That is excellent news. I hope it all continues well for you - and thank you for keeping us up to date. Even for thos of us who have not been through what you have done it is good to hear of success stories.
Well done
Week 11 up and down
Hi guys
It's really good to read micro success updates. I'm now in week 11 and was feeling great at week 9 and was due to come off pregabalin tablets. Pain in leg was around 10%. I then went for a power walk including x2 60 second jogs on physio advice and put myself back. I've been having terrible sciatic pain again in my right ankle and calf about 60% and am still on the tablets plus ibuprofen and ice. Was up to 7hrs a day at work but down to 4 again now.
I get so frustrated and want my active life back but only seem to manage 20 lengths swimming at present. I started acupuncture yesterday so will see how that goes. Also going to try and find out if there's any group Physio in the derby area I could go to as think it sounds really good.
Thanks for the updates it really raises my spirits on a bad day!!
Chantelle
Week 4 for me
Great news - Consultant said it's OK to drive so I feel 'normal' again!
No pain at all though so I am very grateful for that but I still have huge difficulty walking on an incline, lots of stops after a few steps because I have no energy but on the flat I am fine. My dead nerve in left calf and foot is still making walking a slower process than I would like.
I'm thinking of buying a cheap exercise bike on Ebay to get the leg moving - is this a good idea? I'm walking a good 1 mile plus a day but I could do odd bits of exercise during the day/evening in front of the TV..
Indigestion/reflux still bothers me at night after weeks of laying flat but Gaviscon tablets work the best.
Week 4 concerns
Hi there
Great posts from microsuccess and good to hear your progression, plus Chrissie you sound like you're doing amazingly! Well done on the no pain and no more paracetamol, hope your strength gains improvement too.
I'm 4 weeks post op tomorrow and not doing as well as I'd hope. I know why this is. I went on holiday with my husband and 5month old on a holiday that had been booked prior to all my pain nightmare. We went to Lanzarote which was a 4hour flight. I was very uneasy about going but after surgeon and physio saying I was ok to go and huge (but unintentional ) pressure from my family (my parents and in-laws saying it was just what the 3of us needed!) I decided to go. I know it wasn't wise and I took it very easy once there but the flight was awful. I stood most of the time but the standing for so long brought on pain and was in agony by the time I got home last night. I've got upset at the fact I tried to behave like all was ok for everyone else but very worried I've set myself back.
I don't think I've done further long term damage as pain not like pre op and does improve after lying down which it didnt pre-op. painkiller wise still on 6paracetamol and 2 ibroprofen a day and 1 amitriptaline at night but concerned still on this much at 4weeks. Plus my leg lift is no better and still can only raise it 30%. I feel so anxious that I've been stupid going on holiday. I think my family now think I'm fussing and don't get how the pain is like this still they keep saying 'well is it as bad as before the operation?!' When I say no they tell me not to worry and I need to get on with things. I desperately want to and feel upset that trying to by going on holiday for a week has set my back.
I'm sorry for going on but I guess I'm wondering if after a few days if taking it easy may help get over that horrid journey. I realise this operation was no quick fix and need to work hard at getting rid of this damn nerve pain. I see the physio on wed for the first time since the op so hopefully she can help somewhat! (Just spoke to her on the phone 2wks ago). Thanks for listening so my stresses!!!
Week 21
I've hit 5months and 1 week and 1 day:)
Well I've been super busy with work the last 6 days and done very little physio, stretches, swimming, jogging or infact anything. Usually I would be annoyed with myself and Im suprised I didn't do something about it but literally none stop work work work.
Anyway Im not quite understanding it but I've had zero pain sat, zero pain walking and zero pain driving. I spoke with the physio this morning and she said its probably the rest actually doing me good. I have until now been doing 3-4-5 days physio a week none stop for over 4 months.
I only put this on here as an inidication that sometimes less is more with this injury. I will be going back to my regime from sunday and will assess the difference, but for now im happy that maybe this is nearly it. Although I am more resigned to this being a peak and I will be soon feeling a tiny bit of pain in return for my week reprieve:)
Great news microsuccess. It must be amazing to feel you are getting there now! although, Ill miss your posts and progress updates! nerve pain is so odd, the fact you have done less may have done you good for a bit . The break of exercise must have done you good, after doing so much physio for months! It's all such a fine balance isn't it. I woke up this morning with less nerve pain than normal (not zero pain but less!!) - so I'm learning to embrace the small successes before the next dip comes along!
