Hi
I had a discectomy on L4/L5 4 weeks ago following several years of pain in my lower back and left leg with the accompnying sciatica. I tried everyhting else and decided that the operation was the right way to go. Whether this was the right decision remains to be seen and I will save that for a later post.
Anyway, I have recovered well from the surgery in terms of the wound healing and general pain form the surgery has now gone. What has not gone is the sciatica in my left leg whoch consists of pain and pins and needles and numbness. It is about the same level or slightly worse than before the operation.
The consultant says that this is normal and may take many months to clear up. Has anyone else had the operation or knows someone that has had the operation and can they let me know their own experience of pain/sciatica after the operation and how long it took for the symptons to clear up?
Many thanks
Matt
Crikey!
Hi and welcome!
...yep sadly many of us have similar experiences, welcome to the world of ..ummm... well no idea what to call it lol errr..... Cassie's World! lol.
I am so sorry, but you seem like a fighter, sending you lots of positive good wishes,
Cassie xxxxx
Crikey!
Hi and welcome!
...yep sadly many of us have similar experiences, welcome to the world of ..ummm... well no idea what to call it lol errr..... Cassie's World! lol.
I am so sorry, but you seem like a fighter, sending you lots of positive good wishes,
Cassie xxxxx
Thankyou...
I am still unsure if i want the operation or not too i really dont know!
Microdiscectomy
Subplay, that sounds like anyone's worst nightmare! Not sure why you still are uncertain about surgery and naturally only you can make that choice. I know if it was me, I would have had surgery a very very long time ago!
A brief description of my situation- I have had back problems for over 37 years. I damaged a disc (L4/L5) when I was about 17, had sciatic problems down my leg for a long time and had a couple of cortisone and epidural injections. Eventually my sciatica improved and went away. I have led an extremely active life as an athlete and after getting through my sciatica was a long distance runner and covered over 50,000 km in a 15 year period.
After many injuries and more surgery (for shoulders, archilles tendon, knees etc) I turned to cycling. While the sciatica went away, the lower back problems have always been there and in my case it has been a case of managing it the best I can with physio, chiropractic, stretching and regular massage. My spine is very straight, whereas the normal spine has a s- shape. This tends to lead to problems with the back.
Fast forward to April this year, I was in a 24 hour cycle event and put myself in a situation where I placed too much pressure on my back each time I did my turn (I was in a team). A week later I was getting pain in my right buttock area ( which I have had for 3 years or so anyway) but this was different. It was a stabbing pain and became worse. I tried physio and chiro to no effect. I had an MRI scan which showed a prolapsed L2/L3 disc. This is quite rare (only 5-10% of people have a prolapse this high up). I was given options by my sports specialist (doctor) and took the conservative options first. This involved cortisone tablets (prednisolone) but did not have any effect. After a week I decided to have a cortisone injection. This also did not work, so I was referred to a neurosurgeon. He said the location that I had my prolapse often caused excruciating pain. I said 'I know!' He asked me if I wanted to go away and think about surgery, I said no, I don't want to think about it, I want it done.' I considered that I had no other option as walking, standing and sleeping were painful.Keeping in mind that I saw the surgeon only 16 days ago.
I had surgery the following week (24th June 1011)The procedure was a L2/L3 far right lateral microdiscectomy. I was in hospital for 3 days. It is now day 10 post surgery. I do exercises each day and I walk 1 km twice a day. The pain has been reduced by 70% and I anticipate that over time the damaged nerve will continue to improve. Sleeping is a problem but if I took my pain relief before I went to bed I'm sure this will help me rather than wake up at 1 am when it's too late and then take it. I have been trying not to use pain relief but in hindsight it's better for me to take the medication (Endone which is Oxycodone hydrochloride, and Diazepam) before I go to bed so I have a chance of getting some sleep.
