Hi Angela,

Did you ever have a discectomy?

Hopehasgone

I saw the neurosurgeon in March and was put on the list for a laminectomy and a possible discectomy. The prospects were not very good for me and I felt at the time the risks were too high so after thought took myself off the list. I then after another month decided I probably would have to go ahead and went back to the neurosurgeon who was very helpful and I have now said I will have the op in October whilst I could see if it had gone away by itself, to give me a chance to lose a stone before an anaesthetic and to have some more physio to see if that would change the picture. He told me that at my age it would not go away but I was determined to try.

It hasn't and I have in the last couple of days realised I am getting worse and need the op sooner than October if possible. I however know that there will be an 8-10 week waiting list, one reason being I cannot have the op in the spinal theatre but will have to have it in the main theatres in case of any complications. The waiting list for this is longer.

That story sounds complicated and you are very worried anyway so I feel I shall have to expand it. I am not in the same situation as I think you are probably in. I am 70 and it is quite unusual apparently to get a slipped disc anyway but this has caused a large bulge of my spine. I have also got spinal stenosis - in older people the spinal channel narrows. This may not cause trouble but in my case he points out when showing me the scan that quite apart from the current trouble with disc in two other places this narrowing is great enough to cause trouble by itself eventually, and thirdly I have also got osteo arthritis of the bottom of my spine which is a family thing. He therefore intends to do a laminectomy to decompress the spinal channel and will try to do a discectomy when he sees what the situation is but does say I may have calcified and he will not be able to chip away at it. When I saw him the first time he said the chances of success were 60-70% but on the letter to GP he said 50-60% - you have probably been given 90 or 95% so a different ball game. He does however, think he will be able to remove the nerve pain which is in both legs and get me standing upright again but he is not over hopeful for the disc. These odds plus the other risks put me off initially.

You may think that at my age why bother but until this I did think 70 was the new 50, and I really cannot be saddled with taking drugs for the rest of my life which leave me sleepy and not always as with it as I would like. I also think (know really) that the spinal stenosis will get worse if I don't give it a try. I trust my surgeon and it happens to be the same hospital as Yogi has been for her ops, and despite her troubles she thinks they are very good. So ...... I am going for it. He has pointed out the risks which they have to do but I am just putting them out of my mind. Just think of the list of horrible risks people are given when they are just going for an endoscopy. I think you must do the same and bear in mind that very very few cases go wrong and those that do it is not usually the risks but the fact not everyone gets their 90% success rate in respect of pain but hey anything is good I feel.

Not sure that helps you as my case a little different. Currently the numbness is one of my thighs is really bothering me. I have discovered that numbness does not mean pain free. It is numb to the touch but in bed it burns like mad. I cannot cope with all this.

Angela

hi angela

the kids are still off school this week so would it be ok next week, at least we can have a conversation and not feel rude if either of us yawn ha ha ive never felt so tired in my life sooner im of these meds the better, ill give yo a bell early next week clare xxx

Hi Clare
That is fine - I thought that would be the case. We are going on holiday on Thursday next week so if we can fix it it will need to be Monday to Wednesday. Can I stress again I am only coming for three quarters of an hour as that is probably our limit but if you think that is too much we will make it less. Anyway as you say phone me nearer the time.

I too am staggered by the tiredness and I am on less drugs than you. I get so tired I end up totally confused sometimes then it passes off (if I haven't dropped off to sleep by then. Yesterday was the limit. I was working at Stepping Hill and the pain and tiredness was so great afterwards don't know how I made up home, even with husband driving. I could not face an evening meal and went to bed at 6.30 pm. In the middle of the night, cannot remember whether it was our 2.15 am teabreak or the 5.30 am one I said I cannot do this anymore must do it sooner. Husband said it is your decision but I am pleased to hear you say that. I said I would phone Hope after the holiday and ask if I can go back on the list but have been persuaded to phone this week as it will be an 8-10 week wait.

