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Recurrance of sciatic pain

Posted , 29 users are following.

lisacoke
lisacoke

I had a lumbar discectomy (l5 s1) 7 weeks ago and to begin with everything was great. I've now been back at work for a week and the sciatic pain has come back down my left leg. I also have stinging pain at the op site and aches higher up my spine. Have I aggravated things by going back to work? Any advice gratefully received.

4 likes, 55 replies

55 Replies

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  • Cinzuran
    Cinzuran lisacoke

    Posted

    Hi its been my 2nd month post op from a microdiscectomy on L5-S1 level. Ive had operation last July 4 2015. I did experience this pain just last week. It is really really painful. Last week i started to feel pain erupting from my left buttocks because my job requires me to sit all day because i am a developer. Why does this pain like sciatica? Although i can still raise my leg when i am lying down. And when i started to sneeze, laugh or cough i dont experience the pain I had before i was operated. So i think chances of re herniation lessens. But why is it painful like sciatica? Please help.
    • Mariav
      Mariav Cinzuran

      Posted

      Is the pain on the same side where they cut? If so, it's still very tender and it's mist likely scar tissue. Can you sleep on that side? I could not for a long time. It's been 8 months for me and the pain on that side is getting much better. Keep doing your exercises at least every other day.. At first I was freaking out and felt that the pain was the same or worst. I had another MRI and it was fine.. Good luck!
    • Cinzuran
      Cinzuran Mariav

      Posted

      Hi mariav, actually the pain is starting from my left buttocks down to my thigh and calf. Why is this pain happening? It just started last week. My first month post op was good. But now i experience pain like sciatica. Although i can still raise my leg and cough/laugh/sneeze with ease. Why is this happenig? Im really worried and depressed right now.
    • Mariav
      Mariav Cinzuran

      Posted

      Is that the same side where you had the herniated disc, left side? If it is, you need to understand that you cannot sit too long. If you need to sit because of your job, get a cushion. The pressure from sitting too long will bring on that pain. I know because I felt the same way.. Don't worry. If the pain is not going down the back of leg . It takes time to heal.. Just keep using ice or heat and your pain meds or antiinflammatory meds...
    • Cinzuran
      Cinzuran Mariav

      Posted

      Hi mariav, you mean to say this pain is normal? And this is not because i re-herniate a disc? It is really painful specially when i ge lt out of bed every morning and when i sit too long. The pain is also unbearable just like before when i was not operated yet.
    • Mariav
      Mariav Cinzuran

      Posted

      Yes, very normal. Don't stress out. Continue with PT and home exercises. Your nerve is still sensitive. Could take up to eight months to go back to normal... I went through the same thing. I had surgery 1/2015 and I am finally starting to feel better.
    • backpain142
      backpain142 Cinzuran

      Posted

      Hi 

      I had my microdiscectomy about 1 year back on L5-S1, I still have sore back by the end of the day and my left leg could sometimes get sore as well. It's a long road to recovery, don't give up. I have my PT every week and been on hydrotherapy for a year now. It helps. Try not to sit too long, any chance to request for a standing desk that can be adjustable? I had one since my operations, and it helps...Good luck! 

  • lorraine_21180
    lorraine_21180 lisacoke

    Posted

    Hi I'm Lorraine I'm 27 and I'm going for my 2nd disectomy in 2 weeks, I had my first one 14yrs ago l4 l5s1. I've been in agony for a few yrs now and have tried all meds epidural injections steroid injections everything and my new surgeon has recommended surgery. I'm quite looking forward to it as I lost my last job due to being out sick constantly and in my present job I'm lucky I've such a caring boss that she is putting up with my time off, I work as a baker so it's obviously not the best job for my poor old spine but I love it😊 this op is on l5 s1 but the surgeon is waiting till the op to determine exactly what he's going to do, ill fill ye in after the big day, happy healing everyone😊😊😊
    • lorraine_21180
      lorraine_21180 Claytonusa

      Posted

      Hey Clayton

      Unfortunately not, the last operation was a failure again??

      I've been out of work since which is a disaster!!