From the time I experienced the nerve pain in my buttock to the time I had surgery was 7 weeks. I believe 6 weeks is the minimum time that surgeons would consider operating as they would look at conservative options first. Unless of course one has Cauda Equina Syndrome which requires immediate surgery. A senior physio friend of mine said that she would never consider surgery for her back but she has not experienced the pain I had. No-one has experienced your pain Subplay.
I'm glad I had the surgery and considered it was the only thing I could do. Had I waited a long time (i.e. longer than 6-12 months) there was chance that there would be permanent nerve damage. My right quad muscle before surgery was weaker due to the L2 nerve problem.After surgery there was an immediate improvement! I have read and read and read so much on the internet on medical sites about prolapsed discs and while most people (about 90%) improve without surgery, some don't and my distinct impression from reading all of the findings was that if you leave it too long, the chances of making a full recovery are significantly less.
So Subplay I hope you can find a resolution to your situation. If you aren't happy, get yet another professional opinion and use all of the information to make an informed choice on what you feel is best for you. I would like to know how what you decide to do!!
Thankyou...
I am still unsure if i want the operation or not too i really dont know!
Well I am holding out as long as I can for the right operation and it will hopefully be minimally invasive and not a cut and bolt.
Do your research, investigate everything, explore all options, talk to everyone!
Make sure you totally understand what the surgeon is going to do, what the implications will be afterwards, will you be able to walk or run or jog or bend or lift? Will all the pain go? If not how much, when, why?
it is amazing how many operations are called successful but still the patient is in agony afterwards, but just thought to be 'safer'!
Subplay, that sounds like anyone's worst nightmare! Not sure why you still are uncertain about surgery and naturally only you can make that choice. I know if it was me, I would have had surgery a very very long time ago!
A brief description of my situation- I have had back problems for over 37 years. I damaged a disc (L4/L5) when I was about 17, had sciatic problems down my leg for a long time and had a couple of cortisone and epidural injections. Eventually my sciatica improved and went away. I have led an extremely active life as an athlete and after getting through my sciatica was a long distance runner and covered over 50,000 km in a 15 year period.
After many injuries and more surgery (for shoulders, archilles tendon, knees etc) I turned to cycling. While the sciatica went away, the lower back problems have always been there and in my case it has been a case of managing it the best I can with physio, chiropractic, stretching and regular massage. My spine is very straight, whereas the normal spine has a s- shape. This tends to lead to problems with the back.
Fast forward to April this year, I was in a 24 hour cycle event and put myself in a situation where I placed too much pressure on my back each time I did my turn (I was in a team). A week later I was getting pain in my right buttock area ( which I have had for 3 years or so anyway) but this was different. It was a stabbing pain and became worse. I tried physio and chiro to no effect. I had an MRI scan which showed a prolapsed L2/L3 disc. This is quite rare (only 5-10% of people have a prolapse this high up). I was given options by my sports specialist (doctor) and took the conservative options first. This involved cortisone tablets (prednisolone) but did not have any effect. After a week I decided to have a cortisone injection. This also did not work, so I was referred to a neurosurgeon. He said the location that I had my prolapse often caused excruciating pain. I said 'I know!' He asked me if I wanted to go away and think about surgery, I said no, I don't want to think about it, I want it done.' I considered that I had no other option as walking, standing and sleeping were painful.Keeping in mind that I saw the surgeon only 16 days ago.
I had surgery the following week (24th June 1011)The procedure was a L2/L3 far right lateral microdiscectomy. I was in hospital for 3 days. It is now day 10 post surgery. I do exercises each day and I walk 1 km twice a day. The pain has been reduced by 70% and I anticipate that over time the damaged nerve will continue to improve. Sleeping is a problem but if I took my pain relief before I went to bed I'm sure this will help me rather than wake up at 1 am when it's too late and then take it. I have been trying not to use pain relief but in hindsight it's better for me to take the medication (Endone which is Oxycodone hydrochloride, and Diazepam) before I go to bed so I have a chance of getting some sleep.
