Urgent advice - Discectomy or not?

Just another quick update,day 3 post op. Codeine hasnt worked so I rang my GP and am back on the morphine as my pain was back big time. I know I dont want to get addicted to this stuff but can see no reason why I should be in such pain when drugs are available to control it 🙂 If it can me through the next few days then that will be a result.

Im still camped in bed but getting up every half hour to hobble about a bit. I also have leg pain back on the level of pre-op which is a concern but I guess with the Injury occurring in 2008 there may be some long term healing of the sciatic nerve to take place, or it could be permanently damaged- I dont know- however ankle /toe pain and pins and needles have gone.

I might venture outdoors tomorrow.

Hi all

Hope the recovery goes smoothly. A difficult time for you all.

May I point you in the direction of post no 10 on [url]another thread[/url] which has advice on diet and EFT that both may help somewhat. Both are well worth a try.

Hi Ricky,

Hope the op went well and you are recovering well.
I was just wondering whether you have had your op on the NHS or private?

I have been having back problems for around 10 years now, and have been to various GPs on and off. I tried a chiropractor, but after spending nearly £600 I felt like they were just clicking my back one way one session and the other way the next, and I was getting no relief from the pain.

The GP eventually referred me to the physio at the local hospital, who said that my lower back pain was a result of me having short hamstrings, with the nerves also being short. I stuck with physio for over a year, and it did nothing to help the back pain.

Then in Feb last year during a particularly bad episode with my back, I woke up one morning to agonising pain in my right leg, it almost felt as if it was being flattened by a steam roller. I went back to the GP, and had 2 40 min appointments with a trainee GP who checked all my reflexes, and advised me to wear more sensible shoes ( I am a teacher and wear Ballet pump style flats).

Over the next few months I experienced an increasing weakening in my right leg, with a weird movement when I walk.The leg also 'gives way' every now and then, which in June resulted in me severely damaging my left ankle as I fell. The leg is also numb down the outside of the leg and calf, and over the top of my toes.

I was seeing the GP roughly once a month in agonising pain, and was told that my back was going into spasm, and I was prescribed diclofenac and diazepam. I tried to have a deep tissue sports massage, and found it excruciating, especially around a point in my right buttock.

It wasn't until September, when I saw a GP at the practice that I had not seen before that I was referred for an MRI, when the results came back the GP was so concerned, that as he could not get hold of me when he called, he rang my housemate's mobile (who is registered at the same surgery).

It turns out I have an extruded and sequestrated disc at L4/5 where the disc has migrated upwards within the spinal column the whole height of the vertebrae. The GP siad that if I had not told him about the numbness in my leg (which none of the other gps had asked about) he would not have even referred me for an MRI as I am very young for this (I am in my 20s). He told me he had spoken to a spinal surgeon who had said that I needed to be referred for surgery asap.

I then did not get an appointment with the consultant until 23 Jan this year (4 months after the GP referred me), I saw one of the Fellows as the consultant was not in that day, who confirmed that the herniation was severe, but he was hesitant about referring me for surgery because of my age, and because the pain I appeared to be in does not match up with the MRI and he had to "treat the symptoms not the MRI". Now I am aware from previous injuries that I have a high pain threshold (I once broke a bone in my foot and did not realise, it wasn't until 2 yrs later when I had my foot xrayed for a different reason that it was picked up as it hadn't set straight), I have also been brought up to get on with things so I have forced myself to carry on with work even through the extreme pain. I also had the appointment when I was not in the middle of an episode of extreme pain. Luckily my Dad had gone with me to the appointment, and with him backing up how much pain I was in when my back got really bad, the doctor said he would put me on the waiting list for surgery, but told me that the waiting list was up to a year long.

I am so frustrated now, it has taken me years for doctors to take my back pain seriously as I am so "young", and now I am going to have to wait up to a year to get surgery, and I cannot cope with another year of diazepam and diclofenac - which is starting to give me really bad stomach upsets........which is what caused me to ask whether you were getting yours NHS or private.