How much numbness do you get. When one of my legs started to go numb several weeks ago I thought at least that might mean less pain, but now if I am in bed the whole thigh area goes numb and I get this dreadful burning sensation. However tired I am this means not sleeping well at night as the feeling is even worse than pain. At other times it is just numb. Why, why, why did I take myself off the list?

Angela

hi angela

45 mins next week is fine by me:)

think the burning is inflammation i had a root block while i was in hospital last time and it's been great for central back pain because that was the inflammation but because disc is almost on top of my nerves it's not worked for leg pain i also think that l5 and s1 nerves are involved because im getting nerve pain in different parts of my foot, with me before my very first discectomy i use to get numbness and pain so it can happen but it sounds to me angela that your nerves are very inflammed with that burning pain, it,s weird my burning pain pain i get in central back but like i said that's been ok since root block but not for leg pain, i get numbness in toes and foot and other places in leg but also still get pain.

you go and phone salford and tell them you want it done sooner not sure did you say you already phoned tham? my brain is like a marsemellow lol love clare xxxxx;)

Morning ladies!

Is next weeks get together a private thing or is anyone allowed to come? If anyone can come ill put my Rio kit on and show off my legs aswell as bring the music with the crescendo being "We are the Champions"!!

U-N-I-T-E-D!!

Haha, in all seriousnes glad to see you both getting together for a support network, think its great!

Lovely day out there today, hopefully that alone will make you both feel in tip top shape for the day ahead!

Love to you both aswell as Em and Hopehasgone!

Be lucky!!

Hi Rob

Its a bit far but feel free to join us. We are both in need of a bit of a giggle. Yes it is great to be meeting up with Clare.

GREAT NEWS! IVE DONE IT - GOT MY BLUE BADGE. Well not actually got it but it is in the post I believe.

Angela

hi angela
that'a great news about your badge you deserve it, i have been almost pain free today not counting my chickens but the mixture of the slow release oxycontin and liquid maybe working along with my other mixture lol.

love clare

rob when do you go away im so jealous you will have a ball xxxx

Feeling positive though in a lot of pain this evening. Have worked this morning on the dental examinations (I hasten to say as a communications patient) and sitting in a dentist's chair for four hours taken its toll. However the dentist I was paired with has had the same operation with great success. Only took him six weeks to get back to work. A few years later and still fine playing badminton and squash. Then at the coffee break another dentist I know came to talk to me and her mother had the op at 80! Has lost her list and walking well. You cannot believe how these two conversations cheered me only marred by one of the other com patients who had the op last year and it failed. Nevertheless the whole thing was fairly positively. The whole thing though made me realise how much of this is about.

Working Saturday and Sunday but then that is it until after my op. Finding it a struggle now and only the thought of going on holiday on Thursday keeping me going.

Glad you had a good day Clare.

Angelaxxx

Where is everyone? Not sure has Rob gone away now. I am having a quiet day today to get over weekend, whilst thinking about my packing. Also trying to contact hospital as secretary was on holiday last week.

Clare - am I coming tomorrow? If so don't forget to phone and give me your address.

Angela

hi angela

i felt a pop in back yesterday been in horrendous pain since can't even touch my back softly without it running down leg hubby has to stay off work again i can defo feel the disc above buttock area ive only two weeks till op it cant come soon enough not sure whether it was a pop it felt weird like the disc moved spoke to my lovely consultant he told me not to let any other doc go near me if i need to go in cos he doesn't want a emergency decompression op but if it turns to be ces then obviously it would have to be done.

my address is 5 thorsby close off red acre road off abbeyhey lane that's the front of my house your hubby can go for a lovely walk down to park from the back of my house please still call tomorrow my sister is having my little man can't even take care of him it will be so nice to meet you you will have to excuse to house not been able to do my usual clean.

see you tomorrow xxxx

hi angela

i forget to say as you were leaving thanks for the flowers it was very kind of you and also it was lovely meeting you and your husband. enjoy your trip

love clare xxx

Hi Clare
Yes it was great getting together if only for a short time. I feel we know one another now and know we will support one another through our ops.

