prolapsed disc - advice needed

Hi,
Prior to surgery leg raises we're at best 30degrees and agony , I can now get about 70 degree before pain kicks in.
For me the quickest change was that I could move my toes agin and this was instant . My children do keep telling me that although its really exciting to me it's no real big deal ( the way only teenagers can) to everyone else. But to me it was that indication that surgery had been successful. The other changes (limp going, strength returning , sciatica reducing and sensation returning) have been more gradual, but I feel as though I am getting my life back without the reliance on medication. I can walk almost pain free ( incline still a bit problematic but uncomfortable as opposed to painful) can sit for longer periods on hard chairs ( soft still not great) but most importantly I can sleep , shower dress etc without pain.

Take care

Dear Em,

After the surgery, how do you eat? I mean, even at this stage, I cannot sit up in bed. I put more pressure on the lower back. Immediately post op, how did you manage this. I would be quite scared of making a wrong move as I sit up to eat? You (or perhaps someone else on this forum) said that sitting for the first two weeks is not advised so how do you get through that period.
Also, my main concern would be that my symptoms would not be resolved by the operation. The sciatica is not so bad, but the list definitely is because the muscles are tight around the disc, which means walking places a lot of pressure around the right hp. My left side has to take a hit too because leaning in one direction causes a lot of pressure on the so-called 'good side' (which is no longer that 'good). Since I cannot walk or stand for long, sitting or lying in bed for long periods is giving me pressure pains, and I am scared that unless they operate very soon, I will start having other health problems. The body can only compensate for so long.
Since the pain is bearable (I don't even take pain meds), I feel that the only real problem is the cycle of spasm and tight muscles around the disc. If these muscles remain tight after the operation, I don't think I will see much benefit.
Recovering from an operation that did not work is probably devastating.

I guess none of these fears can be allayed since no one knows how things turn out, and I think everyone also needs the luxury of having that recovery time.
Anyway, I hope you continue to recover and have a painfree life. I know you do the physio religiously and it helps, but please don't overdo it because after reading so many forums about back pain surgery, many people keep asking when can they waterski again, or jump off cliffs. The way I feel now, just regular walking will be enough. I mean, I can understand that some people have active lives and they enjoy physical challenges but if I had that kind of life and faced the kind of disability I am facing now, I would much rather cut down on those things than risk a life of permanent disability. I mean, being independent is so important. Anything that can jeopardise that makes little sense. I have read people saying they started jogging again after such a short period pre-op, and I guess if they feel up to it, fine, but I think people need to really think there are lots of ways to stay fit and not risk this injury again. If you got well once, you may not be as lucky second time around.

Anyway, sorry if I have gone on, but please do tell me about sitting in the days immediately following the op. I mean, my back is pretty stiff. I don't think I would be able to sit up and eat in bed. I think sitting like that was probably one of the contributing factors of my original prolapse!!

I A

Hi,
For the first 2 weeks I did not sit except to go to the toilet. I ate standing up, I spent my days alternating between walking and laying in bed. To be honest sitting in the early days is not comfortable and I was more than happy not doing it. Following the two weeks I've very slowly built up my sitting, initially by sitting to eat meals ( will admit that food does taste better sitting down). I do know that the advice in relation to sitting is mixed , I was told by hospital physio only sitting for short periods ( no more than 15 mins) for 2 weeks but neurosurgeon said no sitting unless essential for 2 weeks. As I was desperate for success I followed surgeons advice and I think that has helped with recovery.
I am happy being able to walk and swim if I can do those without pain, would like to cycle again but don't feel up to that yet ( fear of falling too great at present), but if I never get back to gym again I'm not bothered just want to be mobile and pain free!! I think this sort of chronic pain does make you re evaluate what's really important in life.

Hi Em,

Thank you for your illuminating answer, I was wondering why the doctors think sitting is generally a bad idea in the first two weeks. Is it a) because the operation site can be disturbed or because there is a chance of reherniation?
A lot of people seem to have issues with sitting. Is there a specific reason other than lcalised wound pain?

Also, sitting on a low seat is probably the worst. I have enough trouble with that as it is. I can't imagine how bad things will be post op.
Anyway, I hope your recovery continues well.

