Discectomy - After the Operation

[Holy Bay]

Hi Mrs Thomas,

Please dont be too disheartened - it is very early days. I too am 5 weeks post op so know how you feel. I have good days (like today, no pain) and not so good days (but still nothing compared to pre surgery). On the not so good days im gentle with myself and try not to get frustrated - think positive. Im doing quite a lot of gentle exercise - my physio suggested using a wii fit and doing some of the gentle balance games and yoga - its working a treat for me. She also told me to sit on one of those big balance balls and do gentle rolling of my hips, again I have noticed a definate improvement in my flexibility. Perhaps this is something you could discuss with your physio and see if they agree. Just remember we are all different and recovery rates are very general. As for the pain, I would agree with other posts that perhaps you should visit your GP again and discuss the problem.

Im a paramedic so I too have worries about returning to work, the very heavy lifting is going to be an issue and im expected back at work in three weeks - Im doing all I can to strengthen my back but will also rely on occupational health to plan my return to work - do you have any access to this service if you are returning to work? I wish you all the best in your recovery - just be kind to yourself and dont expect too much too soon xx

 

[Natalie Smith]

Hi all,

Firstly I wanted to say thaks for all your words of support and positivity, it has helped me turn my frame of mind around.

What happened was I was doing really well and stepped up the exercise to the point where I caused inflammation around the wound hence lots of pain. I foolishly thought that the more effort I put in the better the results but it was a case of too much too soon. In terms of pressure it is only me putting myslef under pressure to return at 8 weeks, because that was what my consultant expected. I have now realised that I will return when I am ready and my boss has agreed a phased return.

I am now back to where I was before my setback, managing 2x 15 mins walks per day as well as my physio exercises. I already see a physio privately so hope I am getting the best advice. I am still really exhausted and the pain is back to manageable levels, I still get nerve pain through my bum and leg but less frequently than before the op. I also get pain around the wound site but am currenly managing taking my co-codamols at night only. Sleep is getting better, I only wake 2 or 3 times during the night now and I am reluctant to take anything stronger.

Sarsy - you mention you are doing a lot of gentle exercise, I would be grateful if you could let me know what your typical day's routine is as I still spend quite a lot of time resting. As you are the same timescale as me post op, what meds are you on now ?

Thanks once again for all your help,

a more positive Mrs Thomas

 

[moi]

Hi Mrs Thomas

Really pleased to hear that you are feeling more positive. I think we all have times when full recovery seems a long time away and things look a bit bleak but you are doing really really well I am sure.

I think it is important that you dont judge your recovery against anyone elses, we are all different and will respond differently. You obviously have good physio input which is crucial I think - they know you and your body and how its going to respond to certain exercises. For me the physio has utilised my daughters Wii fit machine and im doing half hour of balancing games and twenty mins of step aerobics (very gentle and very little height to the step). I am also walking - doing about half mile - one mile - sometimes once a day but often more. Ive just been told today to up the distance and to try on uneven ground now. I do very little lying down anymore, just when my back starts to ache (but I dont know if thats a good thing to do so please ask your physios advice). When I sit down I only sit on one of those big exercise balls which you obviously have to use your core muscles to remain balanced and this has helped immensely. The phsyio taught me some rolling exercises for my hips/pelvis (both front to back and side to side) utilising the muscles in your back and waist. I also am going to get back on a horse and start riding again in the next couple of weeks, as soon as physio gives me the ok and that strengthens core muscles too. So thats what Im doing - but please go with what your physio says and dont do too much too soon. As I said we are all different and whats working for me might not work for you and vice versa.

Sorry this is going on a bit eh..... pain relief, Im really lucky now that I am getting by with the odd paracetamol and when things get a bit achy a diclofenac which is a major improvement on pre surgery - fentanyl, oramorph, diazepam, amytriptyline - you name it I was on it!

Hope things continue to improve for you, positive attitude seems to be half the battle ive noticed from this forum. Take care x

 

[just wondering]

hi all
just had my microdiscectomy on 30th july. things going quite well, i think. but on sunday noticed i had a fluid coming from wound, i returned to hospital ward and they checked it out, had ablood tests and a swab test done. was told test came back ok and sent home and told to return on tuesday. since sent home the new dressing which was put on has been getting quite wet from the fluid.
just wondering if anybody else has experienced the same thing?

