Discectomy - After the Operation

[Adam M]

Hi mw1

Glad that the opp went well. I understand about the freaking out bit. But just be kind to youself. You have been through a horrible time, you need to give youself time to heal.

keep moving gently about, dont do any bending picking up heavy objects ect. when you feel up to it go for a little walk. A bit later on do some streaching excersises. Fireolli another member on here posted a few good ones, look those up. Most importanlty listen to you body if something is not right your body will let you know. push your self a little bit, as you feel a bit better but dont over do it. Dont sit for to long, make sure you change your postion regularly. Eat lots of fruit and vegs good food! Have you got any physio booked yet with the physio department?

Best wishes
Cas08
x

 

[datrican]

Hi dalep115

How you doing.

I have had physiotheropy with the NHS but not any hydrotherapy, it was useful, definaltly do it.

I am so glad that you got the all clear to go back to work thats great. I was given the same advice only never to pick up anything heaver than 7kg, but i guess this may differ with different people. Let us know when you are to return to work and how you get on.

I am now going to post about my visit to the dr yesturday above this one read it and let me know what you think?

Best wishes
Cas08

 

[T. dub ? {kiss my sass}]

Hi everyone

Hope you are all doing well. I want to tell you all about my visit to my GPs yesturday and your coments.

As some off you know that I have had 3 proplapes. An MD opp in Oct 2007 for my L5/S1, then a nerve block for another prolaspe on the same disc 27th July2008, and am awiating another nerve bock for a re-occurance of prolaspe on the same disc March /April 2009 . Which there is a 5 month waiting list for this???????

So I am feeling better the pain has now gone from my right leg, I just having some odd sensations down it on and off. I have now just got an achie pain and sometimes a stining ache in my sacrum and coxxys ( i think every time i spell this word its different ) and its most of the time.

Anyway so I tell the my Gp that Ive not had the injectionand and all of the things in the above paragraph, and that I want to go back to work and do a phased return. And that I am seeing the OH peolpe at work next week to discuss me comming back ect. Oh and that my boss has said that she wanders whether its that I have a desk job, that I have had 2 more prolaspes since my opp.

He said " I need to think about this for a minute". He reads the letter that has been recently sent to him from my vistit to the consultant in May. "You have to remember that you have a disc problem, that has not been resoved. You may or may not need surgery or and injection sometime in the future. "it may flare up again in 6 months 1yr, 2yrs 5yrs or never I dont know???. If you go back part time, it could happen, if your are whatching the Tv it could happen ect ect. A phased return is usually for people who are better, and they are getting back to work. Your problem has been not been resovled". He said "even if i have a good chair and desk that has adjustable height, it said in your letter that my best possition was lying down. I told him that I would have to get back to work sometime or I would loose my job . So its not black or wight.

He said "thats it was like someone who had breast cancer and who has has a mascetomy and all the horrible treatment that goes with that and they are in remittion, like you. But he can not be sure that the cancer will not come back 1yr 2ys 5ys down the line or never!!!! He said you have a disc problem and it could re-occur you will have to tell that to your employer.

Guys, I came out of there thinking am i suppost to spend the rest of my life on the floor!!!!!!! Thats it, my life is over. I am living with a ticking time bome. Surley your disc can not keep prolapsing you only have so much gloopy stuff in the middle of it. I dont no what to think now he certainly made me feel that i should just go a leap in front of a bus. ba#'##'#/.,

I dont think any of that was possative!!!!

Help!!

Very down
tearful
Caso08

 

[HI everybody]

Hi Cas08

Im sorry to hear about your experience with your GP, it is such a shame that he has poured cold water on you going back to work. I would definately consider changing GP's if this is possible. It has took me 4 different GP's to find one that I can get on with and who understands me. You need to remember that they are general practitioners so they have brief knowledge about a wide variety of illnesses/injuries. Infact they probably know less than most people on this forum about lumbar surgery. He told you that you could relapse at work or at home watching tv so I personally dont think theres a problem going back to work, you cant live the rest of your life on the floor. You must do your best to get back to work even if it is just part time, this will help distract you from thinking solely about your back. Dont let the GP get you down, get a second opinion and I would also highly recommend Sarah Keys, Back Sufferers Bible to understand exactly how the spine works and how it is possible for you to help yourself. Dont give up, stay positive

Chris

 

[Jesse J]

Cas08, I am sorry that you have had this experience and I can see what it would get you down.