Take care and do let us know how you get on! 🙂
Week 23
Ok, so Im nearing the half way point of the 1 year myself and the physio set out as the time period for a substancial recovery:)
I just thought I'd chip in a glimmer of hope to those sports persons out there that think post surgery that is the end of their active lifestyle.
Swimming - I never was a great swimmer but posted a 38min swim for 64 lengths (25m pool) 9 days ago. Considering that was 1hr = 24 lengths (broken into 4's) at week 14 I'm a happy man. I've found no downside to swimming. The only caution I would add is pushing off from the wall in the early days as all the pressure goes through the spine. Tumble turns aren't something I do so I can't comment there.
Running - I have had to take this very slowly. Walk - Walk/Jog - Jog - Run. I am now confident jogging out 10km (on a daily basis over 5 days max so far) in 1hr 15min. I know that probably isn't quick to some people but my comparisons are only to myself who posted a 50min 10km time in 2009, so nearly 6 months post Op Im happy, and I've got more in the tank (Im just not pushing it, it'll come im sure)
Gym - Hit and miss. Cross trainer is a negative for me. Static upright cycle 30-90mins, seated cycle 30-90mins. In both cycling cases as its indoor the boredom got the better of me. BUT i was feeling slightly uncomfortable at the hour mark, that maybe because I have never really cycled till now and it may be just the muscles not being used to it. Weights wise I am repeatedly told not to exceed 25kg directly through the spine, so I go up to 25kg but dont exceed it. The simple workaround is not to do squats, I can do everything else, bench press, preacher curl, leg raises, hamstring raises etc. One word of warning, and I have put it down before...NO PULL UPS!!! The physio explained it ages ago and the upshot is while the body is stretched the muscles tighten and put pressure on the spine, even more so than just standing upright.
Contact sports - Sadly a no go at present. I could envisage football not being a massive drama in a 5 aside indoor setup, just because tackling is minimal reducing your fall rate. Kicking the ball is a cautious activity and I have tried post Op, maybe a few months away yet for me. Rugby - Doubtful at present due to the tackling = 80kg+ smashing through my spine, but again I know people return to contact sports including rugby so its certainly not a no go I assume. I think the trick here will be get to a point you can sprint (I can now for 80metres) and factor in how you feel, im guessing until sprinting without pain occurs then don't rush back to contact sports.
Non-Contact - I tried badminton last week, I probably missed 60% of what I would usually reach but I was cautious so I didnt mind. I was stiff after it but a 10min lay down squared me away. I tried squash alone just to test my movement about a month ago, as its a sport dependent on making the other person sprint, twist and bend to aukward return shots Im going to avoid it for the forseeable. I only tried this for fun but crown green bowling with my dad, randomly because you walk often, bend in the correct manner and handle only slight weight I found it quite nice. I know people will laugh but it got me outside for 2hrs and I didn't think about the pain/it didn't get above 1/10.
Anyway I hope someone gets something out of this. I will endeavour to keep up my ramblings:)
Week 25
Hello people,
Well 2 weeks before Christmas and I don't have a great deal of issues.
As an example I sat on the train from Edinburgh to London at the weekend, before then going for a meal and a night out. I then returned home the next day. NO PAIN. I cannot tell you the difference I've had since month 4 but I'm not going to get lazy. I have dropped off doing as much exercise only because of physio orders but come the new year I will be right back in the thick of it.
Its the season to be coughy!!! I watch people sneezing and coughing constantly and know all to well that prior surgery and in week 0-now I still get caught out with sneezes that cause pain. So there's 2 ways for you to get round this:
1) If laid down roll onto your comfortable side (for me my right as had surgery left side). Bring your knees slightly up into a loose fetal position. When the sneezes comes its 80% less pain for me.
2) If standing bend the knees and lean forward slightly. Its the same position as laying down but standing.
