

Hi Tracy and Melza

Its interesting to read your posts about returning to work. I'm now 5 weeks post op and returning to work tomorrow for 4 hours a day for the first time. I'm now getting myself all worked up and worried about how I will cope - also think its a lack of confidence in my own body. Ill be interested to hear about your progress over the next couple of weeks. I really do hope things will start improving for the both of you after all you have been through.

xx

 

[MysticalMaddness]

Ah the irony!

You guys are all going back to work, and i, unfortunately, cannot cope with work any more and am back on long term sick
I went back after months off in January and was needing sick days off within less than 2 weeks, and my attendance was sporadic up until now.
I can't go out without my crutches, am on even more tablets......Its all gone wrong

I had my MRI scan yesterday and see 'them' on May 1st. Melza, do you want to hear another irony? My friend's mum has been struck down with crippling sciatica and guess whoooooo her surgical consultant is????
I asked her what she thought and she said he walked in, smiled, shook his curls and walked out again lol!!! She has got him down to a T after one consultation!

 

[krascow_jr]

Hi All,

I know i have an active job and would have had more time off than most but i think 5 weeks is way too soon. I think you should be very carefull when you guys go back to work. Let other people help you and do do all the lifting for you.

I am doing better again and my leg ache seems to have gone. On the other had i had to have one of my big toe nails taken off yesterday because of an ingrowing nail. It was horrid, he got a small pair of grips and just ripped it off. The chiropodist said it would be ok to go to work, half way through my night shift the pain kicked in, it was lucky we didn't get a shout those boots would have hurt

take care

Olli

 

[Meg]

Ali I love your friends description of our friend,especially the curl shaking bit....what an observant woman! A girl at work thinks he's wonderful and he always called her by her first name... I thought it was just me. Sorry to mention this but he really did give me the creeps, when I was leaning down to pick up my bag I caught him looking my body up and down, if you know what I mean. I'm not flattering myself here, no one else behaved that way, yuk!

Good old Ollie is still fighting the good fight, it always surprises me when you have been through a lot of pain and then one comparatively small procedure can create agony. I hope you're toe is feeling better now Ollie.

And I agree, 5 weeks post op is too soon to return to work. You will only aggravate the op site and cause yourself more suffering.

Ali, I'm so sorry you're suffering so much. I actually wish I had a crutch or even a bandage to show I have a painful bit in my body. Maybe I should pin a notice to my back, 'Warning, this bit hurts like hell'. May the 1st seems a long way off now but I suppose it will pass quickly...it always seems to.

 

[Garrett]

Hi All Discectomees. Not sure if that is an actual word, but you know who you are.

Commiserations Ali. It sounds like you are still going through a horrendous time. So sorry.

I see there have been a few posts recently about returning to work..... well, I am about to add to them. Unfortunately full time work is proving to be a too difficult for me and my back pain has gone through the roof again. I have pressed on for a few months, hoping if I just kept going I would feel ok, but that approach hasn't worked. I am having to go back to part time hours. I'm so frustrated and annoyed but I am hoping that if I reduce my hours again now I will give myself a chance to recover. But I do worry about what all of this means for the future. I suppose these are the questions we all ask ourselves - Does my life return to normal? If so, when? Or will there be a different type of 'normal' from now on? There don't seem to be many answers out there.

For those of you who've had a successful return to work, what was helpful in terms of a return to work plan? Different work chair or set up at your work station etc? Any ideas for us returning-to-workers?

Audrey - congratulations on having your op and I hope you are feeling better before too long. And yes, behaving yourself is certainly the key.

NorthernMonkey - can see why you're in a quandry. Contemplating surgery is never a nice thing to have to do. MRIs are certainly very cool technology. Once I looked at mine, I saw why surgery was being recommended. My disc had slipped not only out but then down. Apparently it was so unusual my Neurosurgeon said 'wow, thanks for that, that's really unusual, well done!' Er, glad to please...? Anyway, the point is, when I saw the Mri I realised that while the disc remained on the nerve like that I was going to keep feeling the terrible sciatic pain. As other posters have mentioned, there is always some risk when it comes to a surgical procedure. Fortunately, it is a successful op for many.

Good luck everyone.

 

[CyberKing]

back to work.... i went back to work almost 3 months post-op. had planned to go back after 6 weeks and am sooooooo glad i waited. i was in the fortunate position of being on full pay while off sick, although it wouldn't have lasted much longer. there was a massive difference in my mobility and endurance between 6 weeks and 3 months post op.

so...the things that helped: a new chair with pump-up lumbar support (not as cool as it sounds) and more importantly that setting thing that allows me to rock back and forward (it is not a rocking chair)...the chair moves with me when i lean forward or back. it has made a HUGE difference, although took a while to arrive.

a gradual return was really helpful, not just because of back/leg pain, but the exhaustion that followed a return to purposeful days, both physical and emotional. i found i was a bit of an emotional head case for a few weeks - just felt so powerless and anxious because i wasn't 100% in control of where i had to be etc. hope that makes sense. i started off 2 days per week, built up to 3 and then was back 5 days after a break over xmas.

