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2 lumbar discectomys and still catching pain in back

Posted , 6 users are following.

maddie32293
maddie32293

My partner is at his (and my) wits end. He was diagnosed as having a ruptured disc in 2013 and went on to have 2 spinal injections in 2014 which only aggravated the situation. He then had a lumbar discectomy in 2015 and was left with crippling pain in his back. After 6months of trying to get his surgeon to listen, he got another mri and was in for an emergency op 2 weeks later for the same thing again but it was a lot worse the 2nd time. He is now still in lots of pain in his back, however the leg/nerve pain has gone. He gets, what he describes as a 'catching' feeling and lots of pain after. This can happen when doing the smallest things like rolling over in bed. And sneezing always ends in tears. Everytime he goes to see the docs they just ask how his leg pain is, they dont have any suggestion as to what the catching pain is or why he is constantly 'wonky' when he tries to stand straight. He is getting so down with this as has now been going on for years and he is only 30, he suffers with anxiety anyway, and with this on top, he often doesnt want to carry on if you know what i mean. Has anyone else had any symptoms like this and what if any was the resolution? Please help!

0 likes, 11 replies

11 Replies

  • scott17436
    scott17436 maddie32293

    Posted

    I'd pay for another MRI privately to ensure there's no other issues present like DDD, Spondylothesis, Spinal Stenosis etc etc. I get what you're describing and it's caused by all of the above. I'm in again, for my 4th surgery on 4th January. Unfortunately, once you have one op, you have a good chance of going on to more.

    The private MRI will give you a comprehensive report and you'll then know what you're dealing with.

    • maddie32293
      maddie32293 scott17436

      Posted

      Thank you for your reply, you have suggested actual conditions which is a big leap more than the docs have. I forgot to mention no leg numbness/tingling/ soreness. However his calfs and hamstrings have always been extremely tight and stretching seems to irritate his back. Spondylothesis seems more like his symptoms, and we were discussing a private mri... might have to get saving pennies. Thanks again.
  • Laura3333
    Laura3333 maddie32293

    Posted

    Hi Maddie,

    So sad to read this, I know exactly what the catching pain is, have had it on and off for years, the slightest unusual movement like an unexpected jerk, a cough, sneeze or even washing my hair in the shower can set it off, and it's so painful for a couple of days afterwards, hardly dare move.

    There doesn't seem to be any solution, although I am so measured in everythig I do. i was told by a pain clinic consultant, it's a quick movement, that nips a nerve then lets go, that's the catching feeling, and the temporary damage lasts for a while.

    I had a decompression, followed by a fusion, years ago.

    Lots of spinal injections, didn't help. So I am left to live with it, too frightened of more surgery in case it makes me worse.

    All your poor man can do is to try and cope with it, using drugs, muscle relaxants help me when I am bad, heat, and things like tens.

    Reading Scott's post just shows that more surgery isn't always the answer. I don't think enough is known about chronic spinal pain.

    I have severe leg and coccyx pain also.

    All you can do at the moment is be supportive.

     

    • scott17436
      scott17436 Laura3333

      Posted

      You are correct about the surgery Laura. Hopefully this will be my last as it'll fully secure my S1-L4. However, I'm left with no feeling in my left thigh and right foot/ankle which won't heal. I can see me with a stick for good after this surgery as my ability to bend is already limited. It will be moreso after the 4th. Although, if it limits the day to day pain I'll try anything.

    • Laura3333
      Laura3333 scott17436

      Posted

      I really hope so for your sake Scott.

      It's an awful thing to live with, I've tried so many things, and found it hard to actually face up to the fact that nothing is going to help me, and this is it, for life. And I have to accept it or drive myself mad thinking that there is an answer to this, there isn't. Any improvement in pain would help. I sincerely hope you get some relief.