My second bit of advice is for those in the early stages post recovery week 1-12. DON'T get dragged into going out drinking all over christmas. Try and let people know what you have gone through and lower their expectations of what you are capable of. I know friends/family will be asking you to go out or visit for meals etc. Thats great from a social point and for getting you back to normal but just recognise the difference between being mobile (walking, stretching etc) and just going out. Without doubt sitting takes the longest to achieve and after that standing still for prolonged periods. Just be cautious that you dont have a few to many and end up sitting for 2-3hrs in the same spot...I did it once and regretted it for 2 weeks!!!
GET SOME GRIP ON YOUR SHOES!!!. Its icey where I am and I know if it had been like this in week 1-8 post-op I wouldn't of been out walking nearly as much. You will want to stay active but its all for nothing if you take a fall so I suggest getting some shoe tracks (metal chains) or proper walking shoes. For me I've taken to a stick for now. I may well be feeling a lot better but Im not taking anything for granted.
Christmas is when people tend to be more cheerful and I would say enter into that mentality. Keep positive people:)
Microsuccess I really like your attitude and advice. Thank you for posting all this on behalf of all the back sufferers (which doesn't include me by the way - I just an interested spectator!) who visit this site. Back problems present huge difficulties for the sufferers and I'm sure your advice will help.
Go carefully and safely - and have a wonderful Christmas season.
Love and Light
Helpful Product
Hi, Just while Im sat here on it.
I was given an early christmas present from my brother today which is a coccyx seat wedge. Im now thinking I've been missing out in the post surgery recovery.
All it is is a wedged shaped piece of foam which tilts your hips forward to the 'neutral' position which the physio went on about religiously during my sessions. It says its 8 degree angle restores the natural 's' of the spine and relieves pressure on the base of the spine.
I've googled tonight and they aren't cheap, around £20-40 but I can hand on heart say while it feels odd like I want to slide forward off my chair, it feels quite nice. I tried it on the sofa and it fails to do anything but at the breakfast table (hard seat) I can feel a difference. 3 months ago when hard seats just felt brutal I wish I had had this.
Im not advertising you go out and get this hence no use of product names but It maybe worth for those with a physio nearby to ask if they have one you could try?
7 Months & 1 Week
Im aware there's only so many times I can say Im improving but its a fact. At just over 7 months post Op I thought I'd give some detail to those that are going back to work/already back at work post Op.
Travel:
I work from home so I don't commute. However I sold my car 2 years ago as driving with my sciatica was impossible. Im told by the physio this is due to the 'glide' of the nerve. Basically stretching the nerve when its compressed (when you change gear and stretch to push the clutch) equals pain. While I don't commute I have last month purchased a Renault Megane Automatic. The seat has to be slightly off 90 degrees and the drivers seat is softish. I did use a pillow initially for 2 weeks to work myself into driving. Anyway the difference between my new car and recent attempts to drive manual is sizeable. Its just less aggrevation. Im not saying change your car, Im just pointing out I find the automatic less taxing so deteriorates me very little even on long drives. For those that take the train in the early stages I would still say take a cushion. Don't be embarassed, if people wish to stare at you ignore them. If they knew the injury they'd soon quiet down. Equally for those that stand on the tube I would say don't stay 100% static for the duration of the journey, bend the knees or rotate your ankles. These both take strain off the lumbar area.
At work
As before I work from home and have my choice of seats. Initially I suffered the 'fear' of sitting and kept it minimal. But over the months I've gone from super soft seats to harder more office like seats. One thing thats made it easier is changing what I sit on. The physio told me to keep putting my bum on different seats to change the sensations it gets. This stops the brain going 'dont sit there, thats too hard, oh its time to move im hurting'. Also I have a seat wedge which tilts the hips and is fairly firm. Again it all makes the sitting experience easier and last longer. I CAN sit 3hr+ without moving (I saw the Hobbit last night!) in a cofy seat. The cinema has been my yard stick. I started with short films at week 16 and as your engrossed you forget the pain. Yes it can be sore on standing but that was then. Last night I sat 40mins to get there, watched 3hr 10min film and then came home - 99% pain free.
