1. Community
  2. Bones, joints and muscles
  3. Disc Prolapse

Slipped disc and numbness to leg and foot - surgery?

Posted , 2 users are following.

bellawildoaks
bellawildoaks

[b:b26db6b65f]Hi

I have been visiting the specialist and doctor for 18 months having damaged the discs at the bottom of my spine causing shooting pains in leg, buttocks and foot. Half my foot and my calf are still numb and I have no reflexes in my foot or leg and still chronic pain. I have also oestoarthritis.

Yesterday my specialist suggested surgery with a 70% chance of improvement. I am able to walk and carry on a busy life however I am now very restricted even though I push myself.

I wondered if anyone had had similar surgery. I have asked for time to think about it. Has anyone any views or experiences please? I am quite worried and concerned. Thankyou[/b:b26db6b65f]

0 likes, 3 replies

3 Replies

  • judith
    judith

    Posted

    Hi

    Judith here I have been like you but for only abour 4 months now, I have had a scan and before they do any surgery or contemplate it, I am going to have steroid injections have you had them, I am still having physio but one lot is ok for the disc herniations but go against the osteoarthritis and vice versa, anyway don't rush into it if you don't want to have a good think

    Jude

  • bellawildoaks
    bellawildoaks

    Posted

    Hi Jude

    We sound quite similar. I have had three steroid injections in my right thumb a few years ago when I was working, the first one lasted 3 months , the second 6 weeks and the third a week! I did get offered them in the base of my spine but my specialist did say that it was a temporary measure. Your proplem may well improve with a little more time and steroid injections did help me lead a normal life for a time. I was told that more often than not improvement does happen within the first 12 months or so. I dont have physio for the same reasons you gave however I do find swimming and the exercises given to me very helpful in relieving the pain.

    I am not sure what the surgery involves and what the recovery is have you any idea? The specialist did say 5 days in hospital. Thankyou so much for replying please keep in touch. Kind Regards

  • judith
    judith

    Posted

    Hi

    Jude here again, I am not sure about the recovery rate of the surgery, if you look on the forum with a posting on 02/08/07 you will see a posting with the heading of L5/S1 Disectonmy 6 days ago it is posted by Michelle, last time I heard from her she had just been camping and was beginning to get back to normal again. This week I have been in a lop of pain it seemed to ease a lot last week and I could get out of bed ok but since MOnday it has been getting worse I think I have flared it up by Couching a lot. I have not tried swimming but think I will have a go, its probably rude to as but how old are you to be having all this, why did you have the injections in your thumb.

    Oh well do a bit more work speak to you soon, don't worry about having a moan we all do on here, at least we are all in the same boat

    Jude

Back to top

Report or request deletion

Thanks for your help!

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.