Angela/Hugh
I think your right with limited sitting. I was told eating was the only time for a few weeks. I think the key is walking after that. people rush to sit ASAP post op and you've got to remember the s1 nerve runs through the glute and any pressure there irritates it. As a compromise if you walk or stand more the muscles dont waste and you get the benefits.
However when standing stationary post op be aware it can build up the pain levels. Dont get disheartened. you should notice if you rock a bit it lessens the pain. Key again is slow and steady like everything with this injury
Thank you for that information,. I shall probably be back for more over the next 27 days!!
Angela
How did you both go on getting home from hospital. Strangely enough this is what frightens me the most. On the one hand they tell you not to sit for long and then they send you home from hospital on day two - in my case for a threequarter to one hour journey on the motorway depending on traffic. Following this I have a walk to our flat and a staircase - we live on the first floor with no life. Are you really that fit the day after the op?
Many thanks
Angela
How did you both go on getting home from hospital. Strangely enough this is what frightens me the most. On the one hand they tell you not to sit for long and then they send you home from hospital on day two - in my case for a threequarter to one hour journey on the motorway depending on traffic. Following this I have a walk to our flat and a staircase - we live on the first floor with no life. Are you really that fit the day after the op?
Many thanks
Angela
Hi Angela
For me they gave me plenty of painkillers to make the journey home as comfortable as possible. I was lucky in that my journey home was only about 20 mins. Would you be able to stop half way home to stretch your legs? I found getting in and out the car was tricky but once in I was ok. Before you leave the hospital the physio should make you walk up and down a flight of steps so you should be fine once you get home.
I wouldn't worry too much about your journey home. Before the operation I could maybe walk a max 200 yards with a walking stick. The day after the op I felt I could walk pretty much as normal. Everyone's recovery is different so I can only advise on my own recovery.
I'm now a week post op. I'm no longer taking codeine and I'm just taking paracetamol and naproxen. I still have some residual pain in my calf and occasionally in my bum but no where near as bad as pre op. it does not at all effect my walking.
hi hugh 74, oh how i envy you!, great to hear a success story:). you got your op so quickly, thats great. i was left waiting for 15 months to have my first micro disectomy but by then the damage to my sciatic nerve was permanent and have been left crippled with it. how long did you have pain before your op ?. good luck with you're recovery,
kind regards, daveyam.
Hi daveyam
I'm new to this site, and spotted your post. Perhaps I can help ease your agony? Been there, done that so to speak (currently having a 'episode' myself - first one for several years BUT i can beat it, I'll tell you how you can too). 2004 (i still have all my scribbled notes with dates, the times, the painkillers etc) - very long story short: went to get into my car and my left leg locked in agonising pain. I was in a car park and someone came to my aid, once I was upright the pain eased, I walked a bit (in shock) and went to get back into the car... arrgh! Agonising pain - the person who helped wanted to call an ambulance. i said no (first big mistake - if I'd had an ambulance I may have got the MRI scan I would later have to pay 200 quid for.) No, I got home the 8 miles and made my situation worse.
Right quickly through what happened. Doc, guesses ruptured disc (they don't slip and never have, thats a myth). Need to see consultant. He suggests MRI - even though there is scanner in next room it's a wait of 6 months (or 500 quid same week!). I get one done at cheaper 200 rate in 2 weeks mobile MRI scanner. Consultant again, yep disc LS2. Dec op that's months away.
Agony days, feel like having bottom half of body shot away. Pain unbelievable, little sleep,
aspirin by the load. Watch tv and envy people who can just 'walk'! Cripple is not a word I would term my condition then, but I know what you feel like.
Tramadol next. Oh dear, pain is so preferable to being spaced out. Drop those like a shot.
I'll move on fast. Met many people with similar. What struck me was the ones who'd had ops who eventually suffered again in later years or sooner.