With typical luck the weekend after my appointment, my back "went" again, I actually felt a grinding in my spine which really scared me. I rang my GPs who would not give me an appointment but gave me a prescription for tramadol on top of the drugs I already have. I then found it increasingly difficult to pass water, which I know is a danger sign in terms of disc problems, so I rang 111 for reassurance, who sent an ambulance and I was hospitalised for 2 days, then discharged as I was not 'losing control of my bowels'. Since I have been home I have researched how much it would cost for me to get the discectomy done privately (approx £6500 which there is no way I can afford). I have also since received a letter from the QMC giving me a second appointment with the consultant on 23rd Feb, and I have an appointment with my GP on Sat about referring me to the pain clinic.

Soooo Ricky, apart from needing to offload I wanted to ask A) how you have felt since the op, B0which NHS trust you were in if you had had the op on the NHS, and C) if anyone else had any advice for me as I really don't think I can cope with this for another year.

Ricky - sorry for hijacking your post and hope everything has gone well,
Yvette

Hi Yvette

I hijacked Ricky's thread as well as he had surgery a few days before me:).....I am also interested in Rickys situation as he seems really fortunate to get surgery so quickly.

Mine was handled very poorly by the NHS. I suffered the original L5/S1 prolapse in 2008 but because I had no real idea of the 'process' or indeed the injury, I was messed around by my GP without even the hint of surgery...so suffered for a very long time.

When it went again last July my GP tried the same stalling process again. I paid for my own MRI scan which showed the damage and my employer paid for a consultation with a surgeon. The surgeon said I needed surgery and got me on the NHS waiting list .The wait was 4 months and I was operated on last monday.

Clearly surgeons can get you on the NHS waiting list so I think this is the way for you to go.

Hi Yvette
&
Doog (Great to hear your the other side of it now!)

Hack away folks! Its great to chat to others in like situations.

@Yvette
Im in Ireland. I have VHI cover which is the very basic private health care after cutting back in Aug 11 to the basic package due to financial problems. Up to that point i never used it for anything. I pay in full myself without rebate any consultants fee to consult and an excess of 125euro for any procedure depending on the hospital. I delayed the first date for surgery to arrange work and in that time found out i was covered completely bar the excess in another closer hospital. otherwise it was costing 700euro in total.

My situation is different because i went to firstly to a private sports physio thinking it was a minor strain after checking with GP and being told there was a min 6wk wait to go public to physio. I had no choice - in fact i spent grocery money to get seen in the hope id be back in work asap - i was completely wrong! He saw me walking into his room and said "your in trouble - ruptured disc" 3 sessions later and HE put me forward for MRI ( he had an inhouse Dr also ) So i think thats how it happened at the pace it did to start with. The MRI confirmed after only 3wks of pain i was in trouble.

The second factor was the surgeon had changed from public to private and he was eager to get on with it after yrs of being held back. He said injection was first course and would not do surgery. i think 5-7 days later i returned to say i was still in trouble and he said its option A - pain management until the foot dropped or Option B Surgery. But he would not do another injection as it was pointless.

Thats why i posted here as the pace was so fast i need advice. Many thanks to Memo as she really helped me make a decision.
Thanks Memo.

Im 5 full days post op. - I was outside today walking for a short period. I don't do what Doog does - i rest when i need to and don't keep alternating walking / laying down. (At least i did'nt in the beginning). Now the swelling is down im up and about as much as i can. My tail bone gets numb, i get twinges and spasms every now and then but there not painful just involuntary and minor. The new thing or maybe the right side pain was so great i missed it. is that my left buttock now gets numb while laying down.But thats easing off day b day. incision site is'n that bad at all. The muscle in that area is tender and my shoulder (probably from moving me around in theatre) is sore. After that sleeping is the only issue. The first night home i sat looking at the ceiling til 5.30am, felt like i was in a bed of glass - hard to describe. I was more fragile / uncomfortable. I got sleeping tablets and im grand now.

@Doog
I was sent home on difene and paracetemol!!!
Very F**king sore indeed. I had meds from before surgery - tylex. So i took them but toilet action was reduced...

Im now back on the original prescribed paracetemol and difene. I'll continue the difene for the anit inflamatory.

As i said above the longer the compression on the nerve the longer the healing time. Thats what ive been told. Hang in there.