I heard from the secretary at Hope a few minutes ago. She is going to have a word with the surgeon and put me back on the list for op end of August/early Sept if possible. He is away mid July to mid August. She asked when we are back and is also going to book a pre-op for me early July. Very happy about this. I know I keep coming back to how foolish I have been ........ but no use thinking that now.

If you are in hospital for a week to 10 days I could come and see you one afternoon if you have no other visitors. Peter would be happy to drive me over and drink coffee in the cafeteria there!

love, Angelaxxx

hi angela
im so glad that you may get sorted sooner then october:)

and yes id love you to come and visit me it will be lovely to see you but only if your up to it,

once op is over ill send a message probably on the next day and tell you how it went and then you can come anytime, the visiting hours there are 2-8 ill be on m2 spinal ward.

well you have a lovely time and hope your not in too much pain just relax and and pamper yourself

love clare xxxxxxxxxx

hi

just to say i have become a lot worse my eyes are swolen from lack of sleep but at least iv'e not got too long to wait.

rob and emlou hope you are doing ok xxx

angela safe journey xxxxxxxx

love clare xxx

Hi all

Clare I am so sorry. I picked up the vibes that you were in a lot of pain the other day, and if you are worse still poor you.

We have reached Premier Inn Dunstable the first 140 miles behind me. I ache all over and am about to have a lie down to ease my back before we go to the restaurant for a meal.

Emlou ad Rob - hope you are both OK

Angela

Hi gang!!

Apologies!!!!..........Profusely!!!!!!!!!

I dont go away until 5th August, ive just been working so hard and nights too, hence why im writing this at 4am!! I tend to sleep all day and work from about 3pm-3am!

No excuses! Just been selfish!! However i have not forgotten the 25th June 2013! The day the world changes for the better by 50% when Claire has her op and then sometime in late August/early Sept when the other 50% becomes better and Angela has hers!!

I have been having my osteo fortnightly until Wed of this week but i have now stopped it altogether and will only be returning when and if I feel i need a top up. No back pain, little leg pain, zero pins and needles! The worse thing is sneezing! That involuntary movement kills me in the hamstring where i only recieve pain now.

Love y'all!!

Still want that party when your both fixed! I dont mind travelling 200 miles!! (Aslong as United are at home and i have a ticket, lol)

Take care

Rob

Hi Rob - we may hold you to that!! Except to say I am a City supporter!!

Arrived the second 130 miles to Dover. Now only a 10 minute trip todayto the port.

Hope things are at least reasonable Clare

Angela

hi angela im not too bad

hope your not in too much pain really hope you enjoy your trip, im feeling not all bad today so im getting to push me around asda to get my bits for hospital he's no patience and not looking forward to our outing, my wheelchair was supposed to arrive yesterday lunchtime but didn't by the time i get it ill be doing cartwheels, but the wheelchairs in asda are great because you can clip a preety good size basket on to it, i find sitting in them causes intense pain afterwards but price ill pay.

anyway angela you go and relax

love clare xxxxxxxxxxxxxx

Boo!! @ City!!!

This is how it feels to be City
This is how it feels to be small
This is how it feels when your team wins nothing at all!
Nothing at all!!

U-N-I-T-E-D!!

LOL!

ha ha rob did you see my plague on my facebook pics? should have shown angela while she was round the other day but i did not know she was a blue then x

Hi angela I really hope your enjoying your trip and relaxing im looking at hols for next year not gonna book yet but may do once im back in work and earning again. Take care clare xx

Sorry I haven't posted for a while, life been a bit hectic, kids unwell and husband home for a short trip and back at work full time. I finally feel as though I'm getting my life back ( stress and all, funny how back to work means back to super women !!)
I'm feeling a lot better sciatica reducing all the time and found myself bending this week ( had to tell myself off). Missed exercises one day due to a trip with my eldest to a&e and suffered with a lot of stiffness so another lesson learned.

Rob, pleased to hear things are still positive for you, hope your dad is doing well.

Angela, enjoy your trip and hope you do get slotted in for surgery sooner than previously planned.

Clare, sorry to hear you've taken a turn for the worst, at least surgery within sight now. Take care and lee your chin up,my thoughts are with you .