 

[uvyeegqp]

Hi again,

Having one of those sleepless nights when all kinds of rubbish goes around in your head. Just wondered if it is now (7 weeks post op) ok for me to sit for more than 20 mins as I have tickets for a local theatre production in a few weeks and thought it would be something positive to focus on ?

Thanks

Mrs Thomas

 

[George P]

HI Mrs Thomas.
I would think after 7 weeks you sould be ok to sit as long as it's a good chair! I had my op june 26th 2008 and 2 weeks later went on holiday so sat on a plane for 4 hours!!!

Take a lumbar support cushion which should help a lot.

Hope this helps
Take care
Fitbird
xxxxxx

 

[Kitty kat]

Hi everyone

sarsy - I noticed in your post that you ride too. I started riding again after about 8 weeks (slowly at first, built up gradually and now ride 5 times per week). I guarantee you will have a very big smile on your face after that first ride back.

Mrs Thomas - I went to see a musical at about the 8 week mark. Ironically, the theatre company had been rehearsing the musical next door to my house during the weeks I was basically bed ridden after my op so I had heard the musical about 90,000 times already!! I made sure I stood up at interval but it was ok. As fitbird says, a lumbar cushion is beneficial. It's definitely good to have something to look forward to.

Glad to hear you are going well Jess. Must be good to pass the 'anniversary' date.

Melza - hope things get better for you. Sending good vibes your way.

 

[Jackiecliede]

Subi,

Pleased someone else is riding - how did you start back? Im a bit apprehensive about it so would appreciate words of advice from someone who has done it. Physio is happy for me to start riding again in the next week or so, as long as safe horse but Im not sure what I should or shouldnt be doing to start with (perhaps a long gallop is not such a great idea to start with eh). Will be really really happy to get back on again though. Thanks. Sarsy

 

[okeuluuoixcihgejy]

Sent you a PM sarsy.

 

[xxkristenlynnxx]

Hi All,

Doing well with the back. Get a bit sore if i bend too much which was the case when little James was born but i have sorted that now.

What's helped me the most is to a bit every day, stretch, swim, walk etc.
It took me about 6 weeks to be able to sit down for any length of time but everyone recovers at a different pace.

Little James is doing great. He was born at 7lb 4oz and is now nearly 9lb. He screams alot for food and whenever he is left and knowone is holding him, i think thats my fault as i just cannot help but hold him all the time.

Stay positive and keep going, all will be well.

Olli

 

[Crissy]

Hi all,
Haven,t been on for a while (computer problems). Hope everybody is feeling ok, starting physio this week and hope to go swimming. Having a lot of pain now in my "good" leg, so hopefully this will help.

Again, hope everyone is feeling okay and will post again soon.

Cheers

Andrew

 

[PeaceLoveCats]

Well lots has happened since I last posted. My consultant had given me the choice between revision discectomy or fusion. However, when I went back to see him he backtracked & was totally against carrying out the fusion & wanted to attempt the discectomy first & then go for the fusion if that failed. As the discectomy is for the leg pain not back pain i didn't totally agree as I have severe back pain too.

Luckily (i think) the 2nd opinion my GP refered me on for back in April came through. So off i trotted to my nearest specialist orthopaedic hospital to see a member of the spinal team. The surgeons opinion was that I needed a fusion as soon as I could stop smoking & he could arrange it.

Well, I've stopped smoking & got the call friday to tell me he had arranged for a spinal/neurosurgeon to assist him in theatre. They have warned me I am at higher risk of problems due to the previous surgery & infection i had after the first op. So its all sorted, i'm having a spinal fusion 9th September!!

Just to take my mind off the worrying a little, work have been so helpful in terminating my contract as the outcome of my surgery is uncertain & the recovery quite lengthy!!

Sorry for grumbling ....

Hope you all as well as can be

Tracey xx

 

[Kellie]

oh Tracey! I am just speechless at the part in your post about your employer. I am so sorry.

Here's hoping that the fusion is a great success for you and that it really helps you to feel much better. I have heard of people having good success after a fusion. Not too long for you to wait for your op either, that's good.

Very best of luck tracey.

 

[uzeiluuxiluixqeox]

Hi Tracey
Good luck with your surgery in Sept.
Sorry to here about your job, try to keep your spirits up.

