Just an update on this in case anyone else gets the same issues. I spoke with the nurses on my ward and explained what was going on as it was a specific movement that bought it on. She wasn't too worried and thought it might be my technique for getting out of bed and thought it sounded like i was twisting slightly as I pushed myself up and that I needed to concentrate on keeping my hips and shoulders in alignment. Anyway I tried again really concentrating on keeping myself aligned and hey presto not even a twinge

When they say no twisting bending they really mean it. Valuable lesson learnt.

Hi Hugh
Thank you very much for sharing all the ups and downs and solutions with us. Very helpful for me in particular. I understand the pain you had and why it was scary. I have not had the op yet but several months earlier this year I was lying in bed on my back waiting for my turn in the bathroom and just turned slightly sideways to pick my kindle up from the bedside table when I got this excruciating pain in my thigh - about two to three inches down from the top. I screamed - not that it did any good, husband in shower and in any case a bit deaf - not because I needed help but it took me so much by surprise. Fortunately like you it went away probably in about 20 seconds. It scared me to death and I walked round almost paralysed all day. It has happened once more since though not nearly so bad. I should say that as well as buttock area I also have a lot of trouble with the front of my right thigh which is numb and sore to touch. In bed it also develops a peculiar burning sensation.
Angela

Thanks Angela more than happy to share my experiences as I've read others and it's helped me to know what to expect.

My neurosurgeon did warn that pain may get worse after a few days before it gets better and I'm guess I'm going through that now. However it's still significantly better than pre op. Went for a 1 mile stroll this afternoon to get a gel ice pack and pre surgery I would not have made it more than 100 yards down the road.

My technique for getting up must be getting better as I've not had any major twinges like I did yesterday.

Hope the wait for your op doesn't feel too long and you can join the rest of us recovering from this awful pain.

A bit off topic but does anyone know what the situation is re cycling and golf after a microdiscectomy? I use to mountain bike and just got into road cycling. Is this something I'll be able to do again eventually? I've already had to give up rugby due to a shoulder op for frequent dislocations when I was younger so don't want to give up any other sports.

Hi hugh

Regarding cycling I had a fusion about 7 weeks ago I asked my surgeon about this and he said I can cycle again eventually but he said I need to go on a exercise bike first to build my strength up so its not such a shock. But my discs have been completely removed so I'm not at risk of re-herniating. I'm seeing my surgeon next week so I will ask him for you and I will let know what he says about it and if you like I can ask about golf to.

Take care clare and good luck on your recovery xx

Thanks Clare that would be great as I'm not seeing my surgeon for ages yet. I know it's a while before I'll start doing some of these things but it's important to be positive and look forward to something. It's amazing how this changes your priorities. Before this all started I would see someone drive past in a nice car, Ferrari etc and think lucky b@stard. Today out on my walk I saw some people cycle past me and thought lucky b@stards

I guess that one problem is that everyone says different things. When I had my last physio before my op I asked the physio about swimming, aqua classes and pilates none of which are really heavy duty. She said no physio until your consultant sees you after op and none of the above until the physio had assessed me. This is not really much help to you except that different medics say different things. I wasn't even considering my bike until the above was sorted. I will be interested to hear what Clare's and your consultant say about this.

Angela

hi hugh

i know iv'e been in wheelchair and when i see people walking and being normal i think the same thing too, this year has just gone in a blink of an eye it's been the worst year of my life im only 38 iv'e had two failed discectomies and 11 hour op fusion done all in a space of few months.

but have to say having this fusion has been the best thing ever im now walking still not great but getting there pain has changed now i'll have for rest of my life but need to remember i have screws in my back iv'e kept picture up to remind me so i don't do something silly;)

i just want my life back now and start living again once im better im not taking anything for granted bet you feel the same too.

how r u feeling now i won't forget to ask for you i use to cycle all the time there's a cycle path at the back of my house it's ideal i did 10 miles every sunday morning it was lovely felt great i can't wait to be able to do it again and other things like going out for a drink or going for a day out with kids all little things people take for granted.

anyway you take care and i really hope you have a speedy recovery and i will let you know what he says i think it's all about building strength up again iv'e not walked for a good 10 months iv'e been able to potter around the house but that's been it so im ready now to walk outside get my legs use to it.

im so sorry i know i can go on a bit can't help it.

take it easy

love clare xxxxx

hi angela

i written on the other page just giving my love to you regarding your pain xxx

hi hugh

i know iv'e been in wheelchair and when i see people walking and being normal i think the same thing too, this year has just gone in a blink of an eye it's been the worst year of my life im only 38 iv'e had two failed discectomies and 11 hour op fusion done all in a space of few months.

but have to say having this fusion has been the best thing ever im now walking still not great but getting there pain has changed now i'll have for rest of my life but need to remember i have screws in my back iv'e kept picture up to remind me so i don't do something silly;)

i just want my life back now and start living again once im better im not taking anything for granted bet you feel the same too.