From the time I experienced the nerve pain in my buttock to the time I had surgery was 7 weeks. I believe 6 weeks is the minimum time that surgeons would consider operating as they would look at conservative options first. Unless of course one has Cauda Equina Syndrome which requires immediate surgery. A senior physio friend of mine said that she would never consider surgery for her back but she has not experienced the pain I had. No-one has experienced your pain Subplay.
I'm glad I had the surgery and considered it was the only thing I could do. Had I waited a long time (i.e. longer than 6-12 months) there was chance that there would be permanent nerve damage. My right quad muscle before surgery was weaker due to the L2 nerve problem.After surgery there was an immediate improvement! I have read and read and read so much on the internet on medical sites about prolapsed discs and while most people (about 90%) improve without surgery, some don't and my distinct impression from reading all of the findings was that if you leave it too long, the chances of making a full recovery are significantly less.
So Subplay I hope you can find a resolution to your situation. If you aren't happy, get yet another professional opinion and use all of the information to make an informed choice on what you feel is best for you. I would like to know how what you decide to do!!
Thanks for your response, the only problem i have is the neurosurgeon will not operate on me so I do not have a option, its a grin and bear situation.... My sciatica is slowly getting worse and I have had nerve damge for over 5 years now so chances are there knackered..
My doctor too seems a little useless, i go complaining about pains i have and because its not in the text book saying i should have those pains he does nothing about..
Thanks everyone all info is helpful too me
I know its a horrible thing to say but its nice to talk to people who are suffering with similar problems.
Surgery
Cascara is correct, it is essential to do all of the research and in my own case I spent many hours doing this before seeing the neurosurgeon. Cascara also said that it is amazing how many operations are called successful but patients are still in agony afterwards. I'm sure it's a natural part of the healing process to experience pain after the surgery, and apart from at the site of the surgery, but at the location of the original problem. While I haven't been in agony, I was still quite uncomfortable at certain times, especially sleeping.
The physio who saw me after the surgery said that my nerve was damaged and inflamed before the surgery and surgery itself would have inflamed it more. So it's to be expected that there will be pain after surgery. In every other type of surgery I have had for other conditions (injuries) there has been a period after surgery where it has been painful.
And of course not all surgery is successful. Each situation is different.And you are right Subplay it is good to speak to others who have been in similar predicaments. I am guessing that there are reasons why you can't see another neurosurgeon. From my own experience in the past, I will always seek out those surgeons with extremely good credentials, which also includes personal skills. Someone who is empathetic, patient and is prepared to sit down with you and spend time explaining all of your options.
My own approach has been to be very thorough, be informed, be fit before surgery (which also contributed to my problem as I push my body well and truly beyond its limits!) and post surgery be religious in doing the exercises set by the physio and walking each day.
Keep persisting Subplay, ask all the questions and if you aren't happy, try different solutions and don't accept that there is nothing you can do. That is just an incredible amount of time you have put up with the pain and it must be hard to be positive. But I think it's important to hold onto the tiniest thread of hope or smallest ray of sun shine and keep going until you have exhausted all options.
Hi Hanza, welcome,
I now have many friends with back pain and some have opted for surgery. Yes, obviously pain is to be expected post op, but my comment was more that for some of my friends their operation was classified a success but they are still in absolute pain years after or worse, one has to be catheterised due to lost of bladder control, fine pre-op) another can only walk bent over on crutches for short periods (could walk fine pre-op), one is now in a wheelchair, ( could walk with pain before) after a fusion when their body rejected the bolts and screws and rods..
Surgery can have unexpected results. Surgey can also have predicted results that the surgeon does not advertise unless asked!
that last comment is quite scary, but quite true too....
I know 2 people who have had a back operation too and its funny, he is on a cathetier if thats how you spell it he had disc fusion, and she is on crutches too. How ironic?
Looking at my evidence and my constant pain im in whilst walking, would I be entitled to anything like DLA as I can walk a metre without being in pain?