I too have a number of other problems with my spine (other disc prolapses, stenosis, spondylosis, osteoarthritis, loss of disc height), which may flare up in 6 months, 1 year, 5 years, never (as you say - who knows). I just figure I will do what I can while I can. It is not always easy, but I have managed to return to a full time desk job which is very demanding, and I often spend 50 hours a week at work. (I am now 7 months post op) I also have returned to doing a lot of sport which is very physically demanding. My GP, neurosurgeon and workplace have all been very negative about whether I could achieve returning to my 'normal life'. I wouldn't say things are completely back to normal, but they are a lot more normal than I thought they might be at this stage (does that make sense??)

Please don't lose heart Cas08. Many of us have been able to return to work and other daily activities we enjoyed eventually. Hopefully with the right support you will too.

 

[professor love]

Hi Cas08,

I agree with chris12. I think you should think about changing GP's.
Is your GP normally miserable or negative. It certainly sounds like it.
Before I had an L5 S1 discectomy, my GP was so negative about me going through with it I could not believe it.
I am only 6 weeks post op but am extremely happy at the moment.
What you need to think about is how you can be positive in life and enjoy yourself.
If something is going to happen, it will do.
I might cross the road tomorrow and get hit by a bus. I hope not but you never know.
I am going to enjoy life and encourage you to do the same until something does happen.
I hope you go and see OH at your place of work and they allow you to go back in stages/phased.
I have just placed an order for the book mentioned by chris12 as I want to do everything to make sure I stay as healthy as I can.
Try and be positive. I know it is not always easy to do.

dalep115

 

[Doris]

Hi All
am now four weeks post L4/L5 revision surgery - leg feeling much better, general aching and muscle twitching gone - just get the odd "fizzing" sensation in the top of my calf muscle which I can live with! Still got really a really stiff left hip, its not painful but makes walking hard going, in addition my hamstrings are still stiff and after a good old walk they ache like mad. Doing the stretches fireolli suggested which are the same as my physio gave me - just wondered if anyone else has or had same problem and how long does it take to go away? Am a bit down by it, want to know if its a new problems, knackered and fed up nerve, or if my muscles are in spasm - my back incidentally has been a nightmare - struggling to get the tight muscles under control - any suggestions?

 

[jtjcxekp]

Cas08, Well if you ask me your GP is a nob. Of cause it can occur anytime, it could happen to anyone. There comes a point when you have to try and get on with things and your GP cannot hold you back just because it might happen again. I would get a second opion.

Bonnie10, Getting tight legs and hips is all part of the recovery. If i do too much my left leg, back and hip get tight. Increase the strectes to an extra session a day and get yourself in a hot bath every day or every other day. Anti-inflamatories work as well just to settle things down. If the pain gets too much i would see a physio. It may sound a bit backwards but some light exercise should loosen off your tight legs, exercise will keep everything nice and warm and loose.

Hope everyone has a pain free Sunday.

The sun is out and i am off to bloody work!!, I'm sure they don't get fire's on a Sunday i must be able to stay at home

Olli

 

[Jack D]

Hi Folks

Am now 4.5 weeks post op and feeling that my remaining nerve pain has settled into both legs for good. It's generally manageable but the big problem is that I get shooting nerve pains in both calfs if I try to kneel or squat on my heels. As any of you with small kids knows, being able to kneel and squat is essential to being a parent, especially if you want to avoid bending over too much. I am feeling very worried about it, especially as it is in my 'good' leg too.

So I just wondered if anyone else had this problem with kneeling on their heels after the operation (do you have this, Bonnie?)? Is it better to rest the nerves more, or to just try to get on with things even if they get irritated still further?

