L4/L5 Disc prolapse - 2 failed ops
Posted , 7 users are following.
New to this site but summary of my condition
Suffered from back problem for 5 years. Various treatments - Physio, acupuncture, epidurals, etc didn't relieve the pain. MRI scan showed a bulging disc at L4 / L5.
I was offered do a disectomy which I took. Didn't relieve the symptoms so was then offered a revision. I had some quite heavy scar tissue from the 1st op but my symptoms were still no relieved.
Referred to another consultant who told me that in his opinion I wasn't bad enough to have had surgery and that over time my symptoms would be relived. Spent the next 6 months managing the pain and trying to strengthen core. I started to go to the gym at work but mainly to do stretching - not weights. About 8 weeks ago after having a few sessions at the gym I started getting severe pain around my hip area. 3 weeks ago I insisted that my private health company refer me to a specialist and had another MRI scan. Disc is prolapsed and the nerves are being squashed by the bones and disc.
Consultant believes I should have another disectomy to remove more io the disc AND bone to give the the nerves room. He is going to discuss with colleagues to see whether they agree with his diagnosis.
i have been continuing to go to work and have taken cocodamol and ibuprofen. In constan pain (around 7) but occasionally I get an attack and it goes to a 9. This morning it's finally besten me and I couldn't get out of bed.
has anyone else had 3 ops for the same issue? I'm frustrated that I've had 2 failed attempts and I'm concerned that having more surgery will just make things worse - although it doesn't feel like it can get much worse. Thoughts??
0 likes, 48 replies
sazzie42 DeanHobbs
Posted
Just wondered how you were doing tonight after your long week.
How did your meeting go today? Did you get the answers you needed?
Keep us informed
Sazzie
Take care x
DeanHobbs sazzie42
Posted
sazzie42 DeanHobbs
Posted
Fingers crossed you will have some pain relief from this.
Please keep us informed.
Have a good week.
laurie68899 DeanHobbs
Posted
DeanHobbs laurie68899
Posted
Thought I would provide an update for those interested ;-)
Last Thursday I actually had a SI Injection because despite having a L4/L5 prolapsed disc all my pain has been in the hip and pelvis area. The injection was done under a general anastethic but I was released within a few hours. Was pain free for 4 days (forgot what that was like :-)) but on day 4 I started feeling nauseous. I was told to wean myself off pain killers (Tramadol, Diazapan, ibuprofen) as stopping them can cause problems so I was still taking pain killers. After days of trying to find out what I was injected with - now finally been told - (Depo-medrone (cortisone) 80 mg and Marcaine 10 ml), the consultant has recommended I come off the tramadol. Unfortunately yesterday, I started to get a twinge in the hip area again and same today so I am thinking whatever I was given is wearing off - grrr. Pain level is only around a 2 out of 10 (it was 10/10 last week) so maybe I'm being impatient. I'll get off the pain killers ASAP but of course I still have a prolapsed DISC.
My physio suspects that in compensating for my back issue I have inflamed my SI joint and hence the pain. Ifeel one of the lucky ones that I am at least getting treatment but I am still panicking that the 10/10 oain is on it's way back.
peter28555 DeanHobbs
Posted
Hi I have had two L4/5 and S1 operations to have it fail yet again , the first time my disc prolapsed it floored me like I had been tazerd , I spent 3 months bedridden with whole body going into spasm , crawling to and from toilet in and out of A&E getting given different meds trying to convince doctors that there was a problem with my spine and that it was not my MS and yes I would have done the unthinkable to stop it , I now have worse foot drop than before this , pains down shins , in feet to, core and legs muscles weak , pelvic floor and sphincter don't work and to top it off severe impotence , that is putting a strain on my marriage , If nerves have pressure on them for too long I read that the damage done to them is irreparable , symptoms will ease but function will be lost , I've had all the meds the most effective combination was morphine liquid and tabs, baclofen and gabapentine , I'm now on reduced dosage of baclofen and gabapentine and naproxen to manage ongoing symptons as was on max dosage , I think anyone who has prolapsed discs should be operated on straight away without fail as damage to nerves may not show for years to come which then is more of a strain on the health services and not fair to the sufferer , it damages them physically and mentally , sorry for such a long post .