Im currently on ESA Support group?
But im not surviving very well on ESA but im too ill to work, just soooo much pain and getting worse by the day..
surgery
Subplay is right of course, surgery can have unexpected results and it's always sad reading about people whose surgery has not resulted in an improvement. Particularly as those like myself who have suffered the intense pain that comes from having a prolapsed disc and just want to be pain free as soon as possible!
I really do sincerely hope that there will be a positive outcome foy you Subplay and will check back here to see if there has been any change to your situation.:)
There doesn't seem to be many positive parts to this thread so i thought i would give my two bits. I had my l5/s1 discectomy 8 weeks ago and wished i had done it earlier after having two years of pain and tramadol haze. Pain all gone now and i feel like a new person. Numbness not gone in my other leg but i can live with that. Nerves grow back about 1mm a day so going take a while. The odds are good. Get it done if you are living with constant pain. My quality of life before was 10% now it's about 80%. Going to get that extra 20% when i win the lottery or write some really good tunes.
Questions, questions??
Hi all, what a wonderful thread, although it has taken me about 4 hours to read all the posts from 2008! Please forgive me in advance for my lack of terminology - after suffering for around 6 months with sciatica and back pain i have received my mri results today which show a prolapsed/herniated disc in L5 and a tear in L4. My questions are where do i go from here the results were given to me by a gp the results suggested an surgical procedure, my gp says I have to go through triage? which i think is physio first - I have already had minipulation from a chiro which seemed to make it worse! Have thought of going to pay for a private consultant - how do I go about finding a good one? Someone on here suggested it's best to get a consultant that also works in nhs to speed things up? Who determines which op I have? I hope all this makes sense as i am a bit overwhelmed by all that I have read this evening. Many thanks in advance.
Choclover reply
If I was in your situation I would be heading straight to a neurosurgeon. Neuro surgeons see our type of injury every day. In my case I saw a GP who was essentially specialising in sports injuries. He referred me to a neurosurgeon, who he highly recommended. I had the surgery (24th June) and was very happy with the surgeon. I have had several operations in the past for other problems and I always try and do my research to see who is the best or highly regarded surgeon. I saw a physio straight after surgery (he works in consultation with my surgeon) and I commenced exercises 2 days post-op. My surgery was worse than the standard prolapse as it was at L2/L3 and a far lateral discectomy was required. This procedure is more complex. Very happy I had it done, as it was a large prolapse. So far, so good (23 days post op). Good luck!!
L4-L5 Discectomy (left side)
Hi guys,
Hope everybody is well. I had my spinal surgey done and out of hospital as well. I am finding moving at the moment difficult. Morninga are very hard as the lower back is very stiff. I am still having trouble with left leg pins and needles etc. The worst is the sharp pain the left buttock. I know now that the disc which was touching the left nerve is no longer there. Yeappy! I know in 6 weeks when I see the consultant he may confirm how long it my take to recover fully.
Can anybody tell me please after having what I have had done how long it will take the nerve problem to go away?
and why is buttock pain still there after surgery? (it feels like nerve been squashed in buttock, i'm sure you people will understand what i'm talking about)
Hope to hear from you soon guys! 🙂
Hello everyone and Simon166!
I had my discectomy in early March this year and I experienced the same pains and aches after the op as I had done before but they were nowhere near as severe - like a duller pain really. As far as I know and have experienced this is normal as the nerve has to get back to normal after the trauma of being trapped by the disc.
I still have some numbness in my foot and toes and get a stiff back type ache, but back to living a normal life really. Been told not to exercise until September or October and that it will take a year to get back to my original strength. I do feel brittle but can't complain! I have just got back from a holiday abroad, which I never dreamt I would be able to do 4 weeks ago as there is so much sitting down at airports etc, but it was fine!
My experience of discectomy has been 100% positive and I can't believe how well I am now, when only 4 months ago I felt like my life was over.
