1. Community
  2. Bones, joints and muscles
  3. Disc Prolapse

How long

Posted , 3 users are following.

donna97909
donna97909

I had my operation just over 4 weeks ago , how long does it take for the nerve pain to recover.

I have no pain in my back , just the nerve pain in my leg still in pain .

I know recovery a slow process, I don't go back to hospital till the 12th July . So just thought I ask anyone that can give me a idea how long it takes

Thanks

0 likes, 7 replies

7 Replies

  • Scotland_disc
    Scotland_disc donna97909

    Posted

    Hi Donna

    I think because it's the nerve it's not an easy answer or the same for everyone. Has your physio started yet? Mine started at 3 weeks. I am now almost 8 weeks post op. Still have some nerve pain in my thigh and leg, still lots of numbness and partial foot drop. I have a fair bit of lower back pain (I was L4/L5). But..... I don't need crutches any more! I can walk fairly well and no where near in the pain I was in. I am sleeping (mostly) much better and have been able to reduce medication by quite a lot. I am still seeing progress although it's not as obvious as it was, but definitely getting stronger. I still have a lot of weakness in my lower left leg but am hoping that will recover. I still get very tired but physio again says that's quite normal. My physio has gave me some hydrotherapy exercises to do so I'm planning to go to the pool for the first time tomorrow. It's a slow process Donna but I hope seeing this helps a bit. I am also hoping to get back to work in 3 weeks on a very gradual phased return plan. I have been off work almost 11 months. Hope this helps.

    • donna97909
      donna97909 Scotland_disc

      Posted

      Am due to see surgeon 12 July and I think he will start me doing physio. Am still taking tramadol paracetamol ibrophen.

      It's annoying me this nerve pain I was on gabapentine 300mg twice a day but I got it down to 100mg. Am wondering if I should up it again .

      I can't sit for long still and can't bath or drive yet . I know it's a slow recovery it's just this nerve pain it's getting me down a bit .

      Am glad your doing well

    • Scotland_disc
      Scotland_disc donna97909

      Posted

      Hi Donna

      I had reduced the gabapentin down from 9 a day to just 1 (300mg) but was awful, phoned gp who advised to increase to 3 a day which has definitely helped. You may be in similar position, phone your gp for advice Donna. I'm still on paracetamol and tramadol although have reduced the tramadol down to 2 or 3 a day. It's a long road and a balancing act. Physio will hopefully help you, it is with me.

      Take care

      Alison

  • Guest
    Guest donna97909

    Posted

    Hi Donna

    i think your nerve was compressed by the disc for quite a long time and so it may take a while for the inflammation to go down. I would ask your GP if he can give you some Prendnisone (a steroid) to speed that up. If that does not work, they can also inject steroids directly into your back near the nerve. That has never worked for me personally but I know people for whom it has. In fact when I first herniated my disc oral Prendnisone worked very quickly. 

    But don't freak out. Nerve recovery takes ages but it usually does happen. Just stay patient and do exactly as your doctor says and no more.

    Hth

    M

     

    • donna97909
      donna97909 Guest

      Posted

      Hey Michael, I had the steroid injection before I had operation and it didn't help.

      I will talk with my doctor and surgeon and see what pills to take etc . As no matter what tablets I take the nerve pain still there niggling me. Does ease up after pills but I can still feel it.

      Just feel down can't wait be pain free

  • sarah_jane89592
    sarah_jane89592 donna97909

    Posted

    Hi Donna hope your feeling better soon I still have pain in my both legs now and my operation was July 2016 don't see any improvement so far damaged my nerves while doing the operation and left with loads of other problems hope they did you soon good luck in the hosiptal xx

    • donna97909
      donna97909 sarah_jane89592

      Posted

      Wow Sarah that's so long ago and you still get pain , I just can't imagine your frustration.

      I got doctors next week and they need sort out the pain medication. Am taking so many so now I had write down how and what I took at certain time .

      And I see what they suggest at hospital, sitting for me the worse me back hurts.

      It really gets you down doesn't it

      I hope you get better soon what are they gonna do for you ?

Back to top

Report or request deletion

Thanks for your help!

We want the community to be a useful resource for our users but it is important to remember that the community are not moderated or reviewed by doctors and so you should not rely on opinions or advice given by other users in respect of any healthcare matters. Always speak to your doctor before acting and in cases of emergency seek appropriate medical assistance immediately. Use of the community is subject to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy and steps will be taken to remove posts identified as being in breach of those terms.