Discectomy - After the Operation

[Nickoooooooooo]

Hi Msksquared, Jess 22 and Chris 12.

Thank you so much for you kind and encouraging replys. it ment so much to me. I think that all the points that you all made were good. I dont feel so alone as you have all said that you have been in this postion with the very worring thoughts and the what ifs. I just think sometimes when you are at home and your worring about your health all sorts of negative things go through your mind and if you can talk about them to anyone espeacilly if they have not experainced it, then bassically you are on a roller coaster heading down wards. I am so pleased that i have you guys to talk to. i will keep you posted.

I think partly why I feel like I do, is because I have had 3 prolapses on the same disc, the first time I had a discetomy in Oct 2007, the 2nd time I had a NRB in July 2008 and now still waiting for now another NRB after it prolapsed a 3rd time in April 2009.


Hi Jess 22, Thanks for your kind words of encouragement. how long was it before you started to feel comfortable with your back at work and sitting, I mean the stinging achie pain? How long is it since your opp now?

Hi Msksquared Thanks for you encouragment and picking out the posatives in my situation. what sort of excerises do you do on the gym ball at work? How are you now after your emergancey opp it must be nearly amonth ago now.

Hi Chris, How are you doing you opp was a bout a month ago aswell. thanks for your sensible thinking and posative thourghts too. I think it must be more of a worrie when your self employed so I do appriecate that.

Thanks again

Luv and best wishes to every one
Cas08
xx

 

[Kc Snoek]

Good evening Cas08,

Try not to feel down.
I think you should look forward to going back to work, it will occupy your mind and take your mind off worrying.
When you get back to work, I think you will wonder what you were worrying about.
Just try to do what you can at work and do not be too hard on yourself.
There are enough people in the world that can make us feel bad about ourselves with doing it yourself.
Like you, I am hoping to go back to work soon.
I felt alright yesterday but went for physiotherapy today and wondered if I would ever recover from the L5 S1 lumbar discectomy.
Try to be positive and look forward to going back to work.
Make sure you get back to work the sooner the better and you wont have time to worry.

Take care

Dale

 

[*{-Lily(<3)Rain-}*]

Hi dalep115

Thank you for your posative thoughts its much appriciated. its made me feel better.

How are you doing? are you 6 weeks post opp now? have you gone back to work? I hope your recovery is still good.

speak soon
Best wishes
Cas08

 

[angry elf >:p]

Hi dalep115

Sorry miss read your post, When are you hoping to go back to work?Thanks again for your post.

best wishes
Cas08

 

[shelbydusty]

God morning Cas08,

Hope you are OK.
I go to see my consultant tomoroow at 4.20pm who should hopefully give me the all clear to return to work sometime next week.
My return to work will be probably be staged just like yours.
I have also got to see an OHA from work before returning.
Whilst I feel OK, it is sensible to take it one step at a time and not rush anything.
The only problem I really have is waking up with a pain in my left leg which could be to be do with sleeping a sofa bed, I am going to buy some memory foam soon which should help me sleep.
I have not forgotten about the exercises you kindly mentioned which should help my long term recovery.
Try not to worry and look forward to going back to work.

Best wishes

Dale

 

[kavekarst]

Hi dalep115

I am so glad that you are recovering well. I think that sleeping on a sofa bed is probably not giving your back the support it need. A friend of mine has a memerory foam mattress. I rested on it once and I could not belive how fantastic it felt it was so comfortable. Try to get one that is thick rather than the thin ones they are no so good. I think the only trouble you will have then is being able to get out of it in a morning as its so nice and comfortable!!!

You seem so chilled and a very confident level headed person, which I think you are lucky. Sometimes I feel so confident and able to posative to others on here as in some of my earlier post to people. But I am such a worrier, I worrie about every eventualy sometimes. I am worried about going back to work as I have not had the Nerve block injection but as you know the pain in my leg has gone and I have just got low back ache in the sacrum and coccyxs which is sometimes a stinging ache. so the type of pain is better.

I spoke to my boss yesturday and she said that she wandered whether there is a problem at work that has made my disc prolaspe twice since my opp. she wandered whether a sitting job, as I am a Finance clerk was a good job for me to be doing???? Of course I worrie about the sitting thing and hence my post and panick yesturday. So I think that is my main worrie that I want be able to cope and will loose my job eventually.

Good luck with seeing the consultant tomorrow. let us know how you get on.

Best wishes
Cas08

 

[Just call me Hor.]

Hi Jess

Hope you are ok

Thank you for your post, there were some good points in it. I just wanted to ask you do you still have problems with sitting? Do you still have to be carful how much you do? do you have any nerve pain still somtimes?

I have just mentioned to dalep115 that I had a converastion with my boss yesturday and she said that she wandered whether there is a problem at work that has made my disc prolaspe twice since my opp. she wandered whether a sitting job, (as I am a Finance clerk) was a good job for me to be doing???? . Of course I worrie about the sitting thing and that is always at the back of my mind. so I think her coment just made my worrie worse. My main worrie that I want be able to cope with sitting and will loose my job eventually. I think the coment she made sent me into a MAJOR PANIC which I am still recovering from today. Any thoughts gladly reciceved.