    • maddie32293
      maddie32293 Laura3333

      Posted

      Thanks laura, its just good (not good really) to hear someone else experiances the same thing, as he keeps explaining it and the docs wont even give him an explanation to what it is. I think he has come to terms with the fact that he is going to have good and bad times with it forever, its just gutting that he cant stay in work for any length of time as a self employed builder, and we have two young daughters that he cant do everything he wants to be able to with them.

      Im sorry to hear you are in the same pain, we do have an appt in the pain clinic coming up, not very soon i doubt. So will try what ever we can, although he has tried most painkillers/anti-inflammatories going. Diazepam seems the only one that does anything but thats because it knocks him out totally. Do you also have the tight hamstrings/calves?

    • scott17436
      scott17436 maddie32293

      Posted

      Tight hamstrings and calfs are a backs worst nightmare. Spire Health have a great Neck and Back clinic. I don't know if there's one close to you. They were fantastic with me and got me walking again. Anythings worth a try. Diazepam helped me greatly, as does LongTec.

    • Laura3333
      Laura3333 maddie32293

      Posted

      I've had both knees replaced, so my leg muscles aren't great.

      It's diazepam that helps me also, and doesn't knock me out, plus a cocktail of other drugs.

      My children were young when this first happened, and I never managed to do much at all with them socially, and didn't get back to work.

      If he's a builder, unless he can get a partner to do the heavy stuff, it's just not feasable to try and get back to work.

      The mental attitude is the hard thing to deal with, but t sounds as though he's getting there.

      Really you're just forced into changing your life, whether you want to or not.

      Hope the pain clinic can help him.

  • Tuckerraz
    Tuckerraz maddie32293

    Posted

    Hi Maddie,

    I'm afraid I don't have direct experience of this per se but I can sympathise with his pain. I had an ACDF at C6/7 2 years ago and I'm worse than I was before. At this stage I don't know how much is residual damage as a consequence of the problems that were there - my op was to prevent further damage and I was just told 'there may be some remaining pain'. They definitely didn't manage my expectations around that! But I can at least use my arm, which I was at severe risk of not being able to do.

    All this being said, I am currently awaiting new scans as my neck and arm appear to be getting worse and my lumbar/ sacral spine is now horrendous. Where are you based? I am in the U.K. and there is an element of relying on 'but your arm is better'. I've had to push. I'd recommend that he hugely forces the issue and demands more tests - scans etc are expensive and nobody wants that coming out of their budget unnecessarily, and unfortunately this can mean being ignored. You both need to really force matters as this level of pain he's experiencing is simply not acceptable. Ultimately, there's something not right here because whilst these ops are really unpleasant and the recovery very hard, there should be SOME evidential recovery and progress. Is he on an appropriate pain plan? Also, is he having any Physio or strengthening and mobilisation support?

    Wishing you both all the best. Sorry I couldn't be of more help, but I hope he gets what he needs.

    Tammy

  • jessica_78456
    jessica_78456 maddie32293

    Posted

    This after pain could be due to damaged nerves or scare tissues . Maybe a appointment with a neurosurgeon. If he hasn't had one already. I had a op 3 yrs ago same thing it took leg pain away . But not the back pain. Thing is doctors see any improvement as success, even it's not 100% . Well my back pain and leg pain has came back with a vengeance these last 6 months. Going in after Christmas for ether spinal fusion or discectomy again . Fusion longer op slightly more dangerous but apparently if successful. Long term relief last longer But still won't last forever. Nothing does

  • lotus71178
    lotus71178 maddie32293

    Posted

    Hi Maddie,

    So sad . In my case , I was operated for L4-L5 spinal surgery in 2000 and second time in few months back due to Sciatica. My leg pain is gone but I have still stiffened back . Even I sneeze , it creates pain in the back . Though I rejoined to the job, still I feel pain and feel difficult some times . However recently I am feeing relaxed after doing some yoga exercises. Walking is great help to ease pain ( due to flexibility in the back ). I bought a book "Low back pain program - sherwin Nicholson". Is is helpful but I can't do all exercises.These are few tips to ease pain . Hope this will help your husband to some extent . Regards

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