Pain is coming back

Thankyou for your reply. Today I have started my usual way by doing my stretches from physio, took some pain medication. I decided to give my cross trainer a go too while practicing tilting my pelvis and holding in my belly (I have stenosis also which is what caused my prolapse). Where can I find a belt? I am a larger lady, would I be able to get one big enough?

I was doing so well, my pain was minimal, but I'm getting so much worse again it's scary.

Hi,

My belt i got it by prescription from my surgent so they measure you and give u a special belt that fit u.

I got another supporting back belt for my mom from a medical supply store. They have big sizes so it shouldn't be a problem.

Just be careful not overdo activity as the surgery is still healing internally. My dr was saying i have to be extra careful for 3 months with no bending or twisting or long sitting/driving.

So take it easy so it heal well.

I've been trying so hard not to over do it. 8 have 3 children ages 3, 4, and 7 so there is always something to be done. I've been getting less help since my surgery, despite me asking for help from anywhere I can. I'm having to pay for my youngest to go to playgroup 3 mornings a week starting next Tuesday, I can't really afford it but I need the rest. By the time I eventually have my "2 weeks post op review" I'll be 3 months post op, but I will still ask about a brace/support. I've been looking at getting a job, but I worry with me being in and off with the pain will be unemployable

It's such a shame despite something that really does change your life, we don't get help. I've even gone to social services to ask for help, and been turned down three times. It's incredibly hard. The Dr thinks I may be relapsing unfortunately

Hi Terrie

Hope you don't mind me asking a few questions about your op. It's been a real fight and I paid for own mri and epidural due to no pain meds working. I have now been seen by an nhs orthopedic surgeon who said I was a candidate for a microdiscectomy on L5. I am so scared to make the decision as there is so much to consider. I understand the epidural is just pain relief and will not last forever. My husband does not want me to go ahead but my quality of life is so compromised. Saying that he would like me back at work for financial reasons lol. Still have to take Co codomol despite epidural. Have been told not to over do thinks and twist- Any advice if I go for the surgery on the do's and don'ts for recovery.

Cheers

Sam x

Hope all is good with you.

Ask away, I'm happy to answer any questions to help you make an informed decision.

For me, It was a discectomy, there were no other options since all else had failed, I had no relief from an epidural, I also had the one directly into my nerve ending via xray on my second hospital admission for pain management. I was nearly immobile, so I had nothing to lose.

The operation itself was very quick, under 2 hours. Recovery was good, I was up early hours because I refused to use a bed pan, which is very quick post op. I could walk to next day, although it was difficult since I had barely walked at all for 2 months other than to use the toilet. I did find I struggled with hot flushes and generally ill feeling for a few days, but I put that down to the anesthetic.

I've done physiotherapy which is a must, they'll teach you the best ways to move, sit, stand, and some exercises to do daily. Swimming is also good post op, no swimming on your front, but swimming on your back or walking in the water helps build strength in your core which is essential for recovery.

If the cocodamol doesn't help pair it with anti inflammatory painkillers too, try to alternate to get a good build up of pain relief. If the epidural didn't work they may suggest the other injection I mentioned before surgery which is generally a last resort.

Depending in your job you can probably go back 4-6 weeks post op, as long as you are careful, you will be able to sign off sick but only get statutory sick pay.

I hope this helps you, any more questions feel free to ask

X

Hi Sinead

I unfortunately have had a relapse two years later and will be seeing my surgeons on Monday ..I'm worse than before and may have done more damage than previously as my foot is starting to go numb .my gp wanted me to to to a&e but since I have my appointment Monday il wait.There's no help at all when your like this its a nightmare.Hopefully your on the mend and haven't reherniated x

My pain is still getting worse, it had me up last night and I just couldnt get comfortable. I find doing much in the day causes a lot of pain after, and I really don't do that much. I'm struggling with socks and shoes again now because I struggle to wiggle my toes and lift my leg up to put them on. I'm dreading relapse, but I think it's coming, I don't want to be immobile again not with 3 young children who need me. How severe are your symptoms of you don't mind me asking?

Hi Sinead

My left leg is extremely weak I knew there was something wrong but I seen the surgeon who preformed my previous discectomy yesterday and he's making room on his list for me next week for epidural injection to try take some of the inflammation down he said he's not hopeful that it will work and said he thinks il have to have a fusion 😢

Hi sazzie42

Unfortunately I have gone back to square one wih my own back and it looks like I'm heading for a fusion my surgeon thinks .I've paid for Mri epidural etc in past was even going to pay for the discectomy but I was lucky in the end to actually get my op done by one of the top surgeons here in Ireland. I seen him yesterday again and he's going to bring me in next week and do an injection but he thinks I'm heading for fusion .Hope your ok and your pain is not too bad it's very depressing trying to get through it !