Discussion
No updates for a while so how are you all?
I was prompted to add to this thread by the CBD oil thread.
My pain is ongoing and does not seem to be reducing so painkillers are still essential.
I have switched from prescription drugs to CBD oil and have experienced a real benefit.
I take one capsule daily and although I still know that my spine is not right, I can get through work without wincing and moaning every time I stand up or sit down.
I am still in too much pain to stand or walk for any length of time, so am going to try different brands and doses of CBD oil to see if I can get a further improvement.
I was prompted to add to this thread by the CBD oil thread.
My pain is ongoing and does not seem to be reducing so painkillers are still essential.
I have switched from prescription drugs to CBD oil and have experienced a real benefit.
I take one capsule daily and although I still know that my spine is not right, I can get through work without wincing and moaning every time I stand up or sit down.
I am still in too much pain to stand or walk for any length of time, so am going to try different brands and doses of CBD oil to see if I can get a further improvement.
I wanted to update last weekend but the legendary PH search function couldn’t find the thread.
So, mrs P was operated on last Saturday up at the National Hospital for Neurosurgery and Neurology.
The original plan was to do:
Discectomy
Laminectomy
Have a bit of a look to see when fusion would be needed.
Op lasted about 3 hours - the disc that had prolapsed and was due to be trimmed had gone back into its correct position. So that wasn’t done.
They removed some vertebral bone from L4 L5 and S1 whilst also freeing up the nerve and increasing the channel size around the root.
The consultant mentioned coming back in to finish off at some point in the next year. He’s still not 100% on fusion just yet.
She’s got 14 staples in her back and although the pain down her right leg has noticeably decreased, the numbness hasn’t.
She can’t give an accurate guess at whether it’s done anything else positive cos she feels like she’s been hit by a bus - pain down both legs rather than just the one, and top of back pain. This is Normal apparently - side effects of the cutting of the underlying muscles and disturbance of the area around her spine.
Consultant seems confident that she will get some feeling back but he doubts it will all come back and what does return could take a very long time to do so.
So, mrs P was operated on last Saturday up at the National Hospital for Neurosurgery and Neurology.
The original plan was to do:
Discectomy
Laminectomy
Have a bit of a look to see when fusion would be needed.
Op lasted about 3 hours - the disc that had prolapsed and was due to be trimmed had gone back into its correct position. So that wasn’t done.
They removed some vertebral bone from L4 L5 and S1 whilst also freeing up the nerve and increasing the channel size around the root.
The consultant mentioned coming back in to finish off at some point in the next year. He’s still not 100% on fusion just yet.
She’s got 14 staples in her back and although the pain down her right leg has noticeably decreased, the numbness hasn’t.
She can’t give an accurate guess at whether it’s done anything else positive cos she feels like she’s been hit by a bus - pain down both legs rather than just the one, and top of back pain. This is Normal apparently - side effects of the cutting of the underlying muscles and disturbance of the area around her spine.
Consultant seems confident that she will get some feeling back but he doubts it will all come back and what does return could take a very long time to do so.
Sounds like she had a decompression or something similar.
I have had a couple of those and recovery time was pretty good. As she is experiencing, the pain was more to do with the disturbed muscles and tissue rather a more deep seated spinal pain.
Give my best to Mrs P, she will be sore for a while but it is worth it.
In my case I had other issues which meant a fusion had to happen a few years after, but it is not a given.
I have had a couple of those and recovery time was pretty good. As she is experiencing, the pain was more to do with the disturbed muscles and tissue rather a more deep seated spinal pain.
Give my best to Mrs P, she will be sore for a while but it is worth it.
In my case I had other issues which meant a fusion had to happen a few years after, but it is not a given.
Cheers Jkh.
They’re certain she has to have one but because she’s only 35, they’re holding off.
She’s living upstairs at the moment as the dogs would be jumping all over her if she was downstairs. I’m surprised that there’s no follow up physio or clinic.
Just told her to walk up and down stairs a few times each day and rest for 4 weeks.