I needed some help. Physio was good but the godsend was a book called 'The Back Sufferer's Bible by Australian physio Sarah Key (Prince Charles had been helped by her and he did the Foreword). It explains in detail how your back and spine works. I was dubious but it really really helped. So much, after my pre-med for the operation my surgeon felt I had progressed so well he would not operate but leave the door open should I not progress or being able to cope.
It took a very long time but eventually I was back to normal. I would not take risks like lifting something stupidly heavy (which caused my problem in the first place plus years of bad posture).
But like all good things (and the reason I'm on here today - nearly 10 years on from my disc going - is I had a bad muscle low back spasm a couple of days ago. That old 'fear' returned, but I'll beat it because I did it before. Rest, exercise (gentle) and a few painkillers and I will overcome it. Fear is the worst thing, it just makes everything lock up. At this very minute (I could hardly move when I woke up) I just stretched and my low back has that burning ache so I have got up and I am touching my toes.Very slowly you lower down bouncing gently back up. Then some bottom bouncing. It's wonderful how that opens the vertebrae. The pain is still there but it's a warm pain. Then tummy exercises, so simple... just pull your stomach in tight, hold for 10 or 20 secs and relax. Repeat and repeat (I do it even while driving) However, I did become complacent in the last 3 years (who wouldn't. You think you are back to normal. Do I need to continue the excercises? Nah. You slouch, you pick things up awkwardly, you lift, you dig the garden like you used to... then bang, like me it happens again (although, in my case it is very mild to what happened to me in 2004) but if I did not know what this was, the fear would probably have locked my back rigid like it did then. But I 'knew' this time what had happened. It was imperative that I relaxed - not easy as you will all know - and got my spine moving as soon as possible. That is the answer, movement. I'm 3 days in now, I reckon it will take a fortnight or more to beat it. I'll keep you posted.
that wasn't so short was it. I could write a book about it!
I could go on...
Get that book. Best tenner I ever spent in my 60 plus years! You'll learn how your spine works, why you get sciatica and leg pain.
best advice with all the people I've met with disc problems is that the op is a last resort, not first.
Hi all well recovery was going well but I've had a couple of instances where Ive had really bad pain in my right buttock. The pain is bought on when I do a log roll to stand up from bed. As I drop my legs off the end of the bed and push myself up I had the most intense sciatica pain I have ever felt. It was a very sharp pain which only lasted a couple of seconds whilst I was half way up. Once up I can walk around ok and the pain eases to a dull ache. Ive been off the codeine the last couple of days so I've just taken another one. It's been 9 days since my op.
Is this normal to get intense bursts of pain like this in recovery? I was expecting some discomfort but this was off the scale. Worried now.
Hi Hugh,
have you read my first post? Prior to your last post.
I see you have had the op, while I survived without one. Either way, pain takes a long time to really disappear. I'm just experiencing a relapse after many years, but as my post says 'I will beat it'.
The worst thing with any back trouble is that inbuilt 'fear'.
It is very, very difficult to overcome.
One ruddy awful spasm of pain hits you but you MUST overcome it, otherwise your body goes into protection mode and the possibility of 'lock up'. Fear of fear, eh?
Do what i did and get the Sarah Key Back Sufferers' Bible. I've been reading mine again after some 5 years passing without any real incident up till a few days ago. Exercise, rest and painkillers (a few as possible - not easy I know!)
I just moved to answer the phone and that burning leg pain (like an electric shock) ran to my ankle. Damn sciatica nerve! But then it goes - when will it return? (see, that fear is imbedded again in me). Mine (fear) had long gone, I had been back to 'normal' for some years. But this little mishap and it all comes back. BUT what I have now is nothing as severe as when it first happened. That was the stuff of nightmares. You think will you ever move properly again? You look at normal healthy people and their movement with total envy ... I know, I remember.
You have had the op, but it is early days. Keep moving, that is the vital thing. The spine is 'meant' to move. Get that book. You will bless the day you did, just like me!