Best wishes
Luv
Cas08

 

[Thrakarles]

Hi there everyone,

Just wondering if anyone else suffered from headaches after their MD?

I'm four weeks post op and have been getting headaches pretty much every day - seem to be brought on when sitting and on short passenger journeys (15 mins max) in the car.

Everything else seems to have gone really well apart from the odd expected twinges along the nerve. The headaches are really beginning to get me down now! I had an MRI scan and blood tests done last week which came back clear and according to the surgeon the dural tear which occurred during the operation has healed well. Standing and walking cause no problems!

Th headache seems to start in the neck and shoulders and then the forehead.

Any help much appreciated!

Mark

 

[Tamie L]

Afternoon Cas08,

Thanks for the advice.
I shall look into buying a sofa bed with a memory foam mattress if one is available or will buy a bed with a memory foam mattress.
Thanks for the advice.
Some advice I was given by a physiotherapist when I was suffering with left leg sciatica before my op was not to sit down for more than 1 hour, go for regular walks on lunch breaks, sit correctly which should help your posture and try to keep in these good habits.
It sounds easy to do but is quite easy to forget which I have done before and suffered a relapse before my op.
I am normally easy going by nature although I would say that I am not perfect and am starting to get a bit bored.
Have a chat with your boss and the OH when you see them and discuss going for a short walk every hour. It only has to be for a refreshment break or to use the toilet. You may need to go and see a colleague or another dept.
Try to plan your work day around regular breaks.
I do hope you get on OK when you return to work.
Just as you are doing on this forum, let your boss know your concerns and worries.
This all depends of course if you have a good boss.
Do you have a proper chair at work to sit on which takes into account your back problems?
Look forward to hearing from you.

Dale

 

[bobthebulider]

Hi Cas08,

I worry about some things just like anyone else.
I just try to cope with worrying in different ways.
Occupying my mind by reading, working, swimming lessons etc... seems to help.
When I was suffering from left leg sciatica, the only sport I could do was swimming without aggravating it.
I am going to start private hydrotherapy soon and am currently having NHS physiotherapy. Have you had either treatment?

dalep115

 

[Lainn]

5 weeks to go!!!!!!!

Sleepless nights, lots of crying, funny smells, lots of hugs.

Oh my god, what have i let myself in for.

5 weeks to go until another Oliver will come into this world. I will keep you all updated on how it goes.

I am 1 year and 7 days post op. I am doing good. Still get a bit of nerve twitching and funny aches in my back and legs but i am 90% pain free. The pain i do get will last a week and then settle down. Its not real pain its just me getting frustrated that i am not pain free and then i think about it all the time until i am distracted.

All i can say to all you folks that have just had the op is to start walking and stretching on day 1 after the op. If you cannot do this then try swimming once your scar has healed.

Keep going and stay positive.

P.S. I need some idea's for names, i only have one on the list. "Josh"

 

[Witness]

Olli, my suggestion would be 'fire'. or at least 'firejosh'. sounds brave and strong like dad...

cas08, i am now 10 months post op. sitting is still not good for me....it's not good for anyone cos we were not built to sit! the new chair at work really helps - it moves with me when i bend forward or sit back. i can now sit comfortably for up to an hour, but try not to because then i do ache later. all i need to do is get up and stretch my arms up over my head and just gently bed forwards and backwards. that seems to ease things off so i try to do that at least every 30 mins. i find it can easily be combined with a trip to the loo, or to make some coffee, or to get something from the printer - the usual! hopefully that will be easy for you to manage too. DO NOT let your boss or anyone else bully you into saying that your back difficulties mean you can't do your job. THEY have to accommodate your needs. anything else is in breach of the disability discrimination act. i know employers just don't want to live with more periods of absence, but supporting us and making small changes would be far better than bullying people out the door. sorry for the rant, but it just drives me nuts!

i do still get nerve pain periodically. sometimes i have no idea why and that's when i get anxious. a second prolapse is always at the back of my mind, even though my physio says i am no more likely to get one that anyone out there on the street. and probably less likely because i am more careful than most people. i do have to watch my sitting time and try to do no more than 45mins-1 hour in the car (just bought a new car today...so exciting!!). i tend to lie down when watching tv and am the most fidgety person in the world at the cinema

anyway...just back from my ballet class (see what's possible post op!!) and am off to make some dinner.

lots of love to all,
Jess xx

 

[Question Guy]

Hey Jess....

I just got a new car too!!! I have always still been able to drive (thank you Lord or i will have gone crackers!)......Its so cool having a new car isnt it!!!


I however....Have just found out today that my NHS surgeon has approved my referral to the spinal foundation!! I might have a mountain to climb getting primary care trust funding, but half the way is better than none!!