limiting my driving and time sitting in meetings helped. my memory foam cushion has been great and i am over the embarrassment of all the heads turning when i stand up to stretch in a big meeting!

what would have helped even more would have been a lovely, supportive and understanding line manager. but then we can't have everything!!

good luck to those about to return. take it easy, know your limits and don't be afraid to speak up if you are unsure about something or are finding it hard.

my recovery still seems to be going well, although i had a horribly familiar ache last night in the WRONG leg!! led to major panic cos that didn't fit with my 'broken nerve firing inappropriately' theory. i was convinced the remaining disc had popped out the other side. thankfully the ache was gone this morning though.

lots of love to all,
jess xx

 

[jbedqzrd]

Well folks, its not good news from Ali,

I went to the GP so i could get my sick note and he was able to get my initial scan report that says...no evidence of disc protrusion, but scarring consistent with having surgery.
Which in a nutshell means that its all adhesions thats wrapped themselves around my sciatic nerve and so its game over for me.
They already told me nothing can be done except physio, i see my physio tomorrow so hopefully she can put the smile back on my face.

So gutted......

 

[Mr.Lucky]

Just read some of these posts. "Serra-peptase" is an enzyme that is credited with removing dead tissue. I first heard about it from an article by a girl. She had had a motor bike accident which left with scar tissue around a nerve. She was in bad pain. Her GP suggested this enzyme. It worked for her. It dissolved the scar tissue. You can find it on the Web. Definitely worth a try, but you may need a high dose.
Best of luck

 

[MysticalMaddness]

Oh Ali, that is a blow for you. Even so I feel things will get better for you with time and the CORRECT treatment. Never heard of serrapeptase but just noticed it is an anti ageing supplement too (hmmmm), not sure about these things myself. Hope you have something to feel more positive about soon my dear.

 

[Terri J]

Ali, poor you. I hope that your physio can help you out both in the short and long term. As Melza says, hopefully there will be some positive changes for you over time with the right treatment.

jess22, you're a star, thanks for your post and your great advice.

 

[rxmedical]

Hi folks
Ali - I really do appreciate how sh** you must be feeling right now. I went to my hospital apt yesterday. Didn't get to see consultant as he was on call & in theatre. (why the bloody hell he was put on call when he had clinic is beyond me but hey thats the NHS for you) Had a chat with 1 of his registrars & was sent for a neck xray which apparently shows I have spondylitis!! I then asked all the questions I had planned & was informed that my symptoms were all due to scarring & nerve damage, as I had had 3 ops there was little more they could do for me & if I had not totally improved 2 years post op I never would. (all this without an MRI) I ranted & he offered to refer me for a second opinion which i refused as I said I would arrange my own through my GP not just a friend of theirs who would back their opinion all the way. I feel totally let down, my pain is increasing & I have my return to work in less than 2 weeks. Have my mtg today with manager & HR ............ Happy bloody days!!!!!!!!
Tracey xx

 

[Linni]

Aw flaming heck Tracey! They have thrown several diagnosis's at you, are they sure about this one? As you said, with no MRI!!
I know what you mean about your doc being on call when he has clinic....i had 2 appointments booked with my doc and they were both cancelled cos he was on bloody annual leave!!
I was hobbling around in pain and he was living it up on the flippin' golf course!!

I am kind of feeling a bit better today emotionally, i am seeing the physio in about an hour and i guess i am feeling a bit brighter as i know whats what now, rather than having to wait for the 1st May.
This is whats happened and i just have to deal with it, i'm not saying that i won't be having the odd rant on here though!!
I am expecting my blue parking badge any day now so that'll make life easier!!
I have my bath lift and perching stool from my kind occy therapist, its funny, the referral was made when i was in hospital last May and they finally got in touch last week for an assessment....just when i needed it!!! Perfect timing

Thanks for the heads up on the serrapeptase scommstech, I will look into that

And thank you Melza and Subi for your kind words, sending lots of hugs 2u xxx

I shall be back later on with news from the physio

 

[swtLiLwisp]

Ali and Tracey-1, I'm just wondering why you haven't been referred for a CT scan if there are further complications. The neurosurgeon told me the MRI didn't provide enough detailed information and ordered me a CT scan, okay that was a hundred years ago and I still don't have a result, but how can your consultants decide on the outcome if they don't have detailed information. What would happen if you asked to be referred to a neurosurgeon or asked for a CT scan? Is it worth a try?

Tracey-1, you know I have terrible problems with my neck, arms, hands and whatever else is connected to my upper back....my GP sent a referral to the neurosurgeon when the 'curly locks' consultant decided a cervical epidural was all I needed. I suppose my outcome will decide whether that was the right move or not won't it. Don't they understand what chaos these problems create in a persons life?

Still suffering now though. Love as always