Best wishes

Andrew

 

[jennifer31]

i had my l4/5 discectomy 10 weeks ago and iam still getting low back pain and as soon as i get into bed i am in so much pain i cannot get up again without screaming in pain this does ease slightly when i walk but at night i can barely sleep if i need to turn the pain in my hip is unbelievable iam already taking so many painkillers iam afraid i will get addicted to them if i don't stop but what can i do, i stopped physio because i could not lie on the bed on my back i have not been able to sleep on my back since the op, iam thinking i made a mistake iam worse now than before, i still do the exercises the physio recommended but they are not helping.

 

[EnWi]

hi bmw1

sorry to hear you are in pain.
When I had an L5 S1 discectomy on the NHS on 29th April 2009, a 6 week follow up appointment was made for me to see the surgeon/consultant. Is this the same for you?
Another thing I would say is that I was signed off from the NHS list after six weeks but still had a bit of pain.
I telephoned the NHS secretary up and asked for another appointment as I was still suffering pain. I was given an appointment three weeks later and was told my recovery may take up to a year. I have still stayed in the system as a precautionary measure and have got an appointment in October 2009 with the consultants registrar.
It may be that your recovery will be very slow. Do you feel you have hindered your recovery in any way. It it easy to do. I did by doing too much too soon.
What is your physio's opinion on your pain?
My problem turned out to be lack of intensity in exercises from the 1st NHS physio I saw.
I went to a private physio who I had seen before and they sorted me out after a one off appointment. After which I went to back to the same place for physio but with another person and I have not looked back ever since.
hope his helps

best wishes

dalep115

 

[PotHead Pixie]

thanks for the reply no i do not have a follow up appointment but i might have to get the gp to make one for me if this carries on, the pain was so bad last night i had to take some oromorph, i did not give the physio time to recommend anything i only went to one session but the physio bed was so hard i found it too painful to lie on even in my own bed i cannot lie on my back ,i have a horrible feeling i may have some nerve damage because if i try to straighten my leg at night my leg seems to go into a spasm which is very uncomfortable, never mind there are people worse off and that is what i keep thinking so i don't start to wallow.

 

[Voudu]

Afternoon bmw1,

you are exactly right, there are people worse off than you. But there are also people who are better off than you. You need to make yourself the priority.
You may wish to go through your GP to make the appointment. I still think you should contact the consultant/surgeons secretary direct but shall obviously leave it up to you. I was lucky to have the support of occupational health from my place of work who gave me fantastic support and advice. I do realise not everybody is this lucky.
As a definite, you should also contact the physio and mention to them your pain.
You should be able to get some progress with either or both of the professionals in this instance.
If you are not happy or think their advice is poor, ask to speak to their manager.
Through the local PALS(Patient Advisory Liaison Service), I have complimented and complained where appropriate if I do not feel I am getting the level of service I should be getting. I do not think you are at that point yet but I am surprised you were not given a follow up appointment in this instance.
Good luck. Let everyone on this forum know how you get on.

best wishes

dalep115

 

[Kratnoff]

Hey all,

How are we doing? I see some of you are still suffering, i pray the light at the end of the tunnel will come for you all soon.

I had my nerve root block under sedation yesterday, it was pretty horrendous and am achy today on top of the normal pain but hopefully it will work this time, i have had 4 of the buggers!!
I have been told to reduce the amount of painkillers i take (which is colossal!) over the weekend so i can tell if its helping, i hope it does!!
If its good and does help, i may well keep having them, beats loads of medication eh?

Sending healing hugs 2u all,
Love Ali xxx


P.S. To all my mates here, thinking of you all, you know who you are!!

 

[Marina Helbert]

Subi & Andrew, thanks for your comments. As for work, hey thats the joy of working for the NHS. Its ace when you are well. However, develop a problem & its a 1 way ticket to the knackers yard

Still I have my op soon. Can't come quick enough. To think 18 months ago I developed back pain due to a prolapsed disc & now I am on walking sticks, have a catheter, am in pain 24/7 & rattle when I walk due to the number of tablets I am on.

Anyway enough doom & gloom from me .......... Congrats to all of you who are experiencing a good recovery. Hopefully I may be joining the success list soon

Ali ........ Where have you been lady? Have sent you an email

Tracey x