Discectomy - After the Operation

[roxy07]

Hey Monty,


Glad to hear all is going good for you now.
I had to go through detox too, it was only just over a week, but was the longest week EVER!!! It was the most horrendous experience i have ever endured!!

I am going on holiday too at the end of next month, need a change of scenery in the blur of all the hospital/physio appointments etc....will be good to get away
Hope you enjoy your holiday too, and hope things continue to improve for you.

Luv Ali x

 

[letstry2]

Hi everyone

I have not posted for a while and am sorry that I have not kept up with all your posts. I am at my whits end my disc has gone for a 3rd time. !!!! I am feeling sooooo depressed. I cant keep coping with this .

Fireolli. Hope you and your family are ok. Can you let me know what streching excersises you do on a dialy basis?

I had a massive prolapse on my L5/S1 and had no option but to have a discetomy as i could hardly move, so this happened on 31st Oct 2007. Same disc prolapsed again in july of last year, it was a smaller prolapse and had prolapsed into my spinal canal. Again the pain was pretty hordendious they decided to give me a nerve block. This seemed to be ok for a while, then in mid feb of this year started to get nerve disturbance in both legs on and off , the usual low back pain that stinging ache. The increase feeling of numbness in my foot and back of the leg, both my lgs going hot and cold etc.

I had a MRI scan 25th April 09 which showed that the b**** disc had gone again, roughly in the same place and into the spinal canal and is slighty bigger than before. But the weird thing is its painful but not as much as before. I am on pain killers and i am off work, my dr has signed me off for 6 weeks, I am going for another nerve block hopfully next week.

I am scared that it may go again. Can anyone say any words of wisdom to keep me going.

Best wishes to you all
Cas08

 

[Laya]

Cas08 - oh dear, you are going through a bad time!
I've gone through just the one discectomy, so am not quite in the same situation as you.
But I wish you best of luck, and I hope that the nerve block works for you.

 

[The Kitten in Clothes]

Hi there, have only just found this forum. Has anyone any news of COLROB1 they posted on the 27th Nov 2007? They were going to see a Mr Martin Knight at the Spinal Foundation in Cheshire. I would like to know how they got on.
I had a L4/L5 Discectomy and far lateral decompression in August 2006, after the op I still had lower back pain and numbness in my left leg but managed a 380 mile walk in Spain during May 2007 (the Camino) and started skiing again in 2008. However the last couple of weeks I have been getting increased pain and numbness (it never actually went away completely just diminished) and I fear more nucleus material may have pushed through. According to COLROB1 this guy Knight can seal the annulus with a Laser to prevent this happening.
I think this may come under "the grasping at straws" heading but I definitely don't wish to return to the pre-op pain level. Any news on Mr Knights ability will be greatly received.

Thanks

 

[TTC 19 month #1]

Hi Cas08,

I am so sorry to hear you are going through this a 3rd time, i have been through it twice so can appreciate how frustrated you must feel, have they not considered fusion?
To have this happen a 3rd time is just devastating, i was devastated when my disc went for the 2nd time (this was 8 weeks after my first op).

I asked for fusion, but they refused, saying the risks to the discs on the other levels would be too great. Thankfully though the 2nd op rectified the 2nd prolapse and the disc is now where it should be.
Surely it should be an option for you though hun, especially with the disc having gone a 3rd time.
I am stuck with epidural adhesions now, that aint no picnic, i am too signed off work indefinetely until hopefully, some kind of treatment can be found, as my mobility is rubbish.

I hope something will be done for you hun, and swiftly,

Love Ali xxx

 

[GUERA33]

Hi AliH78

Thanks so much for your kind words ALiH78, and Hope you are OK

He did say that I could have a 2nd surgery or to try the injection again. like you I asked about a fusion and he said that it would put to much pressure on the discs above. He felt that at the moment surgery is to drastic. I am also very scared that 2nd surgery in the same place. As not sure whether it could cause more problems, more nerve damage and or more scar tissue.

Would you say that your 2nd opp was sucessful? what are epidural adhesions, what causes those? sorry to have to ask.

Luv Cas08

 

[Lynnmarie]

Hi Cas08,

I do alot of hamstring streches throughout the day but once a day i will do a big stretch session, this mainly.(al these are done in sets of 3 and for 30 seconds each time)

Lay on back bend legs and roll your legs from side to side.