Hope your recovery continues too!
I'm awake and in hospital with tubes coming out of me and I can't sleep so thought I'd update on my back.
I went for the recommended cortisone injections in my back a few weeks ago and god knows why but I was actually crippled after. Worst pain I've ever felt.
I had new extreme sciatic pain that worsened by day. I couldn't straighten up or lay down or sit down or walk and no word of a lie at the end it took only one hour and fifty mins of heavily drugged sleep before I'd wake up screaming in pain.
I finally said yes to the surgeon doing a discetomy decompression and it was yesterday. I couldn't even lay straight on the bed as the guy was trying to start the general anaesthesia and my last memories are of him gently stroking my face promising me I'd feel better.
I went to theatre at around half ten / eleven am and was back in my bed around half four. I know it's early days but that horrible relentless burning slicing sciatic pain is mostly gone!! The only thing I can really feel is the surgical site and that is quite painful but I have a painkiller button here that I'm pressing with merry abandon! Today I started physio and walking. They taught me how not to twist, how to get out of bed without bending my back etc.
I know I'm drugged to the eyeballs and that I will find things hurt more when it's all died down. I know too that I'm more likely to need surgery in the future having had this and that my disc might prolapse again.
BUT right now I'm so thrilled I can't sleep. I'm so excited and relieved that I'm laying here beaming. I'm not in pain!! I'M NOT IN ANY PAIN
I did want to ask about peoples experiences of getting back into walking and moving around.
I am now home and although I'm happy to walk about here and do my exercises indoors, albeit a bit gingerly, I feel quite scared at the thought of going outside tomorrow by myself. I know the physio says listen to your own body but I'm better with a guideline! A ten minute stroll? Twenty mins?
If anyone could share what they did on their immediate return home I'd appreciate it, thank you x
Hello Jodenise
I totally know how you are feeling!
When I came out of hospital, it took me about 4 weeks to feel strong enough to go out and about. You are lucky, as I wasn't given any physio or advice at all. Only had a follow up with the surgeon after 3 months.
I am now 5 months post op and still feel brittle but lead a normal life. I don't lift / carry etc as I feel very weak but this is also psychological too I think.
Just take it easy - best to listen to your body and take it slow for a while rather than damage your back again and be in the old agony.
Good luck!
hoping for a disectomy
I was wondering if anyone knew what the success rates are for disectomy on patients with scoliosis? My Cobb's angle is 26 degrees, and I have an S bend. The disc that herniated is between L4-L5, to the right. I'm in pain every day, all the time. The pain was centered in the lower back to the right, with pain shooting up my back and down my leg, but it's spreading to the other side, and I'm also getting a strange burning sensation on the soles of my feet.
Has anyone else experienced this sensation, because it's starting to scare me. Is it indicative of something else that's wrong? I'm going to try to book appointments with a few neurosurgeons (for different opinions) tomorrow and will hopefully get an appointment in a few weeks. I've had an MRI which told me what was wrong, but my doctor just said to continue with physiotherapy, which isn't helping.
I herniated the disc 8 months ago and it hasn't improved at all. I only found out it was a hernia about two months ago, but I've been doing physiotherapy (and even tried a chiropractor - what a bust!! irritated the nerve in my leg and left with with tingling and numbness) since it happened.
I've been given tramadol for the pain, but i know that you can become addicted to it really easily so i haven't been taking it.
I'd really appreciate any advice you guys could give me 🙂
Physio Enquiry
Hi,
Just wondered if someone could give me some advice-
Im a 26 year old, who has had a microdiscectomy. Im one week on after surgery, and my back/ buttock pain seems to have disappeared so far. Still feeling a little nerve pain, but no where near at the same level.
Anyway, i havent been given much info on a physio plan, and i wondered what other exercises people had been given/ experiences to help them on the road to recovery.
Day 7, and im starting to do 2 10min walks, but not been given exercises/stretches. Right leg currently feeling tight.