Hi,

Originally when I started posting, my main question was whether antalgic scoliosis associated with a slipped disc resolves after the discectomy. I did not get a specific answer to this query, so I remain worried.
The minimum information I have sourced is encouraging, but there are some reports that say it takes up to six months to go away. I have not read anything specifically from anyone who had the operation.
My formal diagnosis is L5 Radiculopathy due to a large central prolapsed disc at the L4/L5 level. This has been confirmed by an MRI scan. I was told by one NHS consultant the size of the prolapse is massive, and surgery is the only option, neither physio nor injections will be of any help. I saw that surgeon on April 3. At the time I said I did not want to have the operation straight away, but the days immediately afterwards I became overwhelmingly depressed, and tried to get an earlier appointment for the same consultant. He originally booked me for the 29th of May, but I called the hospital, explained the situation and got them to give me an earlier appointment, on the 24th of April (next Wednesday). In the meantime, I also got a private appointment with another surgeon who is well respected. I see him on Monday 22 April (the same day I have a physiotherapy appointment).
The NHS consultant does not have the time to discuss matters. He seemed to have very little time for me, so I am seeing this other consultant for a second opinion, taking copies of my MRI scan and investigations with me. I am going to ask him about the antalgic scoliosis. I am concerned that the list will remain and since this is causing me the greatest difficulty in walking, I don't think I will get better unless it goes.
By all accounts I have read, antalgic scoliosis is not permanent, and is usually a feature of a large central prolapsed disc, so it is strange no one else on tese forums had this. After I get my second opinion, I am going to see the NHS surgeon and I will say yes to surgery anyway. I cannot live like this anymore. I am prepared to take a risk.
The hospital has some appointments reserved for urgent cases, and since the NHS surgeon said I wa sin that category, I hope they can operate within a few weeks.

At this time, I remain depressed and anxious. I hope things get moving because I am driving myself nuts with all the wait.
Anyway, I thank everyone who has responded. I will continue to update everyone with my situation and I hope everyone keeps their spirits up and continue with their path to recovery. That is why we are all here.

Regards

I A

Since Thursday, new symptoms have appeared:

My front of my left thigh is numb, as is the knee. My left hip is also in pain.
My right hip is in more pain than before, and I have pain running down the side of my right leg, into my big toe, which occasionally gets a burning sensation as well.
All of these symptoms appeared after a well-meaning forum member asked me to do some stretches. I am sorry to say this, and I know that it is my body and my responsibility, but I respected and trusted this person and I tried what they said.
I hope these are temporary symptoms, but I would be very upset if these symptoms are indicative of further herniation or further problems.
I have already expressed my view on exercise. It was the cause of my prolapse. I had no major problems before. The exercise was advised by a physio when I was in good shape. I had a minor muscular pain, which resolved before I got to see the physio. He recommended exercises, and they were part of what caused my problems. Ironically he said they will help prevent back pain. Subsequently, each time I was asked to do stretches, my problem got worse and worse. Stretches are the single worst thing for me. I have no idea of how to co-ordinate my body. I either overdo it, or I make an awkward move. This is not the fault of forum members, but this is why it is important to not make any suggestions until you know the type of person you are dealing with. We are all different. What works for you may not work for someone who never used to exercise and does not have good movements. Sometimes a person you respect can make a suggestion and you may try what they said. unfortunately, one wrong move and you are in trouble,
I am sorry to say but as a result of this one thing, I feel I made a very bad mistake by appearing on these forums and I am worried this may cause me further problems, worse than the ones I already had.
I am seeing a consultant Orthopaedist tonight. Hopefully he could reassure me.
At present, I am just fretting about my problem.

Regards

I A

My NHS surgeon suggested I have surgery on April 3, but he recommended I get a second opinion which I did so earlier today. The surgeon I saw today is very experienced, and has done many mamy discectomies. He took one look at me and knew I had a prolapsed disc. He reassured me that the antalgic scoliosis I suffer from will disappear after surgery. He said a discectomy is the only answer to my problem since the prolapse is enormous. I mean, there is literally no space for the nerves to move. He said that the disc is occupyong too much space, and once the protruding part is removed, the muscles relax arpund it and the list disappears. This was seconded by my physio earlier today who has seen many patients with prolapsed discs. He said stretching or exercise can make this problem worse (my body was already telling me this). He said that the prolapsed disc has left no space. He said my muscles are not shortened or elongated from either side of my body. My knees hurt because I have to walk in the antalgic posture but this is corrected automatically because the spine itself is not damaged.
I will see how things go with the NHS surgeon later on his week.

Regards

I A

Hi,

The NHS surgeon has approved the discectomy. He put me down as an urgent case due to the size of the prolapse and also because of the level of disability.
I hope the operation goes well. It should be done within three months.
Of course, there is the usual anxiety of worrying about any complications as well as the immediate period following the operation, but as long as I can walk again, I will be happy. The antalgic scoliosis has been a problem because if you walk with a crooked gait, other muscles etc start to compensate, causing further problems. Surgey is not an easy option. However, if the level of disability is high and future complications are likely, then sometimes you have to go for it. The surgeon did say I should be Ok after the procedure. Anyway, to avoid further anxiety over this issue, I am not going to look on these forums or poat anything until after the surgery is done. I think both good and bad outcomes can skew your view of what will happen. Whether someone has had a good outcome or bad, it is not reflective of what will happen to you, so I have found that, in the final analysis, neither outcome has made my decision easier or harder. I think, at best, the information regarding the procedure and aftercare are useful. As for the success, it all depends on yo ur own body so until you wake up, you will never know.
I may post again some weeks after the op, but if I don't it is because it is better to avoid going on forums like this and getting more paranoid.
Adios for now.