So thats it.. hope it helps. I looking forward to a nice cold pint once the meds are finished and making it up to my wife for valentines being a non- event. No card, flowers or anything else!!! - Ooops. 🙂

After a good chat with the surgeon when leaving hospital he said the nerve was "black / dark red" and heavily compressed but seeing as he got to it so quick it should heal just a quick. Im hoping im lucky! I've to go back to him march 21st and then hopefully start physio - trying to arrange that i get that through the hospital and that its free of charge. We'll see.

Just an update and maybe some advice if possible...

Im just over a week now after the surgery. Ive gone from feeling great and walking 1000 paces up the road and the following day being in agony again. Rested and now im leveling in out. Whats consistant throughout is the ache in both legs when standing. My tailbone goes numb if i lay down. Walking seems easiest but can't do it for long.

Sleeping is very difficult laying on my back and with the lack of activity.

Anyone advise if this is normal? The leg ache is starting to wear me down a little.

🙂

Ricky

I am sorry to hear about your troubles and being 3 days behind you cant offer any advice other than I reckon its going to be long road to recovery for both of us with plenty of ups and downs.

My understanding is that it can take up to a year until full recovery is made in some cases and every case seems different.

I have had a bad couple of days. I have had the return of acute sciatic symptoms and my condition is far worse than pre-op . I am getting pains in areas I never knew existed:confused: ..shooting pains, back pain, my toe pain has returned...but then 10 minutes later it will go and I feel on top of the world- only for it to come back.

I am walking twice a day,my neighbours are shocked in my appearance as I shuffle around the streets :)...the cycling and running days seem like a distant memory.

I am still avoiding sitting, so either walk, stand around or lay flat......its really frustrating 😀

(cant even have a beer due to the meds )

Thanks doog, another sleep less night last night. Had a little chat with myself today to stay positive. I find the after care brutal. No case is the same as you say so the dr / hospital just give general advice. Just did a walk with my 3yr an hr ago.

Poxy heavy legs again.

I know the feeling about the beer.. I saw an ad for a fresh chilled bottle of beer the other night and got a craving for one!!! 😀

Im going to ring the surgeons office tomorrow for advice.

Do you get any pain in the neck? Above the shoulder blades since? Dunno if its just from laying up or tense from walking or a knock on from being down a disc. Who knows?!!

Ricky, no neck Issues I am happy to say. You are right about staying positive -its vital I guess. I have had a decent day today but I know tomorrow will probably be not so good.

I am doing two walks a day, not far of course, some very,very light stretching and taking it very easy. I am still on Oramorph but only when the pain gets bad.

Today I had a numb left foot, which is odd as the sciatica / pain / pins and needles were always in the right and he operated on the right side of the disc.This is nuts but I guess its what happens when they do spinal surgery.

11 days post op and things are not good:(

I now have sciatica and back pain at a far higher level than pre-op. I thought long and hard about this operation and although its early days I feel disappointed at my pain levels.

The alarming thing is that I am on some pretty heavy medication and the pain is still there. I also have some substantial swelling suddenly appear in the area of the scar on my back.

I may have overdone a walk the other day, I walked (hobbled) back from my GP which is about 1 mile, I am hoping its this as I was struggling big time at the end.

Tomorrow I see the spinal team, hopefully my surgeon will be there for some reassurance.I really wanted to tell him things were going well but need to be honest and tell him the truth. I feel a bit bad really but I am now thinking I may have been hoping for too much with this op.

Backs are tricky things to sort out - as you are very well aware 😉

Love, Light and Healing to you both Doog and Ricky. Hope the Doc can give you some answers.

Sorry to hear that Doog,

I had the same just over a week after the op - the nerve pain came back. Total panic but it eased again after about 2 days. Bare in mind your spine is readjusting and everything is starting to settle to where it may not have been normally due to the disc been tampered with. Rest up and take it easy.

A mile is a fair trek at this early stage. I find the day after walking is a problem but nowhere near the pain level previous (14days on - 7-10 days there was nerve pain though) - just that bloody heavy leg ache - that just puts you straight back in bed again.. I did up and down the laneway i live on yesterday twice. I normally do it once per day. Woke up this morning with hamstring pain. Ive been off meds nearly 2 days. Contemplating whether to take a difene today or not or even to do a small walk or rest. Leg ache is consistant no matter what in my case.

