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Hi..is this normal following L5/S1 discectomy

Posted , 4 users are following.

crazydaisy
crazydaisy

Hiya,

I had an L5/s1 discectomy on November 1st and my recovery is going really well. I just have a query abount strange leg sensation and wondered if anyone else had experienced similar? The only way I can describe it is that it is similar to having a really big body stretch when you wake up in the morning only it happens from my waist to my knees and is completely involuntary. It only happens after getting up off my bed and taking one step. I am very careful how I get up from my bed (logrolling) and it is not dependent on how long I am lying down. It is not painful but just a very strange feeling. Looking forward to hearing from you,

Jules xx smile smile

0 likes, 3 replies

3 Replies

  • Guest
    Guest

    Posted

    Hello Jules,

    I had a L4-L5 microdiscectomy 7 months ago and although I don't remember experiencing exactly what you describe I remember experiencing some strange sensations in my left leg, not painful just different and these died down in a couple of weeks. When I spoke to my physio he said it was probably my body (muscles and bones) re-adjusting from 12 months of holding myself differently. My boss experienced phantom pains in her leg which were the memory of the pain playing tricks and went after a while. So as long as they don't get any worse and start to disappear soon I wouldn't worry-but if you're concerned at all I would contact a professional. Have you been able to ask your surgeon if it's normal? Good luck and a speedy recovery to you and congratulations on what sounds like a successful op.

    From Louise.

  • wuffy
    wuffy

    Posted

    Hi Jules

    Since my op I have had days immediately after op where I have had no pain whatsoever, then others when I have had aches in my lower back and leg and once or twice pain in my leg BUT not pain like prior to op, this time its just like a slight pain/twinge.

    Again from what I read on the net its something that people seem to go through and each person being different I guess they will experience different feelings and I think it is only natural.

    The other thing is that if u have had something resting on your sciatic nerve for a while then that nerve will be \"bruised\" to some extent and therefore that coulkd also be causing some discomfort plus the fact that u have just had an op so naturally will feel certain pains etc

    Oh and my wife happened to be looking through this site and noticed there was a Where's Wuffy topic .... well, Im here :-)

    Hope all that helps

    Russ x

  • doof
    doof

    Posted

    I'm 5 weeks post op, laminectomy, foramenectomy and discectomy L4-S1. The pain in my leg and foot has totally gone, although there has understandably been some aching in my back (bearable).

    I had the sensation you described a couple of days ago and my first thought was that the old symptons were returning. It had totally gone the next day and hasn't returned since. I think it probably is the nerves 'waking up' and stretching out a bit.

    Keep an eye on it and let your GP know if it gets worse or continues to trouble you. It can take several months for everything to settle down again.

    Hope it goes well for you

    Sandra

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