Lay on back with one leg straight and the other bent, pull bent leg across you. do both sides

Lay on back with one leg straight other bent, put hands behind thigh of bent leg and pull towards you. do both legs.

lay on back with one leg straight, try and get the foot of your other leg to the shoulder of the opposite side. this is a very hard stretch and should be taken one step at a time.

stretch your calf through the day as well as this will stretch your nerve a little.

All these stretch may make your legs ache for a while after but its better to keep your nerves moving than not at all.

Hope this helps.

As for me i am doing ok. my right leg keeps giving me a bit of jip on and off but i am plodding on and hope it settles down again. the problem is if the nerve gets angry it takes a long time for it to recover

Hope everyone is good

Olli

 

[stecinkadiack]

Hi AliH78 and Fireolli

Thanks guys for you replies and support. Much appriciated.

Its difficult to know how much movement to do while you are waiting for treatment. As you dont know what is safe to do and what is not. I know I am better if i keep pottering about.

Hi Fireolli, Not sure whether to start the streches yet or leave it until after the Injection, which I am hopping will be in the next 10 days. Hope your leg settles down again soon. Did you know what aggravated it?

Hi AliH78, Thanks for that, I will bare in mind the information you have given me on having a 2nd opp, but thought i would take the less invasive route first. Hope you are getting on Ok.

Take Care

Hope everyone is doing well.
Luv Cas08

 

[izetduyiioaiijehp]

Hi cas08,

Well i think it was 2 days of wall paper stripping, lots of bending and stretching.

I also haven't been to the physio for about 6 weeks and i normaly go every 3-4 weeks to sort any niggles out.

The one thing i have learnt is even when you get a few pains or pins and needles you must still do the stretching and exercises. Just ease up a bit but keep going it all helps in the long run.

I would start the stretches now and gauge what you can and cannot do, you never know it may help anyway.

Olli

 

[14murad]

Hi Fireolli

Thanks for that, without this forum, knowing that you can talk to people who really do know what is like to have the difficulies that we have all experianced, I think i would go mad so thanks for your help and advice.

I can understand that 2 days of wall papering bending and streching would aggravate your back. Take it easy though! Do you go to a private physio or are you still seeing one in the NHS? Hope you dont mind me asking?

I have printed off the exercises that you posted, so I am off to try a few streches. Take care hope your back settles soon.

AliH78 Hope you are doing Ok. Speak soon.

Hope everyone is doing well.
Luv Cas08

 

[ChihuahuaMom]

cas08,

NHS are sh!t, sorry but they are. I go private and she is very good. Knows what do to get things settled down.

Olli

 

[Littletexan]

Hi Fireolli,

Thanks, I'll ask around and see if I can info on any good ones in my area. I think you are probably right with the whole NHS thing!

Tried the streches you said, was sore but felt a good sore if you know what i mean. Did not realy understand the last stretch though copied below. Can you make it any clearer, remember I am on a lot of pain killing drugs so maybe thats why I am abit muddled.

lay on back with one leg straight, try and get the foot of your other leg to the shoulder of the opposite side. this is a very hard stretch and should be taken one step at a time.

Thanks
Cas08

 

[Ms. D]

cas08,

Ok, we will stretch the right leg

Lay on your back. have left leg straight. bring the other leg up and rest your foot on your knee. put your left hand on your right ankle and your right hand on your right knee. slowly pull your right knee to your left shoulder.

you may only be able to pull a little way at first but you will get better.

Hope this helps

Olli.

P.s. If you live anywhere near Wigan you might want to look up the Physio at total fitness, she is the one i see and she is A***

 

[Marquis de LaDeaux]

Thanks Fireolli

Will print that off and try it.

Hope your leg is a better and has settled down now.

Take care
Cas08

 

[yelix]

Its coming up for 3wks. After op. I have one disc out and one shaved back. I did had pain in my legs, after the op and still do but not as sore. Sometime pin and needles in the toes and calf. So Last week my doctor phoned the surgeon 'side kick' and they were worried that it could have been nerve damage. (Im only 18 !! (at college training to be sport coach ) because I had no ankle reflex. But now they think it was swelling. Got a letter for my '8' week appoinment. Its ............ 6th Dec 09 !! thats not 8 weeks thats 32wks ! So I phoned up but that is right, thats the next one. And they said if i had any problems phone up. NHS Tayside for you !
But the good news was I got my physio letter through, this thursday.
Can someone tell me what that is about , what they do ?
Also Im going to back to college next week against Doctor and Surgeon orders,they don' want me to go back until next term. but I have lots to catch up on. Don't worry I won't do any sports but I will just watch. Hopefully starting swimming soon, need to keep my self fit ! lol.

thanks

 

[F G]

Hey Greg,

32 weeks??? That is an absolute bloody joke!!!
A 6-8 week follow up is routine for all spinal ops!!!