I did a bit of reading again during the week about the disc themselves. it take nearly 2-3 times longer for them to heal. So when you feel better - your not! Still take it easy for another week or two after.

Be careful Doog, Take it easy and play out the long game. Resting now will stand to you in time. Good luck with doc today.

Cheers Ricky, you seem to be gauging things just about right.

I saw a doctor yesterday who was part of the surgeons team. She stated that the swelling in the back happens in some cases and is due to something in the blood (in the area of the surgery ) separating , I wish I had noted down the name of the process.

This swelling,which is clearly visible, was also impacting on the sciatic nerve and is normal. Indeed it sounds like you may have had it for a couple of day as you stated.

I was advised to avoid physio or any stretching until the end of next week.

This physio thing is quite interesting and I just wander if the modern opinion of getting out walking, stretching and physio causes people to over do things.

I was talking to a relative, in the old days this operation involved a 12 week hospital stay and 4 days in bed with weights attached to your legs...how things have progressed.

All the best

Hi Ricky and Doog

I've been checking the forum every day and reading your posts even though I havent been posting myself.

So far not much change in my condition, although I have found that the Bu-Trans patches are helping big time and I am able to get around more easily. Still it's now just over a week until I visit the Spinal Clinic for my first consultant's assessment and I am hoping they are going to put me on the waiting list for the op. I'm not too sure how long a wait it is in my part of the world.

Anyway, I just wanted to say how eagerly I await for your posts. It gives me a great insight into what I can expect, both the good and bad after-effects of surgery. I realise everybody is different, but at least I know to a certain extent what is normal and what isnt.

And Doog, I'm glad we arent back in the days of having weights attached to our legs, it sounds draconian !! Presumably that was to keep the spine stretched, but oo-er how uncomfortable.

Well, keep up the good work guys, and I hope you get back to a normal pain-free life very soon.

cheers
Trina

Glad your getting sorted Doog,

And Catmac - i hope you get your appt. as soon as you can.

17 days on. 5 days before i can sit down again!

Im getting much better. Achy legs is easing off. My only issue now is i seem to wake up with slight sciatia the last 3 mornings. Im used to sleeping on my back now so maybe its just a prolonged period of time in one position is the cause. I'm also thinking the matress needs changing. (Its on the list!) Slight numbness in both or one buttock in the morning.

Walking less than a mile a day is no problem.

The biggest challenge is keeping your head positive. Its 2 steps forward and one back..

I'm really looking forward to being able to sit down! and starting the physio end of things at 6wks.

Hi Catmac / Ricky - I hope you are well.

Catmac, please dont be put off by what you are reading, its not that bad, I have just tried to tell it how its been for me and on that front the news is better.

The sciatica has subsided so this fits in with what the consultant said and Ricky:) So worth noting that if you have the operation and get that set back within 5-10 days- its probably normal.

You have suffered for some time and if you feel you need the operation then I would be quite forceful at the spine clinic . My experience is that they will try everything to prevent you having the operation. Call me a cynic but having been through the mill with the NHS I am aware of the cost cutting that goes on, all the way down to GP level who have been instructed in my area not to refer unless in the most serious of cases.

Anyway rant over - I had physio today and have been given a few light exercises to do. Still on codeine but cutting down, still getting strange sensations in both legs, like I am learning to walk again but things are looking up.

wooop! Woooop!

I can sit down again!!

1.5mile walk today. minor pain but i feet the better of it. 😎

Congratulations Ricky! It seems like you're making good progress.

Can I ask, how did you manage to go to the toilet, eat or go to the doctors/consultants if you couldnt sit down?? I really cant imagine not being able to sit!

I've got my first appointment with the Spinal Clinic tomorrow for an initial assessment. To be honest, I'm not expecting much from this visit itself, but I'm hoping he'll manage to get me a quick appointment with the consultants.

And thanks for the heads-up Doog about being forceful about having the operation. Hubby is coming with me and believe me he is pretty forceful when he sets his mind to it. He is so fed up with having to do everything as well as cope with a full-time job and being worried about me as well, he is adamant I should be taken in straight away for the op 😉 Especially as I'm am currently forced to stay off work and will soon have to resort to benefits.

