Posted , 4 users are following.
Hi guys,
Exactly 1 week ago I had a microdiscectomy on l4/l5 to remove s herniated disc crushing my spinal cord.
My sciatic nerve was crushed and I have been unable to walk and have been in constant agonizing pain for six months.
I am still having burning pins and needles in my ankle and lower leg even though the nerve is no compressed.
Will this be here forever or fade in time????
0 likes, 7 replies
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.
Peonygirl1 Vic1979
Posted
Hi Vic, so very sorry for the horrific pain you are dealing with. I cannnot tell you if you will be dealing with this long term or not. I have chronic nerve pain issues and tried going to regular Drs but in the long run you might want to seek the expertise of pain management Drs. Your problem now PAIN. This is your to fix issue now. It might help you to think of yourself as a WARRIOR (a full time job) fighting to find ways to cope with this situation which takes determination and so changes your lifestyle. I send my best wishes to you and your loved ones. This is such a hard battle hold on to those or anything you hold dear that will help you to cope. I am sad this has happened to you. There is an incoming extra big hug coming your way. 🍀🍀🍀🍀
bigmama1 Vic1979
Posted
Hi Vic, sorry to hear that you are suffering after having your operation. I also have just received, finally, my date, 14 March, for that same operation! Mine is for a prolapsed disc which is pressing on my nerve roots. Acute pain all down my right side similar to sciatica. I have had this pain a long time and now have to use a wheelchair when I go outside. (I manage to get around slowly indoors by using a walking stick). I can only suggest that you go back to your GP and ask him if this pain and discomfort you have will gradually fade? If he doesn't know or is unable to help with medication, he can refer you back to see the Consultant.
Your operation was very recent and hopefully you will soon return back to normal.
My thoughts are with you wishing you best wishes for your recovery.
Vic1979 bigmama1
Posted
Hi, thanks for your reply.
I saw my GP yesterday and she said it will ease over time as the internal tissues and nerves will still be bruised.
I have to go back and see the neurosurgeons in 3 months so hopefully things have settled.
Why haven't they operated on you sooner as yours is a serious case and urgent in my mind.
Good luck, you won't regret having the surgery!
bigmama1 Vic1979
Posted
I totally agree! After continual requests to my so call GP, to be referred to a specialist, it didn't happen for quite a while. even though I was in a wheelchair in her surgery! She told me that I "should do more exercise because if I didn't I would loose my muscle strength"! I could hardly walk because of the pain! She then told me to get out in the garden and do some gardening! I left the surgery in tears and refuse to see her ever again!
A few few days later I was in so much pain my husband called for an ambulance and I was admitted on a ward. I was told by a consultant that he would like to operate on my spine and first he had requested for a CT scan of my spine. Later, after having the CT scan he told me that I had a large bulge on my spine due the delay of being referred! He also told me that they had discovered that I had a blood clot in my lung and I would be put on Warfarin for 6 months before he operated.
He had had previously asked me why I had left it so long and when I told him what my GP had said to me he just shook his head in amazement!
So after completing my 6 months on Warfarin I have been waiting for an appointment to go back since September! So I've had the Christmas delay then my husband and I became ill for 3 weeks with the virus which was going around! I have been phoning the Admissions Department often as I know the Consultant told me I was on his urgent list. Then my hospital was in crisis due to this virus and they didn't have any available beds! Until last Friday, I had good news telling me an admission date! 14th March so not too long now!
i sometimes wonder why I have such bad luck with my health. I've had a mastectomy and 2 other cancer operations, a large growth in my abdomen removed also! I have never smoked or drunk alcohol either! I have a body of scars but as I'm age 75 now I think I'm not doing too bad!
I am sorry to bore you with all my details but it's to tell you and whoever else might like to know, that I believe wholeheartedly in the NHS and thank all the doctors and staff within our NHS for keeping my alive.
Best wishes for your recovery.
Vic1979 bigmama1
Posted
Stupid GP, she has obviously never felt pain her life, especially not back pain.
Im 37 and a working single mother of 3 kids and I could barley stand let alone do any exercise or bloody gardening!!!! I felt 24/7 pain for 7 months and it's ruled my life and I ended my relationship because I didn't have the energy for it
bigmama1
Posted
Just an update on my previous replies. Yes, I finally had my operation recently on 14 March 2017. This was for a microdiscetomy for a prolapsed disc. Well I am home now and am a bit sore in the back and part of my calve is aching. I have seen the surgeon again and he told me that the aching, like a pulled muscle, is the nerves becoming free again. I must admit the leg and sore back is causing me to have restless nights. I was informed that this will happen in the whole leg and get plenty of exercise. Shame really, I was hoping to be finally free of pain but it looks like it will take a bit longer.
Now, on a personal matter, due to all the pain killers I've been having I have had terrible constipation! I will leave you all with this thought as it doesn't require any more details!
Best wishes and and good luck with all your problems. My thoughts are with you all.
pippa08082 Vic1979
Posted
Hi VIC
I had the same problem 4 years ago I had a prolapse that trapped my spinal chord. I had emergency surgery, However the surgery went wrong and the surgeon caused a tear and cut through some nerves that he should have avoided. Although I was aware that the surgery could cause problems. It was not until 4 months later that I realised my leg and foot pain was not improving. I was prescribed gabuoentin which I take high doses of each day. I've seen lots of specialists since the operation but I know that if the nerves haven't healed after about a year; then unfortunately the damage is forever. You should ask your consultant whether they cut nerves during your op and discuss your pain with them.