Anyway for those in the early stages back to work I found 20min sitting + 5min walk or stetch then 20min sitting was fine. At lunch I always go for a 30min walk to let some strain off my back. For those that stand regulary I would hope you find things easier than those that are desk based but similarly standing for prolonged periods fatigues so laying down at regular breaks I found good for recovery.
Tools to help at work: A soft cushion or wedge and a leg bandage. Use the bandage after lunch to give work leg a different sensation for the afternoon period. It definately for me reduced pain.
At home:
When you get in in the early stages of returning to work when the work day ended I felt tired, fatigued and slightly pained. AND I WAS AT HOME. It literally felt at 5pm when I downed tools that the pain shot up. For those of you with a commute keep it together mentally until you get in the door. I found on days when I was out consulting that when I left them my first thought was I hurt. On days I let it take over I would be a wreck before I got out the building BUT focussing on positives, listerning to the mp3 or reading etc anything to pass the time getting home meant my 'working day' finished when you get in the door - then I would collapse for a bit on the floor/bed and let it out. I hope that makes sense. Don't let this beat you, don't let it interfere as much as you can in YOUR head. If you've had the surgery then its nerve memory and your brain thats sending the signals. You must try and interfere with these signals by keepng your brain distracted or your leg/back under different sensations. Also when I get in from consulting even now the first thing I do is get my theraband and do 10-20mins of hamstring, thigh and calf exercises. I find doing calf raises makes the muscle so fatigued that the pain just cant squeeze in there and hurt me. Similarly with the thigh and hamstring exercises if the muscles are tired out the brain focusses on their recovery and the nerve pain somewhat dissipates.
Im rambling now so will stop but any Qu's please ask, and I hope you are all recovering and healing well
Month 8
So Im 2/3 the way through the 12 months I was allowing for the injury post surgery. I don't have many issues and know I am fortunate in that respect. My final hurdle remains sitting wherever and whenever I like. I still have the odd pang of Sciatic pain that creeps in, but this is mainly me being aware Im sitting over 2-3hrs and actively thinking about the injury - which is when the niggles begin.
This week I was out consulting and was speaking with a pregnant lady in the office who had an L4/L5 Double Microdiscectomy in 2009. I don't have a sixth sense for seeking people out with the injury, I was curious about what she was sitting on and while talking she explained. Basically its a circular rubber pillow (hers bright green). I've seen them in the gym and thought they were for balancing etc (which they are). Anyway she started telling about her road to recovery and the cushion being her saving grace when returning to work. It just happens being office based shes continued using it there instead of taking it home. I had a sit on the thing and must say its odd to begin but then quite therapeutic as you can rock your hips and tilt the pelvis taking off pressure form the spine without getting up constantly.
I standby my foam wedge I use at home but I've just purchased these cushions and will give feedback. Incase people are interested I got it from Amazon its called a Togu Dynair Ball Cushion, was £17. I was wondering if anyones used these cushions? I only had a 5min sit while talking to her.
Hiya microsuccess
I'm currently experiencing sciatica to the extreme. MRI shows disc herniation at L5 S1 and been told I need a discectomy. Going back to orthopaedic consultant in 4 weeks. I'm pretty much resigned to being laid flat out else the pain is immense. Where did you have your surgery performed, was it London? I'm a black cab driver in London but not been able to work for a week now. Feel miserable, lost and alone!
Thanks for your time, inspirational
Brillo
Hi, i had mine done at University Hospital of North Staffordshire, Stoke. I have been told the best are in london so geographically your probably in the best place. All the experience seems to gravitate to london as I found initially when the surgeon at Stoke had done 900+ disectomies and then was poached. The replacement was excellent but it just reminded me surgeons are also people and £££ is king:)
Speak to your GP again if your concerned. I would probably say steer clear of the internet as a research tool. I wish you all the best. Any queries please just ask
Thanks fella, I'm visiting a renowned osteopath tomorrow who has a machine called IDD Therapy which has had good results, so here's hoping!
Pre op, how severe we're your symptoms and what were your limitations? I drive for a living and the thought of sitting in a car scares the hell out of me!
Was hoping it may subside in a day or two to at least a manageable level.
Thanks again