Regards

I A

Hi,
I am pleased to hear that the surgeon and the physio have been able to answer a number of your questions and concerns. I hope your date for surgery comes through quickly and that you have a smooth recovery and are able to enjoy being a first time parent.
Take care x

Hopehasgone, here are some ramblings of mine from another forum. I know every case is different and some things help some but not others but some observations of my experiences. My biggest advice would be not to lie around too much and try to use an exercise bike. Also dont push yourself too much, you will inevitably feel pain (perhaps in everything you do as I was) but you dont want to push it too far. Unfortunately a lot of people saw it as a bit of a joke in my case too that I couldnt walk but dont be discouraged. I also took anti-inflammatories, though not too many just to try and ease the swelling.

After experiencing left hip pain for some 8-9 months and not really knowing the problem I finally suffered a large slippage of the disc between L4-L5 resulting in the classic compression of the S1 sciatic nerve. This was in June 2012. I experienced great discomfort pretty much 24 hours a day and found it hard to sit down without crossing my left leg over, even lying down was difficult and standing and walking became torture with 2-3 minutes on my feet at best even after 3-4 months. Initially after a 10 day spell in hospital mainly because I wouldnt have had help at home and the 20-25 different tablets they were feeding me each day I had the steriod injection in the lower spine. This didnt seem to help much at all in my case and after 10 days I was still struggling to even get the 25 yards or so to the toilet. I returned to work after 3 weeks off but didnt feel much better, my body was twisted quite alarmingly and on xrays my spine resembled a banana. I looked at having surgery but was reluctant to go down that route unless absoltely necessary. I began seeing a chiropractor who practiced the ABC technique, which trys to knock your body back into a good posture, I believe that has helped me quite a lot. I truly felt quite helpless with this condition as even after 5 months I still couldnt stand or walk for 3-4 minutes with experiencing great discomfort and constantly had to sit or crouch down which became embarrassing as well. Anyway that is the background detail as I am sure most people who have suffered this will relate to.

Also I would like to thank Damogc Re - 03 September 2012 post with sleeping on back with pillows under knees, this seemed to be the only way I could get some sleep. Also keep as hydrated as possible. Good luck to all.

Now after 6 months I am relatively free of pain on a day to day basis, however I still take Nurofen and sometimes other anti imflammatories to keep it at bay a little. I can now walk and stand for 10 minutes or longer, still not great however the important thing for me is that the constant discomfort is no longer there. I would like to offer some of the advice that seems to have helped me, though I appreciate that everyone is different and some of it has been reitterated a million times! I would recommend getting back to some sort of exercise as soon as you can though avoid stomach crunches or sit ups, avoid twisting with force, maybe try lying down and raising 1 leg at a time to strengthen the core a little. Also I tried swimming but this didnt help me a lot, I found cycling on an exercise bike seemed to help, as I could sit and the gentle movements should help circulation. I also found that avoiding the crouch which I was doing maybe 50-60 times a day at the peak seemed to help. Sometimes it is unavoidable but I found leaning or better finding somewhere to sit down to rest is a better option. I try to perform regular lower back 'pump' exercises where you lie on the back and draw your legs into the chest and wrap the arms around clasping hands and gently pumping. Also lying on the front and raising the stomach off the floor and holding this for 5-10 seconds for a few times regularly. Though my condition is far from 'cured' it has improved dramatically so it is not a forlorn hope if you have this condition as I thought I was beyond help at times. Best of luck with it and try to persevere.

I was in Australia when I had my slippage and from what I hear the medical treatment is better if a little more costly. I suppose an MRI would be a good start of possible to get an exact picture of what is going on underneath, maybe the NHS dont do this as standard. Bending forward or crouching had relief for me, I had a canal stenosis. In hindsight I would have avoided crouching so often as getting back up from this position can strain you the same as you would need to avoid sit-ups or crunches. I barely had any relief either, I found on here that lying with pillows under your knees can help or if on the front a pillow under the hips. Truthfully nothing seemed to provide much relief, I suppose anti-imflammatories and pain killers will just take the edge off it. Eventually I found using an exercise bike, lying on my front and raising my chest off the floor and holding for 10 seconds to try to strengthen the lower back over time seemed to help along with regular appointments with my Chiropractor who practices the ABC technique. I would say to anyone who sees a chiropractor, do not let them do the classic twist with force applied to you as that is probably the worst thing to do to your spine! Stay hydrated and try to maintain good posture which is easier said than done. I found sitting on the edge of my chair can help and try to avoid being in the same position for any length of time. At one time it was only possible to be comfortable by crossing my legs, probably not ideal for you but may provide relief. I think in my case it was just a question of time and getting back to exercise that gradually provided relief. It is incredibly frustrating and depressing to wake each day and feel you have not improved at all. I did not ever think I would improve after 5 months or more of virtually no progress. However now I know that it is possible to get better and there is always hope, though I realise now that my body will never quite be the same. Rambling sorry!