Cas08 - I echo everyone's view that your GP has got it all wrong. I am surprised, because I thought dox were under pressure these days to push people back into work and off disability allowances wherever possible... And also because all the NHS advice emphasises the importance of routine, work, getting out of the house, and generally keeping your life as normal as possible, to support a better recovery. So if you need a doctor's OK to go back then I think you must find another doctor. But definitely don't get pushed by doctors and bosses etc. into not going back unless there is really a sound reason.

Hugs to all xxx

 

[Booboo]

Well, I can't believe that after reading this thread for almost a year I'm finally off to have my surgery. Despite all the fab advice, I'm still scared stiff - literally - my back is solid and my shoulders are sore and I've been grinding my teeth

Briefly, I fell down the stairs 3 yrs ago - I fell in a seated position - the pain was so intense that I threw up. Since then I've had people "tell" me it was a misaligned hip, sacroilial pain, bruised coccyx - the lot. Finally a phsyio I was seeing recommended me to a specialist and finally I got the MRI I knew all along (3 yrs!) was needed to FINALLY diagnose my pain. I'm 41 now and feel 90 - I've gone from a very active, rural lifestyle to groaning as I rise from the sofa and spending hours laid up on codeine (which they hand out like sweets and which is working less and less as the months go on - I've been on it for 5 months!).

I have some "silly" questions, if you don't mind... mostly about recovery - I've resigned myself to actually having the op, but I'm scared of doing something silly during recovery as I'm really REALLY bad at being waited on - hate feeling helpless and out of control.

So, my questions

1. What was your day like? I figured I could get up, walk around garden for 10 mins, go back to bed and recline/watch telly. Get up lunch time, walk round for 10 mins - back to bed. Now, should I recline or lie flat or on my side or what?

2. I have a LayZBoy recliner - can I use this?

3. Food - been told I need lots of fibre, that's all - what sort of stuff did you eat (or did you feel like eating?).

4. Getting home - I live 60km on a remote rural road from the hospital ( i live in NZ now, from UK originally) which has its rough spots. I am told I will be going home the day after op (1 night in hospital) but I'm worried that 45mins in the car is a good thing?? How did you get home and how long after?

5. When can I start to do general things like hoover or load the dishwasher or load washing machine? Thankfully my hubby is a total star but I don't want to be a huge burden after the op as he's been 'caring' for me for so long with the pain etc.

6. I suffer badly from depression (bi-polar) and am on anti-depressants and have been for 20 yrs. Has anyone else with depression had problems with recovery - my main worry is my terrible anxiety, especially about moving my back afterwards.

I'm off to buy some slippers and a dressing gown tomorrow - have to look respectable even if I probably won't care after the event!

Oh, and were you ok using your normal home toilet afterwards or did you have a raiser-thingy?

Thanks all, it really helps to hear from others whether the experience is good or bad. It's early a.m. here in New Zealand and I've got another sleepless night ahead. I know reading up on it is bad, but I just can't help it!

MoorfNZ

 

[Lorelei]

Hey all,

How are we today?
I have been feeling better since becoming very low due to these adhesions i have, they are really painful and it never lets up.
I have got halfway through the referral process to the spinal foundation, i know that its a long process, but halfway is better than none.

I just thought i'd drop by to say hello

 

[Ajay A]

MoorfNZ,

Having had an L5 S1 discectomy six weeks ago, I will good luck to you.
If you follow the guidelines of the physio, you should be OK.
It is natural to be a bit apprehensive, I know I was.
Look forward to the good times ahead is what I would say.
Sometimes I have felt older than I am but then I say there is plenty of life ahead for me and I am sure it is the same for you.
1. Physiotherapy should tell you to roll in and out of bed in a controlled fashion.
In my six weeks recovery, I go for three or four 20 minute walks every day. I have been given a high seat with a soft cushioned back and seat in order to maintain good posture which I will return when I feel I am ready to do so.
Dont lift too much for the first ten weeks as a definite.
2. I don't know if you can use a lazyboy recliner. Best to ask.
3. Generally I ate what I normally eat except I did not have the normal appetite due to not using the usual amount of energy.
4. I dont see a problem with this. I live 22 miles from hospital and travelled on a 45 minute journey home the day after.
The hospital staff will try to mobilise you the day after the op and as long as you can walk up and down the stairs, you should be aloud home.
5. No lifting anything heavy for the first 10 weeks and no impact sports for 3 months following the op. I can load and unload the dishwasher but just ask for somewell else to push or pull the trays in or out when full.
6. I have only been on amitriptyline since last September when I started suffering from left leg sciatica but have since stopped taking them.
When feeling anxious, try to take your mind off your anxiety by reading, watching the TV etc..

