Discussion
After a rear end shunt in Dec 18 I'm still awaiting surgery on back, not sure if it's going to be fusion but looking increasingly likely, had MRI and X-Rays before Covid which then got put to the back burner while they closed every ward except the covid wards. Had more X-Rays a few weeks ago then due another go in the giant Polo Mint within the next month for so. L5 S1 is the issue.
Apart from limited mobility, very little strength in my arms and constant pain in my right lower back two other issues have become more frequent since Christmas last year. One is that I get almost hourly cramps in my right calf, these happen when I stand up or attempt to climb a few steps, sometimes they happen when I'm shuffling trolley around Sainsburys which is a bit awkward for reasons I won't go into on a public child friendly forum. Another is sudden bouts of nausea which goes away after about 15 minutes, feel like I'm going to be sick. Doesn't matter if I've just had lunch or haven't eaten that morning they come on suddenly.
Just wondered are these fairly common issues for someone with my condition?
I'm not getting any answers from my GP apparently he's "done all he can"and my spinal consultant and neurosurgeons are about as easy to contact as MI6 at the moment.
Apart from limited mobility, very little strength in my arms and constant pain in my right lower back two other issues have become more frequent since Christmas last year. One is that I get almost hourly cramps in my right calf, these happen when I stand up or attempt to climb a few steps, sometimes they happen when I'm shuffling trolley around Sainsburys which is a bit awkward for reasons I won't go into on a public child friendly forum. Another is sudden bouts of nausea which goes away after about 15 minutes, feel like I'm going to be sick. Doesn't matter if I've just had lunch or haven't eaten that morning they come on suddenly.
Just wondered are these fairly common issues for someone with my condition?
I'm not getting any answers from my GP apparently he's "done all he can"and my spinal consultant and neurosurgeons are about as easy to contact as MI6 at the moment.
Edited by sutoka on Wednesday 24th March 15:59
I'm back again 
I had my review with the rehab team and neurosurgeon this morning. I've been given 3 options to consider.
1. Do nothing, deal with the pain, continue indefinitely on 400mg of tramadol daily along with pregabalin, amitriptyline and naproxen.
2. Have a 3rd microdiscectomy on the same disc. Significant chance of failure due to post surgical change present on the disc.
3. L4 L5 fusion
I've now pretty much resigned myself to the fact option 3 is the most sensible option going forward.
Unfortunately, regardless of how well recovery from fusion goes, there is a significant chance I'll be medically discharged from the forces over this.
Overall, not having a great day.
I had my review with the rehab team and neurosurgeon this morning. I've been given 3 options to consider.
1. Do nothing, deal with the pain, continue indefinitely on 400mg of tramadol daily along with pregabalin, amitriptyline and naproxen.
2. Have a 3rd microdiscectomy on the same disc. Significant chance of failure due to post surgical change present on the disc.
3. L4 L5 fusion
I've now pretty much resigned myself to the fact option 3 is the most sensible option going forward.
Unfortunately, regardless of how well recovery from fusion goes, there is a significant chance I'll be medically discharged from the forces over this.
Overall, not having a great day.
I remember pre-surgery days and they were pretty dark places. In all honesty some of the post-surgery days were pretty dark too - as my Facebook memories remind me at about this time of year!
I am obviously not medical, but I have had an L4/5 fusion (after a microdiscectomy) and although it was not an easy process, now I jog, cycle, ski, ride a motorbike, can sit in a car for hours on end etc. etc. ........ life is generally great. Yes I still do exercises pretty much every day, yes I still make allowances (standing for any time is difficult, slow walking painful etc. etc.), but life is pretty normal I think! I only wish I hadn't left it so long to get the fusion done, because more damage was done by waiting (in my case the disc had pretty much disintegrated and the vertebrae were resting on each other and rubbing on each other, which caused damage to them meaning no artificial disc, and fusion instead).
I guess all I'm saying is.... fusion doesn't have to be a disaster, it can be a life changer in a positive way. The day the surgeon told me it was unlikely to be a disc replacement and more likely to be a fusion, I was in shock. In tears. Almost hysterical. After the surgery when a magic wand hadn't been waved and it took a while to recover, I went to a fairly dark place. But after time, some counselling, and a change in mental state - as I say, life is great.
Nobody can tell you what to do, in the end it's your decision, I just wanted to lend you some support and a virtual hug.
Also have you checked out the forum ADR UK? I don't go there anymore because selfishly I find it difficult to be reminded of what life used to be like (I don't want to risk my own mental state) but at the time it was a really helpful place with some amazing people.
I am obviously not medical, but I have had an L4/5 fusion (after a microdiscectomy) and although it was not an easy process, now I jog, cycle, ski, ride a motorbike, can sit in a car for hours on end etc. etc. ........ life is generally great. Yes I still do exercises pretty much every day, yes I still make allowances (standing for any time is difficult, slow walking painful etc. etc.), but life is pretty normal I think! I only wish I hadn't left it so long to get the fusion done, because more damage was done by waiting (in my case the disc had pretty much disintegrated and the vertebrae were resting on each other and rubbing on each other, which caused damage to them meaning no artificial disc, and fusion instead).