They’re certain she has to have one but because she’s only 35, they’re holding off.
She’s living upstairs at the moment as the dogs would be jumping all over her if she was downstairs. I’m surprised that there’s no follow up physio or clinic.
Just told her to walk up and down stairs a few times each day and rest for 4 weeks.
jkh112 said:
No updates for a while so how are you all?
I was prompted to add to this thread by the CBD oil thread.
My pain is ongoing and does not seem to be reducing so painkillers are still essential.
I have switched from prescription drugs to CBD oil and have experienced a real benefit.
I take one capsule daily and although I still know that my spine is not right, I can get through work without wincing and moaning every time I stand up or sit down.
I am still in too much pain to stand or walk for any length of time, so am going to try different brands and doses of CBD oil to see if I can get a further improvement.
Sorry to hear that things aren't working out for you jkh112.I was prompted to add to this thread by the CBD oil thread.
My pain is ongoing and does not seem to be reducing so painkillers are still essential.
I have switched from prescription drugs to CBD oil and have experienced a real benefit.
I take one capsule daily and although I still know that my spine is not right, I can get through work without wincing and moaning every time I stand up or sit down.
I am still in too much pain to stand or walk for any length of time, so am going to try different brands and doses of CBD oil to see if I can get a further improvement.
I am now drug free for the first time in well over two years and my recovery is still going well. Small, steady improvements and I am managing things quite well. I'm still very aware of my fusion, I think I will always feel it and I know that at any time things could go wrong again, but for now things are pretty good.
There are still times when I over do things, for instance I painted the fence earlier in the week, but did a little bit to much and had some pain, but instead of reaching for the Tramadol I just did a little bit of stretching and had some rest. Coming off Tramadol is not an experience I'd ever like to repeat and if I ever am in a position where I need medication in the future I will definitely be looking at some form of cannabis oil.
I hope things work out for you and you are back on your feet soon.
Just a question, my daughter (14) has CP and a number of other conditions and has been diagnosed with scoliosis at 79 degrees currently (it was at 32 degrees 5 months ago) . We have been advised that her only option is a full length spinal fusion, she has already had both hips rebuilt due to displacia, and tendon and muscle moves and is in a wheelchair . She also receives 3 monthly botox in her legs. has anyone else had a child go through this and what should we expect afterwards. and before anyone asks, no its not a put on, we have been advised by the team that a cast does not work with CP it just continues to deteriorate uncorrected until it becomes fatal. But what should we expect?
I had my fusion at about 37 I think - personally if the pain is there, I wouldn't let age be a barrier. I wasted my entire 30's with back pain and problems and wish I'd had surgery earlier so I could've had the benefit of it !!! I'm 42 now....
As for how I'm doing, seeing a new physio which is going well. Back fusion related issues are pretty much gone I think, or at least I pay little attention to them; one sweaty foot, one dry foot (post surgery), and the odd weird thing. New physio has diagnosed a bit of nerve tethering possibly due to scar tissue but some simple exercises seem to be helping that. Mostly I'm having hip issues which may or may not be related to the original back problems (one very weak leg and muscle wastage which is causing issues), but not sure yet.
Glad everybody's doing well! I can relate to the Tramadol. I didn't understand about coming off it slowly so just stopped. The sweat was like having got out of a bath, within seconds of drying off I was soaked again. Then everything ached to the point I couldn't stay still. Then I decided the answer was simple - I'd just kill myself. No drama or emotion, just a clear course of action. Thankfully my partner realised it was the Tramadol, took a tablet, felt better and stopped sweating. Then came off it slowly !!!!!!!!! Would avoid it at all costs if I could in the future.
As for how I'm doing, seeing a new physio which is going well. Back fusion related issues are pretty much gone I think, or at least I pay little attention to them; one sweaty foot, one dry foot (post surgery), and the odd weird thing. New physio has diagnosed a bit of nerve tethering possibly due to scar tissue but some simple exercises seem to be helping that. Mostly I'm having hip issues which may or may not be related to the original back problems (one very weak leg and muscle wastage which is causing issues), but not sure yet.