Good luck.
Thanks Dan yes its the fear of not knowing when that pain will strike. I'm keeping as mobile as possible by doing the physio I've been given religiously and also doing at least 1 15 min walk a day. Walking is ok for me so not sure if I should be doing more at this stage? Pre op walking was almost impossible for me so overall I'm def way better after the surgery. It's just that intense jolt of pain today brought back that fear. I've been getting up from my other side and touch wood it seems to not aggregate it so I'll keep doing that for the moment. I'll check out that book as well.
Hi Hugh, I just checked Amazon to see if the book is still available (I got my copy in 2005). Yes it is, and cheaper than I paid (it was £12 then) now £8.29 with free p/p - there are newer editions by the look of it but dearer. And a pocket type version as well.
If you go to amazon link at foot, you can even look inside the book at quite a few pages which is helpful. Recommended by Prince Charles (she - the author - has helped him out quite a bit physio wise).
The book really helped me because it details just how your spine works - and goes wrong.
By the way I should add I suppose, that I have no connection whatsoever with the book or the author, nor been treated by her (I wish!).
Week 2 update
Well that's 2 weeks now since I had my microdiscectomy. Overall still feeling pretty good.
Post op pain
I still get sciatica pains and these mainly seem to come on at night. It is no where near as crippling as pre op as I can still walk with no issues. I'm still taking codiene, naproxen and paracetamol and these are quite effective in managing any residual pain. Pre op I found pain killers next to useless. I still get the occasional short sharp pain in my butt if I'm doing an awkward movement such as getting out of the car. Only happens if I'm not careful and try to move too quickly. So overall I'm finding the current levels of pain manageable and for most of the day it is either very low or even non existent except at night when it can get pretty achy. I get a light tingling sensation down my leg occasionally which feels like pins and needles. This comes and goes. My wound is healing nicely and pain at the incision site is all but gone. My back sometimes feels stiff but does not bother me.
Exercise
I have some basic physio to do which I do 3 times a day and do these without fail. I do 2 walks each day, each walk lasting about 10 minutes. I find walking pretty comfortable and as long as I don't walk too quick or stride to long I have zero pain. I also pace around the house quite a bit. I try not to lie for too long so for eg I'll lie down for maybe 30 mins and then get up and stretch my legs. This week I may start to increase my walking as I have no adverse effects currently. Ps I ice for 20 mins after each walk.
Sitting
I still try and limit sitting to eating and going to the loo. I occasionally perch on the end of the sofa for maybe a minute through out the day. I've also had a couple of car journeys as a passenger and the longest was 40 mins. I felt pretty comfortable and used a cushion for lumbar support. We broke up the 40 min journey so I could get up and stretch the legs.
Driving
I still haven't driven. My NS said the earliest I could drive was 2 weeks as long as I could do an emergency stop and look behind to reverse. I'll maybe give it a couple more days until I feel fully comfortable.
Week 2 summary
Overall still feeling good and positive. Week 2 can be difficult though because some sciatica pain does return as the steroids etc from the op wear off so don't be disheartened its still early days. It does feel like my recovery has levelled off the last couple of days so hopefully I'll start seeing some improvements in the coming weeks. The main improvement in week 2 is I feel more comfortable getting up from bed and log rolling in bed.
I hope everyone else's recovery is going well and those waiting for the op I hope the wait is not too long.
Hugh
Week 3 Update
Can't believe it's been 3 weeks already! Feel like I've made some good progress the last couple of days. Recovery definetely seemed to have levelled off between week 2 and 3 for me but I've def made progress in the last couple of days. I think progress can be slow and can sometimes happen without you noticing. My movement is a lot easier now although I'm still avoiding bending lifting twisting etc. getting out of bed is a lot more fluid and natural.