Any physio advice would be very appreciated/ what level of exercise i should currently be doing.
Thanks
Hi - exercises I was given from hospital (these are all laying on your back) :
• paddle your feet and ankles up and down briskly for two mins at a time
• quads- point your toes to ceiling and push your knees to bed for 5 seconds at a time
• squeeze buttock muscles firmly together, hold for count of five
• knee bends - bend and straighten legs alternately
• pelvic tilts - knees bent, arms by side, tighten stomach muscles, press small of back into bed letting bottom rise. Hold for five
• abs - pull tummy button towards spine without moving pelvis. Hold for ten secs.
Leg- lie with knees bent, feet flat. Bring one knee gently towards chest. Hold for five, repeat with other leg.
I was wondering if anyone knew what the success rates are for disectomy on patients with scoliosis? My Cobb's angle is 26 degrees, and I have an S bend. The disc that herniated is between L4-L5, to the right. I'm in pain every day, all the time. The pain was centered in the lower back to the right, with pain shooting up my back and down my leg, but it's spreading to the other side, and I'm also getting a strange burning sensation on the soles of my feet.
Sounds like the disc protrusion is moving or growing? Good that you are going to see someone though, write down everything and take a list with you.
Has anyone else experienced this sensation, because it's starting to scare me. Is it indicative of something else that's wrong? I'm going to try to book appointments with a few neurosurgeons (for different opinions) tomorrow and will hopefully get an appointment in a few weeks. I've had an MRI which told me what was wrong, but my doctor just said to continue with physiotherapy, which isn't helping.
I herniated the disc 8 months ago and it hasn't improved at all. I only found out it was a hernia about two months ago, but I've been doing physiotherapy (and even tried a chiropractor - what a bust!! irritated the nerve in my leg and left with with tingling and numbness) since it happened.
I've been given tramadol for the pain, but i know that you can become addicted to it really easily so i haven't been taking it.I'd really appreciate any advice you guys could give me 🙂
Some things will itrritate the disc further, others will improve it so see what does help.
Tramadol, can really help, so I wouldn't rule it out if it makes you feel better, then when you are stronger you can look at that side of things?
L4-L5 Discectomy
Hi guys,
Its now been 4 weeks since I had L4-L5 Discectomy(left side). I am finding my lower back been very sore, especially on left side, it looks swallon. I am finding sleeping , using the toilet,moving, walking etc difficult. I am still getting pins and needles and buttock problem
Give it some more time...
update
I have posted here a few times about 3 weeks ago. Microdiscectomy on 24th June so 7.5 weeks now and recovery is gong so well. As I'm technically not fit to go back to work until 19th August, it means I have been exercising in the gym lots! I spend up to 4 hours a day exercising, so I have come a long way since my 2 x 1km daily walks for the first couple of weeks! This involves swimming, cycling (stationary bike), exercises and many different core exercises. Even though I am really tired, especially when I wake up, I remember very well the extreme pain I was going through only a couple of months ago. This is more than enough motivation to just get out and do as much as I can, while also listening to my body. I have well and truly exceeded my physio's program, but feel that I am in the best position to understand what my body can handle. As I have a job which potentially puts my back at risk (special needs children who can be quite volatile), and also a cyclist, this also helps to motivate me to get my back as strong as possiblein the crucial first 3 months. I can well and truly empathise with those who are still suffering some form of pain and discomfort. And naturally I can also share in the happiness of those who have had surgery and have experienced the pure ectasy of being pain free.It's such a relief and I just don't know how I could have gone on without having the surgery.
Hi Jodenice,
Thankyou for sharing your exercises. Im now 2 weeks post op. Went to see a physio therapist today, and because its now week 2, he has given me the following exercises-
Laying on back and pulling each leg to chest
sitting on edge of bed and gently leaning forward and back to arch my lower back
I am also doing alot of walking, up to 2 mile walks twice a day.