Excited!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

[Roborovski hamster]

Good morning fireolli,

Cas08 mentioned to me some exercises you have recommended following an op which I will refer to in the near future. I recently had an op and should hopefully get the all clear today to return to work.
Its 6 weeks since I had the op and I only feel slight pain when I sleep which is more than manageable.
Do you have to wait for the scar to heal before starting swimming again?
I think what you said certainly rings a bell with me.
If you occupy your mind, it takes your mind away from the pain most definitely.
Good luck with the new olli arriving soon.

dalep115

 

[The Coast Guarder]

Hi everyone

I got a new car too! It must be a side effect of this operation! Mine has a built in lumbar support, and is a little higher off the ground (SUV shape) which is good for the old back.

jess, you have some good comments about work for Cas08. People who have not been in 'our' situation can lack understanding and be discouraging. Initially I had good support from my work, then I think it got to a point where their patience ran out and they just thought I was 'fixed' after my op and should get on with it. I was told not too kneel down when I was at work as it 'looked bad.'....?? The recommendations about moving around as much as possible during the day and not sitting for too long are SO important. I can now sit for an hour comfortably but I generally try not to sit for even that long. Break it up, move around, don't load your spine too much by putting extra pressure on it by sitting for long periods of time. I figure people just have to get used to me standing up in meetings etc. I do a lot of interviewing in my role so I need to warn people I might stand up. (I don't want them to think I am bored and trying to leave prematurely!)

I am now 7 months post-op. I have good and bad days, but I try and be careful all the time. A few times I have lifted something too heavy, or have done too much and have regretted it and felt like I set myself back. This is a long term issue, which needs careful management. That said, I am looking forward to my first attempt in a looong time at competing in an equestrian event this weekend. Riding is incredibly tough on the spine but I am pleased to say I have been able to get back to it again ok post-op.

Olli, I like the name Josh.

Oh, and I have been enjoying watching Michael McIntyre on youtube, thanks to this forum, now to find your other youtube suggestions Ali.

 

[Pants On The Ground]

fantastic news ali! well done you.

and congratulations on the new car to you and subi. i am feeling a little sad that mine doesn't have lumbar support, but the driver's seat does move up and down so that's kind of exciting.

just been to see my physio for my occasional dose of "stop panicking jess". works a treat. did i mention to any of you about being filmed for a dvd back in august (when my back was so bad that i couldn't sit up straight and had crazy sweats from the painkillers)?? my physio was filmed too and we got sent copies a few weeks ago. it is an awareness raising dvd for health professionals, all about recognising patients presenting with neuropathic pain (nerve pain), so hopefully it gets diagnosed quicker and treatment provided in good time. i reeeeally hope no one i know ever sees the dvd, but hopefully it might help some people in the future. in case any of you come across it, i am the one who looks drunk, sitting at a funny angle, making very little sense!!

lots of love,
jess xx

 

[jaygirl]

Hi Cas08

I actually used my ball as a seat for quite a bit of last year, when I started having lower back problems (before prolapse, though). It makes your back muscles work harder to maintain core stability, and is a nice thing to swap in and out with a normal chair. But if you didn't want to do that, you could just have one around to sit on during meetings or whatever, plus there are loads of exercises you can do on them (though maybe get some advice from a physio about what would be best for you). They are quite cheap and we started quite a craze for them in my office.

Good news about the Spinal Foundation Ali. Well done!

K x

 

[Pompal 09.]

Hey Jess and Subi!

We all have new cars!! How exciting....and strangely co-incidental!!
I dont have lumbar support, but my car is high up so its easy to get in and out of.....I had a friend years ago who had back problems, she had a little fold up lumbar support seat that she used in the car, home etc, it had a carry handle.
I am yet to find one myself, but it was a really helpful thing to her.
If i find it, i will let you know xxxxxxxxx

 

[Nikki N]

Hi Cas08,

Got the all clear to go back to work yesterday.
Been advised not to do impact sports for 3 months following op.
Dont lift anything heavy for 10 weeks following op.
Am allowed to drive again which is good.
Just need to see OHA at work before being allowed to return to work.
The days are counting down for your returning to work.
Hope you are thinking positively.
There has been some very good points from all of the other nice people on the forum.
I have too been told not to sit for more than an hour, go for regular walks and maintain the correct posture although it is easy to say but not always do.
Subi, I will have to try out your good point when I return to work in the near future and am in a meeting.
Initially, I think I will feel a bit awkward but hope people will understand.
Will give it a go.
I am so glad I found this forum as I have learnt so much over a short period of time.
Thank you to everyone who has given me advice so far.

Thank you

dalep115

 

[Bill Q]

hi, thanks for all the info i went in for discectomy on tuesday by wednesday morning i was totally freaking out called hubby to come and get me i was in a terrible state luckily a kind nurse calmed me down and i had the op woke up to find a drain coming out of my back and drips and morphine pump in my arm, it is now friday and iam in quite a bit of pain ,so have spent all day in bed this is probably the worst thing to do but hopefully i will feel a little better tommorrow, i had l4/l5 removed and a laminectomy , i hate not being able to do anything but i suppose it will get a little better as the days go on.