Prolapsed disc at L5 - sciatica
Posted , 6 users are following.
Hi , this is my first time here. I've read a few horror stories already and am hoping to make a full recovery... hope im not being too naive!
Im 34 and have been off work the past 5 weeks. I had been having some pain in my left leg for a number of months and had been prescribed some co-codamol by the doctor, which to be honest made no real difference.
I went back to the doc who referred me for physio but from what i gather that wont be available for another two or three months yet (waiting list).
However i paid to see a private physio who was able to tell me i have a prolapsed disc at L5. I have had various therapy treatments so far with no progress. Ive also had some traction and am due for more next week so im hoping that this will do the trick.
Im currentlytaking Co-codamol 30/500mg. The maximum dosage is 8 tablets in any 24 hour period. I seem to only get relief after taking 4 of these, although it does make me feel quite sick for the first half hour.
The worst time seems to be the mornings. When i get out of bed , my back is leaning to the left and i am also leaning forward. It takes a long time to get anywhere near straight, not to mention the pain involved in doing this. (the exercises advised by physio).
The pain eases to a degree after the tablets kick in, and also when walking or standing up straight. It all comes back though if i sit down or try to drive.
I am quite lucky in the fact that my work will pay me full pay for the first six months of beinf off sick. However, i dont want to be off any longer than required.
I'd be grateful if anyone recognises any of these symptoms and could point me in the right direction, as its very frustratinh when you dont seem to be making any progress.
I am considering going private to see a consultant and having an MRI done. Can anyone tell me how much this might cost and if it is indeed worth it ?
Thanks in anticipation
Ali
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0 likes, 23 replies
Guest
Posted
I had a prolapse of L5S1 last Thursday, I went to see my GP who referred me to a neurosurgeon that evening as I was in pain and was having difficulty passing urine. I had an MRI that evening and spent 5 nights in hospital, I was discharged yesterday.
I'm at home and trying to cope with the pain, my doctor has me on Morphine and diclofenac with paracetamol. I have physio starting i a week and we are taking it from there.
I can understand the pain most of you are in and you have my full sympathy.
John
Guest
Posted
anyway i do hope your feeling ok, don't forget to let us know ok,
take care, and take it easy, mandy[/quote:0e4188d256]
Guest
Posted
Hi Mandy
I did have the operation on 06 August and am now 3.5 weeks post op and I have to say I feel wonderful.
I had a complication during surgery (a small CSF leak) w hich was repaired and this was repaired during my surgery but it meant that I had to be in bed for 48 hrs post op. When I woke up in recovery my first thought was 'I still had leg pain' and thought it hadn't worked. I was told by the surgeon that this was normal as the nerve was inflamed. I was discharged 2 days later and told to lie for three weeks and start sitting on the 4th week. The first week was quite depressing as the leg pain was really sore and I had to walk it off every morning and it was really sore at night as well. After the first week it started to diminish and eventuall while lying I couldn't feel any pain. I am now in approaching week 4 and have introduced sitting which again has produced pain in the leg but it is diminishing day by day. Having the operation was the best thing I did. I now have no back pain and the leg pain although still there is manageable and is diminishing as each day goes by.
I had another complication this week. While in hospital they told me that the stitches were dissolvable but they weren't so the wound got all inflamed and skin started to grow over the stitches. I had to have them cut out and it was the most painful thing, I nearly passed out. The wound is all crusty and red at the moment but is getting better as each day goes by now.
As for getting the treatment so quickly (well thank god for BUPA) or I would still be waiting. I have BUPA through my work and that is the only reason I was able to be seen quickly. My surgeon is a miracle worker and I just know that I am well on the way to recovery. I just have to make sure I don't do anything stupid that would cause a reherniation but after all I have been through I am not about to waste all the good work of the surgeon. I am attending physiotherapy and they are brill but due to the wound I am not able to do much of the exercises yet as it hurts the wound but in a couple of days I will be doing all that has been asked of me. I see the surgeon again on 01 October 07 and hopefully all will be well.
I do hope that you feel better soon and that you don't have to wait too long for your op. You will never look back. :D
daisymoo
Posted
4 weeks laying down~~ :shock: , omg how have you coped with that!! i've just had op on my foot and told complete rest for 3 days~ and that reduced me to tears!! lol :wah: (wot a baby i am!) lol, i think it's a mixture of pain and frustration, anyway its much better, don't know how i'll cope with my neck op!!! should be funny!
i don't feel so nervous now, thank you so much, i'm sure when people read how you've done they will feel the same,
take care, and take it easy :cheerup:
mandy
gail
Posted
jessica_78456 Guest
Posted
I have a few health issues but I won't bore you with them , I ve lots of issues with my back . 3 yr ago I had a spinal block didn't work .doctor was reluctant to operate, but had no choice as 5 months later L4 and L5 burst and collapsed,emergency op for me . Still suffer with my backas degenerative disc disease, suffering terrible with lower bck last few month , asked my doctor to refer me to private hospital via nhs as getting no where, with nhs . He happily. Complied . In the meantime the nhs consultant I am under, wrote bck to be and referd me for MRI, with in a wk of writing to him had MRI done . Still waiting on results but doc belives it's another prolapsed disc, appointment with private doc next wk , complain to nhs complaints if yr not getting anywhere
jessica_78456 Guest
Posted
Totally sympathise, you've Defo need a MRI yr doctor can refer you to a private hospital. I've previously had a emergency op on L4/L5 . Were partially removed . I have degenerative disc diease and fibromyalgia. Las test MRI s bulging disc c5/c6 dessicsted discs l4/L5 L5/s1 dried and shrunk . Suffering all symptoms you are.but not am unable to sit stand and walk for long at all , spend most of my time lying down slightly elicited with cushions under my head , was referred to a private hospital by my doc as my leg an bum is mum and felt that the nhs hospital were not working quick enough. Back tomorrow to see what the neurosurgeon suggest. Good luck but pester the doctor and hospital constantly.
NK04743 Guest
Posted
I see patients like you every day.
Drugs like Co-codamol make people feel sick and constipate and still in just as much pain. It is pointless taking it.
You need an MRI scan.
No physiotherapist in the world can tell you what is wrong with you. Yes, they can estimate an affected nerve root but without an MRI scan you don't know what's irritating it.
Go and see someone and get it investigated and fixed. I suggest a spinal surgeon, or an interventional pain specialist.