Post op pain
Still have some residual sciatica pain mostly in my hamstring area but have noticed no pain in my calves or below. Still get occasional twinges in my buttock but these literally last a second and then ease off. I also have occasional lower back pain but I can deal with that. The residual pain feels like its finally easing off a bit now. However I've noticed my recovery seems to follow the pattern of feel better, move more which brings on a bit of pain, then it feels better the next day and so on. So 2 steps forward, 1 step back. Any residual pain I have is easily managed through meds and compared to pre op is pretty low level. I'm still on codeine, just 2 a day, naproxen and paracetamol.
Exercise
I'm seeing the physio tomorrow so hopefully I can start ramping up my activity. I've been generally more active the last couple of days, going out for lunch etc....which has increased my activity in general. It feels good to be slowly returning to normal. Can't wait to start swimming and cycling again.
Sitting
I'm sitting more often but still limit it to 10/20 mins max. Eg went for lunch the other day and would stand up every ten mins. Sitting is starting to get more comfy but still making sure I'm not sitting continuously for over 20 mins max.
Driving
I started driving a couple of days ago and feel pretty comfortable driving. I made sure I was comfortable doing an emergency stop and turning around to reverse. I use a small cushion for extra lumbar support. I don't drive more than 20 mins currently. Still very carefull when getting in and out the car. It feels nice to be mobile...........it maybe a while before I'm on my motorbike though 🙁
I hope everyone else is doing well. I just wanted to add 1 more observation I've had with my recovery and that is the phsycological side of recovery. As ive started to physically recover I realised that I was still thinking of myself being in chronic pain all the time. At times I've had to remind myself that I'm no longer in pain. It's hard to describe but I think after being in pain for a prolonged period it takes your brain a while to adjust even though the physical symptoms are no longer there or significantly less. This week I feel like I've turned a corner on this side of things and I believe that is aiding my recovery. Anyway enough rambling for now!
Thank you. This is really very helpful. I am on countdown - 8 DAYS TO GO before op.
Angela
Thank you. This is really very helpful. I am on countdown - 8 DAYS TO GO before op.
Angela
Hi Angela,
Only 8 days, hope it goes quickly! Look forward to getting updates on your recovery! 🙂
4/5 week update
Wow time is flying by at the moment. This Saturday will be 5 weeks since my op. Progressing well and physio is happy with my progress. Pre op I could only manage about 6 inches for my leg raise. Last week I managed about 45 degress and this week about 60! I've been giving some additional exercises to do and have been cleared for swimming and cycling on a stationary bike. Managed about 6 lengths front crawl, taking it very easy. It felt great to be semi active again.
Still get the usual aches and pains but they are starting to get fewer and less sore. So much so I've now been off the codeine for over a week. Still taking Naproxen and paracetamol but feeling like I need these less and less. Its nice to be able to have a drink finally! 🙂 Initially when I came off the codeine, the pain went up a notch. Not unbearable and I was able to manage on paracetamol. Eventually the more I've began to move, the less pain I seem to be in. long may it continue.
Hope everyone else is doing well.
6 Week Update
Nothing major to report and recovery is coming along nicely.
I tried swimming and using a stationary bike last week but have decided that walking is still the best exercise for me at this stage. I can walk at 100% whereas swimming and cyling on a stationary bike I'm only at about 40%. I'm doing 2 x 30 mins walks most days and do my physio everyday. I managed a 40 min walk last week and did have some pins and needles after but they soon died down.
Pain wise, its pretty much the same. The main difference is my movement is a lot more fluid and natural rather than being stiff and wooden. Still being carefull no to bend and twist.
Sitting is more comfortable now but I do still get a bit achy if I've been sitting for a while. But I can manage going out for a meal which is great.
Back to work in 2 weeks time! Actually looking forward to returning and getting back to normal.
ps any bikers on here? I'm desperate to get out on my motorbike but not sure how long before I'll be allowed. Will check with my neurosurgeon who I'm seeing in 2 weeks time but hopefully I'll be able to get back on the bike soon.