Glad everybody's doing well! I can relate to the Tramadol. I didn't understand about coming off it slowly so just stopped. The sweat was like having got out of a bath, within seconds of drying off I was soaked again. Then everything ached to the point I couldn't stay still. Then I decided the answer was simple - I'd just kill myself. No drama or emotion, just a clear course of action. Thankfully my partner realised it was the Tramadol, took a tablet, felt better and stopped sweating. Then came off it slowly !!!!!!!!! Would avoid it at all costs if I could in the future.
Ozzie Dave said:
Just a question, my daughter (14) has CP and a number of other conditions and has been diagnosed with scoliosis at 79 degrees currently (it was at 32 degrees 5 months ago) . We have been advised that her only option is a full length spinal fusion, she has already had both hips rebuilt due to displacia, and tendon and muscle moves and is in a wheelchair . She also receives 3 monthly botox in her legs. has anyone else had a child go through this and what should we expect afterwards. and before anyone asks, no its not a put on, we have been advised by the team that a cast does not work with CP it just continues to deteriorate uncorrected until it becomes fatal. But what should we expect?
I don't know but have a look for the ADR UK forum. It's mostly for artificial disc replacement, but has people with all sorts of back issues including (IIRC) a lady (or girl I can't remember) who has bad scoliosis and I think she had a full spinal fusion. It's a helpful forum, but can be a bit depressing, as people on there have mega serious issues which last years so try not to get dragged down by it.Many thanks for the replies dreamer75 & JKH112, I have had a look at the site, and we realise we have no choice really. Its good to hear some good outcomes. Unfortunately a good friends daughter was having the surgery last week (she is 12 and suffers from RETS) and we were getting lots of information through them. Her lung collapsed during surgery. Caroline was with the daughter when the mum was advised the complications were too severe, she is now palliative.
Due to the school our daughter attends they have a memorial garden at the back of the school, the school is about 10 years old , with 100 pupils currently (usually 6 to a class), it has about 30 memorials, and when a child passes a class a school service is invariable held for everyone, sad but very poinient, and allows the children to understand and many of the parents attend it helps those that can understand.
Due to the school our daughter attends they have a memorial garden at the back of the school, the school is about 10 years old , with 100 pupils currently (usually 6 to a class), it has about 30 memorials, and when a child passes a class a school service is invariable held for everyone, sad but very poinient, and allows the children to understand and many of the parents attend it helps those that can understand.
How are you getting on? Still drug free and finding the physio helpful?
My situation has not really changed, but I am finding CBD oil really helps with the pain. I am experimenting with different varieties and doses.
Am waiting on my September appointment to have another CT scan and a consultation to see if my bone graft has fused.
Scrump (ex jkh112)
My situation has not really changed, but I am finding CBD oil really helps with the pain. I am experimenting with different varieties and doses.
Am waiting on my September appointment to have another CT scan and a consultation to see if my bone graft has fused.
Scrump (ex jkh112)
Drug free ish, I take a rare Diazepam if and when I need it, but they are only when needed. I’d prefer the CBD oil tbh but wouldn’t know where to start. Pain wise I have some pain, probably averaging about a 2 or a 3. I’m managing it ok. If I do too much I pay the price,,but it’s hard to sit around all day. Physio is now only once a month and he has been fantastic, so positive.
One thing that’s bugging me is that, after taking so many meds for so long and then finally getting off them, I thought that was it, job done, back to normality, but it wasn’t that simple. I’m not sure how to put this but there have been so many other issues that the meds may have been covering up. I’m suffering from terrible headaches, I had a migraine that lasted about ten weeks, though it finally abated after I had some Botox injections in my eye and there is no easy way of putting this but I am very down. If I mention that bit to my doctor he’ll just throw me another bunch of tablets and these are one type of meds I never want to try. Anyone else been through this end of it?