I'll let you know how it goes guys and keep posting your progress. It's so heartening to read.

cheers for now
CatMac

Thats great news Catmac. I hope you get seen to and resolve the problem. Im just back from a 2 mile walk. Not so good today. Sore and stiff with twinges. But i'm going to stick with it for a week. Its keeping my head positive and the cabin fever away. I can sit down in the last few days but again i'm easing into that gently.

To answer your question, I eat standing up. Toilet is allowed!! I did introduce more fiber into my diet though to help. Especially when taking tylex. I'd strongly advise it. I've no doc appt until end of march. My consultant leaves it 6wks to settle before seeing you. He also says no physio etc or exercise except walking for 6wks also. Maybe thats tailored to my lifestyle (commute / sitting office job) i don't know. I got the stitches checked by the GP which was 5mins in the car away. That wasn't that pleasant a journey.

The main thing i'm noticing is i don't have the same stamina as i did. In fairness ive been laying flat for nearly 2 months more or less. Im sure its just part of recovery.

How you doing Doog?
Good luck Catmac with your appointment.

🙂

Hi Ricky

Hope you are well.Looks like you are cranking up the miles - take it easy buddy 🙂

Like you I need to avoid cabin fever but I also have some sort of cold turkey from coming off the meds. I stopped taking Oramorph but took codeine instead as I thought it was a step down. I stopped them 2 days ago and havent slept since :confused: (hence the 4am post)

Walking is hilarious. After 500 yards it feels like my legs and feet dont belong to my body and its a real effort to connect the brain with the action of walking. The result is that I am starting to drag my feet on occasion the further I go. This feels odd but I am hoping its just the muscles sorting themselves out as my distance progresses.

Pain wise- sciatica going yeeeeeessss but still acute left side back pain (op was on the right)

Physio - 2 sessions of core muscle strengthening - nothing strenuous

Best of luck Catmac with your appointment.

Hi Ricky/Doog

Well, I had my appointment yesterday and it went somewhat better than I expected. I was initially concerned to see the appointment was with the Spinal Therapist, so I rang the main admin centre as soon as I got the letter to make sure it wasnt just for a physio appointment as I was in no fit state for any physio. The lady on the phone assured me it was for an initial assessment and subject to their findings would determine the next course of action. I was pretty sure from reading some of the posts on here that they would just refer me to physio.

However, the person I saw was a female musculoskeletal consultant and she checked me thoroughly for movement, leg strength, reflexes etc before going through the MRI scan with me. It showed bulges at L3/L4, L4/L5 and L5/S1 and looking at the cross-sections it seemed that the one at L4/L5 was just pinching the nerve on the left. I did try as you said Doog to be pretty forceful about having the op as I didnt want to waste time going through injections & physio treatment which wouldnt actually cure the problem.

Apparently in my area there is currently a 1-2 year waiting list for such operations and she felt on looking at the scans that there was a good chance the disc would retreat back in between the joints as there was still a gap surrounding the disc and nerve. Well, the upshot is that she is sending me for a nerve root block injection to reduce the inflammation and then to start physio a week or 2 after that. She reckoned that 70-80% of people who have this dont need the op. She also said it would probably be up to 2 months at the most before I would get the injection. That, in theory would enable me to be pain-free enough to return to work and try and carry out normal duties.

I am still somewhat sceptical as to whether it will work but I'm going to keep my fingers crossed. I know there are quite a few people on here who have been down this route and it hasnt worked, but I'm hoping that those it hasnt worked for dont bother to come on this site as they are no longer in pain. I'll let you know how it goes.

Keep your chins up and keep in touch. You both seem to be doing pretty well and I hope it continues at pace.

All the best
CatMac 🙂

I thought the maximimum waiting time for an nhs op was limited to 18 weeks now? They can't say years anymore? [url]Guide to waiting times[/url]

Hi Cassie, how are you doing these days? Ok, I hope.

Many thanks for the info. I clicked on the link and it seems pretty clear that the maximum waiting time is 18 weeks. The only downside is that it specifically mentions this is in England and I'm living in Wales!

I've had a look at the NHS in Wales and the Welsh Assembly Government websites and while I can find loads of stuff on there about policies, strategies & targets, plans for reducing obesity, smoking and introducing opt-out organ donation schemes, as well as loads of statistics, all beautifully presented I must add, I cant find anything that mentions waiting list times. Either that or I'm just not looking in the right place.