I guess all I'm saying is.... fusion doesn't have to be a disaster, it can be a life changer in a positive way. The day the surgeon told me it was unlikely to be a disc replacement and more likely to be a fusion, I was in shock. In tears. Almost hysterical. After the surgery when a magic wand hadn't been waved and it took a while to recover, I went to a fairly dark place. But after time, some counselling, and a change in mental state - as I say, life is great.
Nobody can tell you what to do, in the end it's your decision, I just wanted to lend you some support and a virtual hug.
Also have you checked out the forum ADR UK? I don't go there anymore because selfishly I find it difficult to be reminded of what life used to be like (I don't want to risk my own mental state) but at the time it was a really helpful place with some amazing people.
sutoka said:
Apart from limited mobility, very little strength in my arms and constant pain in my right lower back two other issues have become more frequent since Christmas last year. One is that I get almost hourly cramps in my right calf, these happen when I stand up or attempt to climb a few steps, sometimes they happen when I'm shuffling trolley around Sainsburys which is a bit awkward for reasons I won't go into on a public child friendly forum. Another is sudden bouts of nausea which goes away after about 15 minutes, feel like I'm going to be sick. Doesn't matter if I've just had lunch or haven't eaten that morning they come on suddenly.
Just wondered are these fairly common issues for someone with my condition?
Not sure if they are common. I personally don't have those symptoms except the limited mobility. Just wondered are these fairly common issues for someone with my condition?
I don't get cramps in my right leg but I do get a really strange sensation where my leg feels heavy, warm and wet?
A question on meds for anyone to offer an opinion.
I'm currently taking
1000mg Paracetamol x 4 daily
500mg Naproxen x 2 daily
200mg pregabalin x2 daily
70mg Amitriptyline at night
100mg Tramadol x 4 daily
Even with this cocktail I'm still only getting partial relief. At some points through the day the pain is a solid 9/10
My GP suggested oramorph a couple of weeks back and I declined but I'm now seriously considering taking him up on it
Has anyone here got experience of being on it long term? I've only ever had it post op for short periods in the past.
Any other alternatives or suggestions?
To top my week off, I've just discovered an umbilical hernia which I need to have looked at!!!!
I have previously been on every single one of those meds, consultant nearly had a fit when he saw the combination and does my GP was prescribing, even more so when he read the notes =, one which advised me to ' experiment' with the doses myself which he said was irresponsible and could have killed me if I'd taken his advice.
My pain goes from 7/10 on a good day and 10/10 on a bad day. I'm not taking any medication at the minute which surprises a lot of people, but I've learnt how to deal with pain and still function. There was no chance I could leave a the house under what my GP was prescribing.
My Sunday league football career has ended and even social walks along the river aren't possible. I take a few step and cramp up. I've been told I'm fixable but highly doubt I'll be running or playing any sort of contact sports again.
My pain goes from 7/10 on a good day and 10/10 on a bad day. I'm not taking any medication at the minute which surprises a lot of people, but I've learnt how to deal with pain and still function. There was no chance I could leave a the house under what my GP was prescribing.
My Sunday league football career has ended and even social walks along the river aren't possible. I take a few step and cramp up. I've been told I'm fixable but highly doubt I'll be running or playing any sort of contact sports again.
DuncsGTi said:
sutoka said:
Apart from limited mobility, very little strength in my arms and constant pain in my right lower back two other issues have become more frequent since Christmas last year. One is that I get almost hourly cramps in my right calf, these happen when I stand up or attempt to climb a few steps, sometimes they happen when I'm shuffling trolley around Sainsburys which is a bit awkward for reasons I won't go into on a public child friendly forum. Another is sudden bouts of nausea which goes away after about 15 minutes, feel like I'm going to be sick. Doesn't matter if I've just had lunch or haven't eaten that morning they come on suddenly.
Just wondered are these fairly common issues for someone with my condition?
Not sure if they are common. I personally don't have those symptoms except the limited mobility. Just wondered are these fairly common issues for someone with my condition?
I don't get cramps in my right leg but I do get a really strange sensation where my leg feels heavy, warm and wet?
A question on meds for anyone to offer an opinion.
I'm currently taking
1000mg Paracetamol x 4 daily
500mg Naproxen x 2 daily
200mg pregabalin x2 daily
70mg Amitriptyline at night
100mg Tramadol x 4 daily
Even with this cocktail I'm still only getting partial relief. At some points through the day the pain is a solid 9/10
My GP suggested oramorph a couple of weeks back and I declined but I'm now seriously considering taking him up on it
Has anyone here got experience of being on it long term? I've only ever had it post op for short periods in the past.
Any other alternatives or suggestions?
To top my week off, I've just discovered an umbilical hernia which I need to have looked at!!!!
All I can say is being on all that I’m not sure the effects of the morphine.
I had Oramorph in hospital, seem to do the trick. Perhaps try Zomorph first, I think it’s a bit easier.
I’ve weaned myself about 3 weeks ago, it’s settled down loads now so surviving on good old Nurofen.