Em xx

hi em

sorry about your kids being unwell, really nice to hear from you so glad you are doing well,

as for me not gonna moan too much but in a lot of pain things have took a turn for the worse next week can't come quick enough i won't be waiting long as im the only one on the list as it's gonna take some time not sure if i told you but i have a lovely new surgeon as my previous one doesn't do fusions which is good as i didn't like him too much but my new one is lovely and i met his second in command he is yum yum lol.

have wheelchair coming today although i can't sit for long im gonna need it especially this week i need to go out and few bits. mother in law calling to get owen today im at the point where i can't look after him anymore.

well hope your family is ok and speak soon

love clare xxxxxxxxxxx

from the arctic circle (I hope)

Hi all

Having a good time on ship though a little different to normal holidays as taking things very easy. Really enjoying my thermal suite pass and lie amongst palm trees and tiling with peacocks, looking out at the sea. The very best thing there however are the ceramic tiled heated shaped beds. The amazing thing is that I have slept really well without pain after using them. Though sadly the pain returns when I move round next day. Still should be very thankful for small mercies, or indeed big ones as I have not slept without pain since early December.
Rob. City forever!!! My great grandfather and grandfather went to City from when it was started in around the 1880,s long before United was even a twinkle in someone’s eyes!!! So it has gone on right down to my grandchildren though I must admit that though I went as a child from the age of 4 up to early teens have not really been a serious supporter since. My two grandsons were enrolled as junior City supporters at two days old and my Scottish daughter in law raised on Hamilton Acci’s told them they were sixth generation supporters and no choice. But my son generously told them that as they live between Bolton and Blackburn he would not keep them to it if they wanted to support one of those two like their schoolfriends. However, he did stipulate it had to be one of the three and let them understand from the start that they could not be MU fans, or at least he would not take them to MU matches unless it was a Derby. The rivalry dies hard doesn’t it?
Clare. You are nearly there and expect you are counting the hours now. Thinking of you every day. Keep your chin up.
Emlou. Glad you are back though sorry your children have been ill. Do not overdo things at work.

Angela

hi angela

so lovely hearing from you really have missed you, so glad your enjoying your trip obviously not the pain part,

yes im all set been out in wheelchair got my new pj's and bits have to say though i do pay for sitting in it, sorry for this but iv'e really become worse pain wise can't even dress my own little man im taking all my meds but im only getting a couple of hours a night as every position i stay in is very painful.

anyway you enjoy the rest of your trip, and if you are still up to it id love you to come and visit me iv'e said what ward ill be on on previous post.

luv ya clare xxxxxxxxxxxx

and em really hope your ok and still on the road to recovery xx

hi angela

i hope youv'e not ended up in the bermuda triangle lol

i really hope you enjoyed you well deserved trip and hope your pain hasn't been too bad

love clare xxx

Hi Clare
I am sending this message a little early because connection here in North Noway is a bit variable and I would hate to not be in touch before the big day.
I know that you must have mixed feelings at present – on the one hand relief that Tuesday is nearly here and on the other the thought of a third op. You are going to be fine – you like and trust your surgeon and he sounds really on your side. As you yourself have said he Is one of the top ones there. Hopefully you will quickly get on to less medication which will be wonderful in itself. I don’t know exactly what has been posted as I am keeping strictly to our thread as time is expensive onboard internet but felt I had to read the one by Brillo. Just stop reading them except for our thread and the one with Wend now until after the op.
On Tuesday I shall be thinking of you all day. If you are still in I shall probably come on Monday afternoon. Incidentally what is your surname. I shall look silly at the desk asking for Yogi or Clare!!!
Bye for now.
With much love Angelaxxxx

hi angela
my surname is duffy it will be ward m2, i may still be in then as surgeon did say a week to ten days, tuesday can't come quick enough pain has intensified immensely, like i said the only thing im worried about is the surgery lasting 8-12 hours but it will be worth it please god, but angela only come if your up to it and also i hope your not in too much pain now during your trip.

lot's of love clare DUFFY lol xxxx