The last lot of figures they produced for times was in March 2010 where my local health board showed that 50% of people waiting for admission for inpatient treatment waited less than 8 weeks, 10% waited 8-14 weeks, 20% waited 14-22 weeks and 10% waited longer than that. The other 10% presumably gave up waiting or died in the meantime. However, joking apart, it doesnt really tell me much.

Nevertheless, you have given me something to work on so I will persevere in trying to find the info.

Cheers again and best regards
CatMac 🙂

Hi CatMac

That is quite shocking about the waiting time for the operation in your neck of the woods. You are however doing the correct thing I reckon in going for the injections first as surgery is obviously deemed a last resort ( unless the circumstances are urgent ie loss of bladder control etc in which case you would go straight in)

I had 2 epidurals in 2008 but they didn't work, however I know of people who have had good results.

The important thing is that you have passed the first hurdle and are in the 'system'

You may find this article interesting just in case the injections dont work

[url]BBC News - Private hospital operations to cut NHS waiting times[/url]

best of luck

Morning Doog

Thanks for that link, it is interesting reading. It mentions trying to reduce orthopaedic waiting times to 36 weeks which suggests that the current waiting time is considerably longer that that. And you're right, it is disgraceful !

I'm glad to hear you know of people for whom the injections have worked, that's most reassuring. I was kind of hoping that it was the case that those who it did work for havent found it necessary to post on here. As you say, at least I'm now in the system and I'm quite willing to give the injection a chance in the hope that it will work in my case. If it doesnt, then at least it's one option tried and ruled out.

Having read through many articles on sciatica, I am familiar with the cauda equina syndrome, and the consultant did ask me questions about bowel and bladder habits, as did my doctor when I last saw him. And, although it means I'd jump the queue and get taken in straight away, fortunately, it hasnt got to that stage yet.

So, for now I'll be keeping my fingers crossed the injection works and I can return to a normal life.

I wish the same for you - is everything still progressing well? Has the pain on your left side gone yet and how's the walking going? Keep us posted.

Many thanks again
CatMac

Hiya CatMac!

You are definately not looking in the wrong place, I tried to find it too, its just not there! Niether do they have any safety rates, efficacy rates, complication rates nor any trial results for any spinal decompression procedures carried out in Wales!

I believe thats because, if the facts do surfaces, it will cause a scandal!!
A disgrace indeed!!:mad:

FYI, I had 4 nerve root block injections, my 2 'succesfull' injections were carried out at Llandough Hospital. Both immediately improved my condition and lasted for 6 to 11 weeks. If you have a single level issue, and they hit the right target level, I believe you too will benefit from the same sort of relief. If you don't CatMac, the likelyhood is, that they targeted the wrong level. Just like they did with my first 2 injections!!

Wishing you all the best

SPINELF

Hi Spinelf, it's so nice to hear from someone else from my neck of the woods. I have read many posts of yours on numerous topics on this forum so I gather you are rather an "old hand" with various spine problems.

It's also good to know I'm not losing my mind as well as my mobility, if you have also had trouble locating any useful information on the Welsh Heath websites. I find both the Welsh NHS and Welsh Assembly Government produce excellent rhetoric but nothing of substance that is of any use to the patient. As you say, that is probably because it would cause an uproar.

Touch wood I only have the single level cause of pain you mention. Other than a "slipped disc" about 10-12 years ago I have fortunately not really suffered any problems with my back until the onset of the sciatica. I hope also that they manage to target the correct nerve first time, although I'm well aware that many people have found it takes a few attempts.

I did ask the Spinal Therapist which hospital I would likely be sent to and was told it could be either Llandough or the Heath. I sincerely hope it is Llandough, which I have attended many times, and not the Heath as I do not like that hospital at all.

While I was at the Clinic, she advised me to try and lie on my front on pillows to strengthen the spine. Well I tried that Tuesday and was in tremendous agony all afternoon and evening afterwards. On Wednesday I looked online for "the best sleeping positions for sciatica" and found that, for my particular symptoms, I should lie on my side on the opposite side to the one that hurt. As I had been lying on my "bad" side, I tried this and I must admit it seems to have helped considerably. I now find I can stand straighter and do not walk listed to one side and dont have pains in my buttock or lower back any more, just the pain in my leg and foot.