Its good that you are going to start physio, they teach exercises to stretch the nerve and build core strength.
Your physio can advise when its ok to go back to college and what other execises you can or can't do, just take it easy!!

Luv Ali xx

 

[aWeexAppoipt]

Hi everyone, well I'm home! Had the op last Thursday morning, apparently all went well & to plan with no problems. Fortunately the disc was healthy so it was not removed completely, just the bit sticking out! Sciatica has now gone completely, still got the crazy feeling in the ball of my foot and some mild pins & needles, but the surgeon told me that this is normal and should go away after a few weeks. Had gas to knock me out so my needle phobia wasn't a problem .
Pain Thursday night/Friday was quite considerable, but having never had an operation of any description before I had no idea what to expect. Physotherapist had me walking on Friday, was okay. Went for another short walk in the afternoon with one of the nurses, not the most pleasent stroll I must say but apparently it has to be done - followed by 30 minutes lying on my stomach. Felt a bit depressed/upset and sorry for myself - pain and the future going through my mind but c'est la vie! Saturday, Sunday and now today, the pain is getting gradually less, walking is now okay, stairs are no problem & how lovely was it to sit on the toilet last night without hideous leg pain during & after!!!.
Regime is now quite strict for the next ten days, walk/sit for 20 mins max, then lye on my front for 20 minutes seems to be the order of the day, otherwise its bed rest. Got some basic excercises to do whilst I'm lying down (on my back & front) to strengthen the muscles at the base but thats no problem and straight forward.
So, all in all, it would seem that its gone well, I just hope that after this six weeks I can start to get my life back in order, then by the time our holiday to Majorca comes in September I'm going to be really getting there.
Please feel free to ask any questions if needed.
Cheers, Colin.

 

[73777]

Hi all, first post but have been reading alot of what has been written on here, i really do sympathise with those of you who are suffering. I am now 24 hours post op (l4/l5) and sciatic pain has gone, the incision in the back is painful but this is normal according to the surgeon. He said the needle tore a small part of the membrane and therefore I have had to bed rest for 24 hours. I will be attempting to walk later today so will let everyone know how this goes.

For those of you not getting anywhere with your GP you have to be persistant beyond belief, I must of been to see him 10 times in the space of a month before he finally wrote a letter and told me to take it to a and e. At first they tried to fob me off with painkillers etc. I had been taking tramadol (max dose) co codemol (max dose) diazepan (3 times a day) they finally agreed to send me for a scan and gave me a depositary of diclofenac (think thats how it spelt) I was in observation for two days and once the surgeon had seen my mri results he agreed to operate, 5 days later and this is the stage that Im at now. I only wish I had pushed my GP harder for an emergency referal (a little tip, if you say you find it difficult to pass water or bowel movement you will get the op you want) I know this is wrong exagerating the problems but its the only way they will take you seriously. Only us lot posting on this board know how unbearable the pain is and even loved ones sometimes cant understand why you are literally crying in pain. Anyway ill keep you posted on my recovery, as im a personal trainer it is going to be difficult for me to return to work soon but i am hoping that as im reasonably fit this may aid my recovery. All the best to those of you still waiting for your scans and ops

Chris

 

[migh]

Hi everyone!
Some of you won't know me but I was here last year. Had a bi-lateral discectomy in July on L4/L5 privately.
Well best thing I ever did with regards to my back.
I haven't taken a single pain killer since the two a day in the hospital for two days following the surgery. Strength and mobility have returned to practically normal and the spine is returning to normal lordosis. I can workout, walk, run, play golf and enjoy life again.
I have only experienced a mild pins and needles in one foot when I have sat awkwardly - a good reminder to maintain good posture - and visited a physio for a good massage only recently for the first time since the op.
I wish everyone the best and keep up the core exercises!
Jayboy

 

[wo1f4me]

Thanks for posting that JayBoy, very reassuring for me and the many others like me I'm sure. The long term situation is something which has been concerning me quite considerably. Glad your all fine & dandy!