I was provided with a high seat for using on the WC and hope you will be provided with the same.

Good luck

dalep115

 

[bmetguktimciqeefd]

Hi Bonnie 10

I get the odd sensation in the top of my calf muscle and am six weeks post op L5 S1 discectomy. I hope mine goes like I hope yours goes.
I can only presume as I was told that no lifting anything heavy for 10 weeks from the op and no impact sports three months from the op has some bearing on the sensation we are both feeling.
Whilst we are not lifting, we are bending our legs as if lifting.
Only three months after our ops will we be able to tell.
I would hope all of the feelings in your back and legs is it just settling down.
Are you sitting down for more than an hour? I was advised not to.
Are you walking regularly? Short walks during the day break the boredom and keep you mobile.
I must have listened to the 1000 songs on my mobile and MP3 player a couple of times at least!
Keep up the physiotherapy exercises twice a day as a minimum but stop if they hurt.
Positive thinking and doing things like reading, watching films etc... should help.

dalep115

 

[kxeidubiipiikderd]

Hi All

I wrote on here a few weeks ago had my MD 6 weeks ago..went on a 'resting' holiday 2 weeks ago but had to return early as I could barely walk due to severe Sciatica and back pain also new numbness in toes. Hospital told me to go straight to a n e..I was admitted given morphine and had MRI..I was in there 5 days as they couldnt decide whether the new pressure on my nerve was disk or scar tissue. My neurosurgeon ruled scar tissue out as he said it was to early. He doesnt want to give me a seconf MD as my disk is collapsed and the chances of it coming out again are high he has recommended I have a fusion...

I have come home to rest and think for a few weeks..neurosurgeon said there is a small chance the disk may come off my nerve if I take it easy.
I just feel I have no option but to have it fused now. I have all faith in my neurosurgeons opinion I am just so unsure of what to do...Does anyone have any opinions on my case??

I feel this is my only option to get rid of the pain..Have quit my job today and doing bar minimal at home!!

If anyone has recently had a MD DONT LET MY STORY DISHEARTEN YOU I have been told what has happened to me is very very rare.

Any advice/views would be really appreciated.

Carly Aged 22..trying to keep positive!

 

[cfejpubniiiigjevt]

Carly 22
sweet heart get a second opinion before you agree to having a fusion. I had a second prolapse on my L4/L5 disc last year (just 9 months after the original prolapse) - and I had my revision surgery 4.5 weeks ago. Fusion is a last resort - a revision md is less invasive. Its a massive decision to make and I can hear in your words how much pain you are in and how down you are... but if you can get a second opinion my advice would be to do so.
Are you an NHS patient or do you have private medical insurance? If you are private look up the spinal foundation - they are based in Congleton in Cheshire - the surgeon there is Martin Knight - he is a spinal specialist and specialises in laser surgery for prolapsed discs - I think a consultation with him is about £200, if you can stretch to it, it may be worth asking him to review your scan and give you his opinion. I only wish to god I had medical insurance before my first disc prolapse - he removes the gunk and then closes the hole up to prevent further problems. Sods law that insurance companies will not insure you for an existing problem!

 

[prettyj]

MSKSQUARED - Hi, I do occasionally get sensations in my left leg (bad leg) when I squat. Its not pain though its a very short burning sensation which comes and then goes within seconds (it doesnt radiate down my leg). Mine occurs in the nerve bundle just below the knee joint. I do have some nerve damage from my first L4/L5 herniation, no doubt exascerbated by a second herniation at same site - so although it bugs me I am trying to reassure myself that I am only 4.5 weeks having had revision surgery and that I am still healing.
How long ago did you have surgery? Prior to surgery I had sciatic type symptons in my good leg - my surgeon explained that it was swelling in the soft tissues which had put a little pressure on the nerve the other side of the damaged disc - it could be that you are still swollen - try not to panic (I am a right one to talk I analyse every little twitch!) - but keep an eye on it. Hope that helps?