I only mention this as maybe I only need something simple to help me return to normal. So I am crossing my fingers that the injection and subsequent physio exercises do the trick.

Thanks for you best wishes and the same to you. And please keep up the many, useful posts for readers like myself.

Best regards CatMac

Just a quick update.

4 wks on. walking 3miles a day. Still uncomfortable to sit for anything longer than 20mins. My torso right side is odd. feels week. Lost all sciatia but the hamstring and calf pain is there. Sore in the morning. Lower back pain is there most days. Looking forward to physio to sort that end of things. Still no bending etc but after the 3wk mark you tend to have much more mobility and have to be more cautious not to do silly things.

🙂

Just a quick update.

4 wks on. walking 3miles a day. Still uncomfortable to sit for anything longer than 20mins. My torso right side is odd. feels week. Lost all sciatia but the hamstring and calf pain is there. Sore in the morning. Lower back pain is there most days. Looking forward to physio to sort that end of things. Still no bending etc but after the 3wk mark you tend to have much more mobility and have to be more cautious not to do silly things.

🙂

I am glad to see you are improving with your excersise regime, although painfull I'm sure, it really is the best thing. not only for stamina but mentally as well, so carry on regardless! 🙂

All the very best wishes.

SPINELF

Hiya CatMac.

Less of the 'old' if you don't mind! LOL!!!

Further to the point about the lack of information, I have made 2 First Ministers, 2 Health Ministers and the Health Ombudsman, fully aware of this total lack of patient and clinical information & evidence. They have declared themselves to be totally disinterseted!! They are more than happy to let the Medics carry on!!

I am glad to see that you only have one level issue, and I too hope that they they find it first time for you.

I understand your point about the Heath, it is a good hospital, but it feels like a bit of a big old souless place!

Quote((((((While I was at the Clinic, she advised me to try and lie on my front on pillows to strengthen the spine. Well I tried that Tuesday and was in tremendous agony all afternoon and evening afterwards. On Wednesday I looked online for "the best sleeping positions for sciatica" and found that, for my particular symptoms, I should lie on my side on the opposite side to the one that hurt. As I had been lying on my "bad" side, I tried this and I must admit it seems to have helped considerably. I now find I can stand straighter and do not walk listed to one side and dont have pains in my buttock or lower back any more, just the pain in my leg and foot. )))))))END

(((In relation to your quote above CatMac))) In the early days of my illlness, It was told that my L3/4 lumber disc was to blame for my symptoms and was compressing my spinal nerves from the front, and I was given exercises to extend (bend) my spine backwards to force that disc away from the nerves. In reallity, I actually sufferd with an L4/5 bone (osteoarthitic) impingement that was compressing my spinal nerves from the back. so by being a good boyand doing their excercises, I was making my condition worse!!

So the moral to my experience CatMac, is that if it does not feel right for you, then it is not right for you, full stop. You know your body better than them. so please tell them so Cat Mac, and make them listen!! Please don't waste years of your life, like me, by thinking they know best!

Kind thoughts and best wishes.

SPINELF

Just a quick update from me as well....4 week post op.

Good day, bad day, good day, bad day. Like Ricky I still cannot sit for any period of time, my limit is about 10 minutes and when standing afterwards I get sciatic pain. I am in more pain and on more meds than before the operation:confused:.

However things are slowly improving but only in comparison to my immediate post op condition. Left side pain has decreased and can walk a little bit further every day. The weather is great and I am staying positive.

CatMac, I read your post about the pain involved in lying on your front. I was told to do the Mackenzie stretch last time around by my physio and it set me back weeks, similar to SPINELF. (see vid)

[url]McKenzie Exercise - YouTube[/url]

I have also had a physio manipulate me after researching sciatica in a book 2 minutes earlier:eek: and another who looked at the scan and said it was simply a bulge when in fact it was a full blown extrusion. No physio in the world would get that bad boy back into the disc but the physio thought they would give it a bloody good go!!!

Its not all bad. The core strengthening exercises are meant to be useful and may work as a future preventative measure but I really struggle with them.