Leg currently alot less stiff, but the nerve pain has recently come back. Really hoping its just the nerve recovering as read it can take a while.
Thankyou for your exercises, i will try these also.
Thanks
Hi Jodenice,
Thankyou for sharing your exercises. Im now 2 weeks post op. Went to see a physio therapist today, and because its now week 2, he has given me the following exercises-
Laying on back and pulling each leg to chest
sitting on edge of bed and gently leaning forward and back to arch my lower back
I am also doing alot of walking, up to 2 mile walks twice a day.
Leg currently alot less stiff, but the nerve pain has recently come back. Really hoping its just the nerve recovering as read it can take a while.
Thankyou for your exercises, i will try these also.
Thanks
Also Jodenise,
Just read your question regarding walking-
I felt very unsteady walking at first, and for the first 4 days, i just kept getting out of bed every few hours to walk across the landing. 4-7 days i walked down stairs and walked around the garden, and doing what i felt comfortable with. Every day got easier.
7- 14 days, i walked down a lane near my house, and each day increased the distance.
Im now doing 2 mile walks twice a day and im walking much better, but to be honest, it may be a little far for most people, but im a keen walker.
Hope this helps.
i am day 8 post op and feel great! i am 28 and had largest herniated disc my NS had ever seen no chance of reherniation as theres nothing left there after l4 l5 microdiscetomy. I had had some symptoms for 1 yr and extreme sciatica since feb 2011 , i didnt complain enough and didnt have a xray or cat scan till july 2011 and had seen drs chiropractor and physio, surgery was aug 10th they rushed me through the system. i had pain in lower back, but, down back of leg shin and foot, there was a huge lump on my back and a bit of a curve you could see when standing and my hips were way off. post surgery 1st few days sucked it was so painful to move use washroom or anything but when i awoke from surgery there was no but leg or foot pain just some numbness in foot (was there but different before surgery) i felt sick to my stomach for 5 or 6 days after surgery and got super dizzy everytime i got up so i got up only to se washroom at first. now yesterday i started walking to my mailbox, went up to the garden this morning little walks a few times a day a bit tight across the back and insisions super itchy and still a little inflamed but for the first time in about a year i stand straight my hips look even i can lay flat on m,y back or tummy and havent taken painkillers in two days. i havent seen Physio waiting for ok from insurance and do wonder if i should be doing as much as im feeling like i can o ya only numbness is just big toe now so im very confidant this too shall pass so 8 days post op i have felt better than i have in a year and that says alot for how much pain we endure dealing with this, because its not like im perfect the insisions still a bit raw and cant sit for very long
. i have a 17 month old thank god he has grandparents who can help me and him right now because my husband passed away tragically in a truck accident May 29th 2011 so ive been in a whirl wind greiving the loss of my husband and greiving for my son who doesnt understand the loss of his father we are coming up to 3 months now since hes been gone and since then have had a diagnosis and the spinal surgery, i regret he will never get to see me feel better , to finally see me run around and play with our son the way i was never able too but im glad that im getting a chance to be the mom i want to be, to pull him around the yard in a wagon without taking painkillers and regretting it later im so glad to be getting the quality of life back, i need my body to mend so i can concentrate healing a shattered heart
Baybey_doll so sorry for your loss, ending you and your family lots of positive thoughts for such a difficult time, hoping you have a swift recovery xxxxxx
Baybey doll, what a terrible lot to deal with, glad you are feeling better.
King, you sound like you are doing really well too. I do lots and lots of smaller ten minute walks. It's a bit hilly where I live and I was a bit apprehensive at first but now getting better. It's +2.5 weeks, back is still sore but nothing major, just twinges if I overdo it. I see my physio next week. I've noticed I'll do a fair amount one day and then really need to sleep lots the next.
My main problem is sitting down, it's so uncomfortable. And getting in and out of the bath (my shower is within the bath and the side of the bath is very high) and getting in and out of cars. These are the next things I need to conquer!