Had my pre assessment on Tuesday & all good for a week on Monday.
Edited by Uncle John on Thursday 1st April 16:36
Uncle John said:
I’ve been on Zomorph, plus Pregablin, Naproxen & Baclofen.
All I can say is being on all that I’m not sure the effects of the morphine.
I had Oramorph in hospital, seem to do the trick. Perhaps try Zomorph first, I think it’s a bit easier.
I’ve weaned myself about 3 weeks ago, it’s settled down loads now so surviving on good old Nurofen.
Had my pre assessment on Tuesday & all good for a week on Monday.
That's great that you've managed to reduce your need for meds fingers crossed you get sorted for good in a couple of weeks.All I can say is being on all that I’m not sure the effects of the morphine.
I had Oramorph in hospital, seem to do the trick. Perhaps try Zomorph first, I think it’s a bit easier.
I’ve weaned myself about 3 weeks ago, it’s settled down loads now so surviving on good old Nurofen.
Had my pre assessment on Tuesday & all good for a week on Monday.
Edited by Uncle John on Thursday 1st April 16:36
The doc gave me a bottle of Oramorph on Monday. I'm taking 5ml between 2 and 4 times a day. I think the plan is to change from Oramorph to a longer acting morphine tablet when I'm settled on the correct dosage and keep the fast acting liquid for flare ups. I'm getting pretty good relief from the current cocktail.
My GP also confirmed my suspicion that I've got an umbilical hernia and referred me to a general surgeon to have a look. I'm clearly falling apart
Uncle John said:
Had my op yesterday, arrived at 8 am, in surgery for 2hrs, back home for 8pm!
Amazing really as was told I’d be in for 2 nights.
L4/5 discectomy, just operation sore at the moment, nerve pain seems to have gone fingers crossed.
Good to hear, I ended up with overnight stays on both my discectomys.Amazing really as was told I’d be in for 2 nights.
L4/5 discectomy, just operation sore at the moment, nerve pain seems to have gone fingers crossed.
If I could offer just one piece of advice it would be not to rush your rehab, take the time to build everything up before you start trying to do anything strenuous
DuncsGTi said:
Uncle John said:
Had my op yesterday, arrived at 8 am, in surgery for 2hrs, back home for 8pm!
Amazing really as was told I’d be in for 2 nights.
L4/5 discectomy, just operation sore at the moment, nerve pain seems to have gone fingers crossed.
Good to hear, I ended up with overnight stays on both my discectomys.Amazing really as was told I’d be in for 2 nights.
L4/5 discectomy, just operation sore at the moment, nerve pain seems to have gone fingers crossed.
If I could offer just one piece of advice it would be not to rush your rehab, take the time to build everything up before you start trying to do anything strenuous
Uncle John said:
Had my op yesterday, arrived at 8 am, in surgery for 2hrs, back home for 8pm!
Amazing really as was told I’d be in for 2 nights.
L4/5 discectomy, just operation sore at the moment, nerve pain seems to have gone fingers crossed.
Good to see spinal surgery is starting to reseume.Amazing really as was told I’d be in for 2 nights.
L4/5 discectomy, just operation sore at the moment, nerve pain seems to have gone fingers crossed.
I'm going for an L5/S1 procedure soon. I've got another MRI scan on Thursday, it'll be my third time in the big Polo mint. Shortly after my second Covid came along and everything got put on the back burner.
It'll be interesting to see how much worse it's got, I've been speaking to the consultant who seems to think everything is routine ' yes no problem, we can do that'. At least he seems to know more than my GP who is possibly the most useless medical professional I have ever had the misfortune of dealing with.
That might read harshly but I was misdiagnosed six times, they nearly put me in a wheelchair, then proscribed as lot of opiates and told me to experiment with the doses. My consultant told me that if I'd listened to her instructions I'd have probably overdosed and possibly died.
Edited by sutoka on Wednesday 14th April 00:47
DuncsGTi said:
Everything which was cut or pulled out of the way will be inflamed and angry, give it all a chance to settle down and hopefully you'll get a bit more relief
Thanks again Duncs! Nice to have a voice of experience on this sort of thing. I kinda know it’s all too early still but I’m an inherent over analyser, or worrier!!
5 days until my L5/S1 fusion for a bilateral pars defect and spondylosis (I erroneously said L4 a few pages back).
I am beginning to have major second thoughts and I think I am making a massive mistake going ahead with it.
Am I being a berk?
I am beginning to have major second thoughts and I think I am making a massive mistake going ahead with it.
Am I being a berk?
Edited by TheGreatDane on Thursday 22 April 10:25
TheGreatDane said:
I am beginning to have major second thoughts and I think I am making a massive mistake going ahead with it.
Am I being a berk?
Having second thoughts is totally normal and understandable.Am I being a berk?
Only you know how bad your pain is at the moment.
I put my first fusion off for years and the pain continued to get worse.
Although the surgery has not totally fixed my back it is a lot better than before and with hindsight I should have the surgery sooner.
As long as you don’t expect it to fix you 100% and are prepared for a recovery which takes months rather than days you will be fine.
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