      Recent mri showed the usual disc particles floating from the op 2 dehydrated discs in the lumbar area and 1 in the neck. Have bone spurs on the spine from the arthritis which are very close to the spinal cord.

      On the good side of things I'm hoping to start college this sept to retrain in business as I've worked as a chef for the past 15yrs and can no longer go back to that.

      Waiting to get a procedure done with the pain specialist but there's such a back log. Then back to see the surgeon who suggested a fusion but I'm reluctant to go down that road.

      I'm still on all my meds which are tying me over but the inflammation in the neck is agony and my doctor won't put me on anti inflammatory anymore this year as I've taken it enough apparently!!!

      How are you keeping yourself??

  • clare35483
    clare35483 lisacoke

    Posted

    Hi Lisa and all

    I have just joined this group so hello all

    i had the same  op 10 months ago and am still stuck at home in agony so I feel for you. Everyone has different outcomes be patient it's early days for you,.x

     

  • Herredness36
    Herredness36 lisacoke

    Posted

    Hello,

    I stumbled on this forum cause i am 3 weeks out from my 2nd laminectomy, this one on l3-4, i sill have alot of pain, my husband is an army man and not that patient, he feels i should be 100% by now. Im trying to explain its only been three weeks, am i being unreasonable? I cry myself to sleep every night cause i have no family here but him and my 15 year old daughter

    • lorraine_21180
      lorraine_21180 Herredness36

      Posted

      Hi

      How you doing now??

      My hubby is army too he left for Syria in April he's home this week on leave. I had a discectomy last September a month after our wedding. I was all excited about the op thinking I'd be right as rain but unfortunately not??

      The past few months have been fairly tough on my own but I'm lucky it's just me and the doggies ive to look after. But when it comes to housework chores it's very disheartening as I struggle to do the heavy jobs I have my little poor me moments but I get on with it.

      Some days I think my hubby was only too happy to go overseas lol admittedly this operation did put our married life on hold as normal things are quite difficult but he is very understanding thank God!!

      I hope your hubby has eases off any shown more compassion, you can only do your best hun xx

      People will never understand back pain unless they go through it themselves and I wouldn't wish it on anyone!!!

      Hope you're keeping well xx

    • diane56636
      diane56636 Herredness36

      Posted

      Oh my, sounds just like my husband.  He just doesnt get it!  I just joined this forum today.  I have had 5 neurosurgeries in past 15 years.  4 on my cervical/thoracic area and the worst one 1 year ago on my low lumbar spine down to my tailbone.  Rods, screws, plates, etc up and down my neck, thoracic and lumbar.  Crazy!!  I am still in pain because since the lumbar surgery, I have now developed severe neuropathy in both feet (toes and pads of feet), I can barely walk.  I cry every day and night (I hide in the bathroom and cry so my husband cant see me).  It is completely normal to have pain, per my neurosurgeon, for at least 1 year post op.  You are still healing!  You are not being unreasonabale at all.  Are you back at work or home?
  • nealr
    nealr lisacoke

    Posted

    Hi

    I am 9 weeks Post-op after a L4/L5 Laminectomy.

    I was admitted as an emergency as they were fearful of Caudia Equina Syndrome.

    Pain has been mixed since the operation. Some days better than others. I feel a mixture of twinges, muscle spasms etc and find it hard to distinguish which of these are normal and which of these are the problem reoccuring.

    I have been to the Doctor and they insist all is ok, which helps put your mind at rest for a short period of time, until the next twinge.

    I am currently only taking Paracetomal/Ibuprofen. Some days I take the full amount, others hardly any.

    I have been walking from day 1. Firstly round the house for a few minutes after a hour or so of resting, and then after about week 2 I went outside and walked short distances.

    Pain in legs at first felt great (i.e. gone), but as I have done more I get the twinges, pulls, cramps etc. Tight calf muscle in right leg was noticeable for the first 4-5 weeks, but that has now gone.

    I am due to return to work in a week (after 10 weeks). My job mainly involves sitting, so will need to make sure I get up often.

    I am hopeful that things will improve and that some type of normality will return.

    How has it been for others?

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