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HELP! 3 small children and a disc prolapse....

Posted , 4 users are following.

Jema
Jema

How happy am I to find this site!

I haven't had the chance to read through many posts but if/when my 1 year old goes to sleep I may just get the chance!

I am particularly eager to hear from any experinces anyone has on the difficulties of looking after small children whilst suffering back problems.

I have had problems of this kind for about 6 years and in each pregnancy, and after each birth the problem worsened. My daughters are 3 and 5 and my son is 1.

About 4 months ago I noticed a real deterioration in the pain levels mainly in lower back/pelvic area. I tried Physio (which I have had on/off over the years) but ended up getting so bad I virtually collapsed one morning and ended up at A and E.

No prizes for guessing it was a disc prolapse and this was accompnied by the most horrendous sciatic pain down the whole of my left leg and into the foot. I also lost the ankle refex and had severe numbness too. The hospital physio treated me for a few weeks but seeing no improvement referred me to am Orthapedic Surgeon who I saw today after an MRI.

The scan comfirmed a large prolapse in the L5/S1 area and seemed very negative about the fact that this would get much better. Fortunately I am not in so much pain as I was and on most days it is manageable although still very much present and limiting. He seeemd to be pushing for surgery but also suggested an Epidural. He said there was no point trying any further Physio for this kind of problem.

At the moment I am at a loss as to what to do. The last few months have presented a huge nightmare in terms of the fact I am unable to pick up my (very heavy and no-where near walking) 1 year old. Fortunataly my husband works from home and can do a lot but there is of course all the school 'runs'/buggy pushing type activities which I struggle with. We get very little outside/family help.

I just wondered if any of you are Mums (or indeed Dads!) who have shared similar experiences. I am feeling really alone with all this and can't really see a way forward at the moment. sad

Best wishes to you all.

0 likes, 4 replies

4 Replies

  • Guest
    Guest

    Posted

    Jema,

    Hi I'm 34 and have a 6 and 4yr old. My 4yr old suffers from a condition which makes her fall over alot so when I started with my prolapse it was awful not being able to pick her up to comfort her. I have since learnt to come down to her level and cuddle her that way without putting any strain on my back. Four weeks after the op I had a relapse and was in absolute agony but I had the nerve block and touch wood I have been great ever since (2mths since nerve block). I would definately recommend both treatments but if I had the choice again I would try the nerve block before op but I appreciate it doesn't work for everyone. Best of luck Jazzy

  • Guest
    Guest

    Posted

    I have a 9 year old with behavioural difficulties so I know how you feel. I had an epidural which has worked and am now waiting for surgery on the urgent waiting list but hey NHS!!! so who nows when!!! Still have to take painkillers as my back hurts (not as much as before the epidural) quite a bit. I can't remember June, the amount of drugs was amazing and to a certain extent still is. I am having to cancel holidays which I have paid for, also I start Uni in September which may have to cancel if they haven't done the op by then. I am only 30 and without my mum, I would neve have got through this. I hope you have someone to rely on.
  • gail
    gail

    Posted

    hi kelly-ann gail here, just wondering when you were put on the \"urgent\" waing list? i saw the ns last mon 9th and he told me he,d put me on the \"urgent\" list and that i would have my surgery (cervical 2 level didcectomy c5&6) within a few weeks. i phoned the hospital this morning to see if an appointment had been made as we all know arrangements have to be made whilst in hospital and for recovery at home, they told me there was nothing on the computer!!! got really :evil: so phoned the surgeons secretary, and left a message still waiting for a reply. this is so not funny they are dealing with peoples lives,like you my life has been put on hold(god knows if i,ll have a job to go back to) my only consiation is my children are grown up, it must be so difficult with small children. I to had to cancel my hols(so not funny). oh well theres always next year if we,ve had the surgerey by then(bit of sarcasam) take care. let us know how things are progressinggailx
  • SES
    SES

    Posted

    Hi there All .....

    I have ddd and my appointment for the Pain clinic was classed as urgent and guess what....... 11 weeks waiting time, I wouldn't say thats urgent :evil: when I had my mri that was classed as urgent too and I waited 4 weeks I had to phone regular so orthopedic would make appointment (good thing to do Gail ...keep pestering the department!!!!!) results came back two weeks later....... Yes back and hip problems aren't dealt with quickly its a joke... yes Jazzy and Jena I have problems lifting my heavy son (hes 1 and a half and hes very broad, was 91lb 1oz born lol, built like a rugby player my dad says) very frustrating!!!

    I am scared of the epidural block Kelly-ann and Jazzy, as when I had my son I had a local c-section and they couldn't find the spacing, felt like I had a thousand vaults of electric going through my nerve endings, they tried this seveal times ....took at least 10 mins.....but as it was I didn't know I had ddd Jan 06 so I am hoping there is another alternative.

    Anyway I hope you all are having a good day!!!!

    Regards

    Sara :cheerup:

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