how r u feeling now i won't forget to ask for you i use to cycle all the time there's a cycle path at the back of my house it's ideal i did 10 miles every sunday morning it was lovely felt great i can't wait to be able to do it again and other things like going out for a drink or going for a day out with kids all little things people take for granted.

anyway you take care and i really hope you have a speedy recovery and i will let you know what he says i think it's all about building strength up again iv'e not walked for a good 10 months iv'e been able to potter around the house but that's been it so im ready now to walk outside get my legs use to it.

im so sorry i know i can go on a bit can't help it.

take it easy

love clare xxxxx

Hi Clare

I'm so sorry that you've been through such a tough time. Fingers crossed the fusion will do its job and get you back cycling. I can't wait to get back in the saddle. Also can't wait for the day I can pick up my 1 year old son, I find it really difficult not being able to lift and cuddle him.

Well today, I think 11 days post op, I feel really good. I've been really careful when getting up ensuring that my hips and shoulders remain aligned and so far, touch wood, no nasty shocks of pain. I still have some low level sciatica pain but it really is more of a niggle. Thinking back a couple of days I was feeling really good and I was getting lazy with moving in the correct way etc so I think it was just my body warning me. Today I feel the best I've felt since the op but now I will still exercise the same care instead of thinking I was normal again. also I've started icing my back and it really seems to take the edge off. (thanks Microsuccess) for the tip!

I really hope your recovery goes well and that we're both back in the saddle in no time.

Hugh

Hi, just to mention that the homeopathic preparation of Hypericum (not the herbal one) can be invaluable for healing nerves after such surgery. It can be bought as Hypericum 6c or 30c in pharmacies/health food shops and there is no interaction with prescribed medicines.
HTH Hom

thanks for that hom,

im sure it's worth a go, not sure what hugh thinks but im still getting sciatica even though the nerves have gone and been replaced with bone i figure their just recovering after such a long time being compressed.

well,there are many other homeopathic remedies that a homeopath might consider if you were in a consultation but Hypericum is easily obtainable and always worth trying for any type of nerve pain, from sciatica -to toothache for example. Hom

well,there are many other homeopathic remedies that a homeopath might consider if you were in a consultation but Hypericum is easily obtainable and always worth trying for any type of nerve pain, from sciatica -to toothache for example. Hom

I'll be honest I'm totally ignorant of homeopathy but never say never. I may give it a go.

Ice ice baby

Just an update on this, I've come across a couple of other posts and someone's video log on YouTube who experienced exactly the same short sharp pain in the buttock at around the same time (approx 8 days post surgery) and the good news is that it seems normal and eventually goes away. The video logger who described exactly what I am feeling then went on to run in a competitive 10k run at 6 months post op!

Microsuccess suggested I use ice especially after a walk and it really does help. I was going to pop a codeine last night as my leg was feeling a bit achy but used ice for 20 mins and after that the pain went.

I'm now at 12 days post op and feeling good. My pain ranges from close to 0 pain, a bit achy almost feeling like my hamstring was a bit tight, to the occasional very short sharp pain in the buttock. Most of the pain seems to be in the buttock at the moment. When it's achy it can sometimes linger for an hour or so and tends to go if I walk about a bit.

Walking wise I do a lot of pacing around the house and 2 outside walks a day. My morning walk is a short walk of about 8 mins. In the afternoon I walk for about 15 mins but take it very easy and always ice now after a walk.

I'm still limiting sitting to meal times, the loo and occasionally perch on the edge of the sofa for a few minutes. I never fully appreciated how much sitting one does as it's difficult when you're not allowed to sit!

Anyway hope everyone else is doing well.

Hugh

Thanks Hugh.

We have just had a trial of how I am going to travel back from hospital - something that worries me because of time involved. We have discovered with cushions on the floor at the front, the seat on bottom height adjustment and back to as flat as possible, plus a flight cushion for neck and a very small pillow under my back in the middle I can lie comfortably flat and this is what I am proposing to do. However, the problem is going to be getting in and out of the car. I think you said you were sitting but was getting in and out difficult?

Angela

Hi Angela,

Actually I've just come back from a trial run myself. I've been staying at my parents since the op as its closer to the hospital and also my wife already has her hands full with our 1 year old boy. I'm planning to go back to my home tomorrow and it's about a 40 min drive. We drove 20 mins and I got out to stretch the legs and wondered round some shops and then drove back so 40 mins in total. Felt pretty comfortable to be honest and getting in and out wasn't too bad. Def more aware of the pressure on my spine as I sit. But I just walked around a few minutes and the minor stiffness went.

I wouldn't worry too much when you leave the hospital as they should give you adequate painkillers to make the journey home as comfortable as possible. They should also show you the correct technique for getting in and out the car. Does your car have leather seats? The leather makes swivelling when you get in and out a lot easier. If you don't apparently a black bin bag on the seats helps with the swivel motion.

Hugh

Whoooa my Togu wedge cushion has just arrived. I'll report back on how effective it is.