 

[The Thinker]

Moorfnz

Hi, hope the op has gone well, if you already had it? My op was on 13 May (L5 -S1, emergency so no research beforehand! Maybe a good thing!), so am almost 5 weeks along now.

1. I think your day plan sounds good - you will prob get some exercises to do lying down from the hospital physio, initially. I think lying on your back is good, with your knees on a pile of pillows maybe if that makes you comfy. I was told not to sit for more than about 30 mins at a time. I have been going for walks of anything from 10-45 minutes, depending on how much time I have and how I feel. But for the first two-three weeks I was very slow and tired. This is improving now.

2. Food. I have been trying to eat well and include high quality protein in particular. I'm usually veggie, but have reintroduced chicken and extra fish into my diet while I am healing. I am also breastfeeding, so it's extra important for me to eat well. Having lots of fruit and fresh veg - but it's summer here more or less, so that's easier than in NZ!

3. Getting home - sounds a bit hard going, but I am sure if you take it slow it will be OK. If your car seat is very deep and buckety, then take some pillows or blankets to sit on. If you can stay an extra night in hospital maybe that's not such a bad idea.

4. I have a toilet seat raiser, which is good, and have also invested in a grabber for picking stuff off the floor and a long shoe horn. I also bought a wedge shaped cushion which helps you sit in a good position on your chair, and not to sit at too deep an angle. In addition, we raised our bed with bed raisers and might do the same with a chair or two.

5. Being a burden. I'd say just go with it for the next 6 weeks. Don't risk anything. It would be much worse for your husband if you try and do things and then put your disk out again. It's really hard to just relinquish all control, I know at first hand, but you really have to be disciplined about *not* doing things. This gets harder as the weeks go on and you feel more capable. If need be, get someone to come in for two hours a day to do stuff - paid if necessary - so your husband doesn't have to and you don't have to worry about it.

6. Depression. I suffer from mild depression and high anxiety levels, and I am definitely having bad days and good days. I find it hard when I go out and see people who are less fit and strong than me having a normal life doing all the stuff I want to do, and I have a severe case of the 'why me's and the 'not fairs'. Better days are when I make an effort to talk to or see friends, and that makes me feel more cheerful and takes me out of myself.

I do worry a lot about doing something to damage myself again, or whether my recovery is going OK, or whether I'll ever be able to do this or that again, but my better days are definitely the ones where I have less time and space to think these thoughts.

Hope this helps... Good luck and let us know how you are.

xxx

 

[Dez]

THanks, Bonnie. My op was on 13 May so must have been not long before yours, right? The pain in the leg went away for about two weeks and then came back, in both legs, which is what freaked me out a bit. I will talk to my physio about it this week and then I have my 6 week appointment next week. I know nerves take ages to heal, and I am a very impatient person - just seems that others are in less pain at this stage after the op, and that makes me worried in case something is wrong. But let's see. Trying not to panic!

K

 

[Opisymeem]

Hi Bonnie

Thank you for your advice I contacted Mr Knights sectretary this morning and she has advised me to get a referal from my docs and fax it to Mr Knight. Have you had surgery with him??How are you doing with your recovery?

Take Care

Carly xxxx

 

[14murad]

hi all, thanks for the advise i recieved from you all i have now had the l4/l5 disectomy and laminectomy 6 days ago , was in a bad way panicking because the numbness has been worse down my left leg but i have now got times where it goes down my right leg too iam hoping this is just from the swelling, how long will it take for the numbness in my bottom to go this is not very nice at all, cannot really tell yet whether i have improved because of the pain from the op but the staples come out on monday and iam hoping i can get in the bath for a much need soak i hate showers but that is all i can have at the moment.