One thing that’s bugging me is that, after taking so many meds for so long and then finally getting off them, I thought that was it, job done, back to normality, but it wasn’t that simple. I’m not sure how to put this but there have been so many other issues that the meds may have been covering up. I’m suffering from terrible headaches, I had a migraine that lasted about ten weeks, though it finally abated after I had some Botox injections in my eye and there is no easy way of putting this but I am very down. If I mention that bit to my doctor he’ll just throw me another bunch of tablets and these are one type of meds I never want to try. Anyone else been through this end of it?
Pain of 2 to 3 doesn’t sound too bad considering what you have been through.
Are you sure the other issues you are finding is not extended withdrawal side effects?
Finding where to start with CBD oils is not easy and trying out the various types and suppliers can be expensive, it I am homing in on what helps me.
I have just looked at your garage, XF and a GT4. A fine pair and if you get a bit down then go and enjoy the Porsche.
Are you sure the other issues you are finding is not extended withdrawal side effects?
Finding where to start with CBD oils is not easy and trying out the various types and suppliers can be expensive, it I am homing in on what helps me.
I have just looked at your garage, XF and a GT4. A fine pair and if you get a bit down then go and enjoy the Porsche.
Could be extended withdrawal side effects, I’m not sure. I wasn’t able to drive the GT for a while as it was impossible to get in and out of, whereas the Jag is just a big comfortable sofa. I also have to keep the Porsche in the UK as the local customs officers will seize it for non payment of VRT. Circa £50k for a set of number plates, so I keep it across the border and only use it occasionally. I’ve actually had more fun out of a cheap Z4 this summer, roof down in that great weather and no worries, don’t even have to lock it.
I’m still making progress but I had assumed once I stopped taking the drugs everything would be fine and dandy, it feels like there is a huge void in my life now and I’m struggling to fill it. The pain is manageable but I am still concerned that it may return during the cold damp months ahead. But I would have given anything to be sitting in this position 12 months ago.
I’m still making progress but I had assumed once I stopped taking the drugs everything would be fine and dandy, it feels like there is a huge void in my life now and I’m struggling to fill it. The pain is manageable but I am still concerned that it may return during the cold damp months ahead. But I would have given anything to be sitting in this position 12 months ago.
Ructions said:
In the mean time this vid, by Professor Peter O’Sullivan is definitely worth a look https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dlSQLUE4brQ
I was wondering about your thoughts about what Professor Peter O’Sullivan has to say?I'm awaiting a scan later this month, and have already been told to read up about the possibility that I might need surgery of some kind.
As a Paramedic I've a fairly heavy workload at times, physical and mental. As much as I'm happy to be off if it fixes the problem, this thread has somewhat changed my view of having the likes of a fusion!
The thought of actually going back out and chopping and moving a load of wood fills me with joy, the thought of not being able to do most of what I do now for 6-12months and then more fills me with fear. I've two children under 2 that need constant care and attention for a starters!
Chilledbud said:
Ructions said:
In the mean time this vid, by Professor Peter O’Sullivan is definitely worth a look https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dlSQLUE4brQ
I was wondering about your thoughts about what Professor Peter O’Sullivan has to say?I'm awaiting a scan later this month, and have already been told to read up about the possibility that I might need surgery of some kind.
As a Paramedic I've a fairly heavy workload at times, physical and mental. As much as I'm happy to be off if it fixes the problem, this thread has somewhat changed my view of having the likes of a fusion!
The thought of actually going back out and chopping and moving a load of wood fills me with joy, the thought of not being able to do most of what I do now for 6-12months and then more fills me with fear. I've two children under 2 that need constant care and attention for a starters!
Luckily your job will mean you can get lots of different opinions, ask as many people as you can before making a decision on which route you take but surgery should be the last resort. You have mentioned that you have a heavy workload, you can forget that after major surgery on your spine in my opinion. Others will be along with a different view but I can only describe my experience as traumatic.
Gassing Station | Health Matters | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff