Has anyone had a microdiscectomy?
Discussion
So I've had an MRI scan and I have two slipped discs....no wonder I'm in pain almost 24/7 
The doctor has said that he's 50/50 with an operation being necessary and has referred me to someone who specialises in things like epidural. Looking at it the idea is you have the epidural, then you can have physio and make the area repair itself?
In any case I have sort of insisted I don't want surgery, it seems everyone I speak to says something along the lines of 'oh yea my mate had that back operation and he's worse now, wishes he didn't' etc
I wonder if this is referring to open surgery which carries more risk? The micro discectomy looks quite straight forward and unless it's someone on their first day having a pop sounds like it's hard to go wrong.
Obviously I've read a risk is being paralysed, the doctor I saw today almost laughed, he said he's never ever seen that happen and in any case the risk is extremely low as it's very low on my back and there aren't many nerves there, higher up the back carries more risks he said. (I'm sure that's what he meant).
I do paving for a living. Obviously if I was crippled it would all be well and truly over
Any opinions on this? I'll be honest the pain is now getting to me. I put off going out as standing about hurts badly, I am still very much active but have laid right off any lifting type stuff and am just trying to move about. I do still have full movement but it bloody hurts, it's not like I've put my back out iykwim it's just incredibly stiff, if I stand still for too long (like 15mins) my hips especially hurt like hell, It's very depressing and I literally dream of not being in pain.
The doctor has said that he's 50/50 with an operation being necessary and has referred me to someone who specialises in things like epidural. Looking at it the idea is you have the epidural, then you can have physio and make the area repair itself?
In any case I have sort of insisted I don't want surgery, it seems everyone I speak to says something along the lines of 'oh yea my mate had that back operation and he's worse now, wishes he didn't' etc
I wonder if this is referring to open surgery which carries more risk? The micro discectomy looks quite straight forward and unless it's someone on their first day having a pop sounds like it's hard to go wrong.
Obviously I've read a risk is being paralysed, the doctor I saw today almost laughed, he said he's never ever seen that happen and in any case the risk is extremely low as it's very low on my back and there aren't many nerves there, higher up the back carries more risks he said. (I'm sure that's what he meant).
I do paving for a living. Obviously if I was crippled it would all be well and truly over
Any opinions on this? I'll be honest the pain is now getting to me. I put off going out as standing about hurts badly, I am still very much active but have laid right off any lifting type stuff and am just trying to move about. I do still have full movement but it bloody hurts, it's not like I've put my back out iykwim it's just incredibly stiff, if I stand still for too long (like 15mins) my hips especially hurt like hell, It's very depressing and I literally dream of not being in pain.
I've had two! My L5/S1 disc slipped fairly spectacularly and heavy duty painkillers and nerve block injections didn't cut it overall.
I experienced a lot of pain relief post-healing but because I grew scar tissue inside, the pain came back. I ended up with an implanted neurostimulator. This is an internal TENS machine whose electrode is in my spinal canal, right by the spinal cord. It isn't a complete fix and I'm using a stick but it helps a lot. What I have is failed back surgery syndrome.
I think the healing process is very much dependent on the severity of the slips, and your core strength. One consultant said that often, a disc will sort itself out acceptably over time - an op isn't always a necessity.
A microdiscectomy is nothing like open back surgery. Mine left a 3-inch scar in the lumbar area. It's done with the aid of a microscope and though it isn't keyhole surgery as such, they attend more to going in deep, rather than opening you up in a big way.
The nerve block injections may be an option for you. They're a day case job and you stay awake. My first two each reduced the pain by about 40% for approx 3 months. The third did nothing - c'est la vie.
There were called DRGs - Dorsal Root Ganglion injections. I'm not sure what they mean by an epidural. AFAIK, one of these simply switches you off from the waist down...no standing or walking, no bladder or bowel control. See childbirth.
Perhaps he/she was referring to a nerve block?
HTH, and all the best with it.
I experienced a lot of pain relief post-healing but because I grew scar tissue inside, the pain came back. I ended up with an implanted neurostimulator. This is an internal TENS machine whose electrode is in my spinal canal, right by the spinal cord. It isn't a complete fix and I'm using a stick but it helps a lot. What I have is failed back surgery syndrome.
I think the healing process is very much dependent on the severity of the slips, and your core strength. One consultant said that often, a disc will sort itself out acceptably over time - an op isn't always a necessity.
A microdiscectomy is nothing like open back surgery. Mine left a 3-inch scar in the lumbar area. It's done with the aid of a microscope and though it isn't keyhole surgery as such, they attend more to going in deep, rather than opening you up in a big way.
The nerve block injections may be an option for you. They're a day case job and you stay awake. My first two each reduced the pain by about 40% for approx 3 months. The third did nothing - c'est la vie.
There were called DRGs - Dorsal Root Ganglion injections. I'm not sure what they mean by an epidural. AFAIK, one of these simply switches you off from the waist down...no standing or walking, no bladder or bowel control. See childbirth.
Perhaps he/she was referring to a nerve block?
HTH, and all the best with it.
with regard to epidurals - what it does depends on what is stuck in there !
if they stick lots of local anaesthetic in it will 'switch nerves off ' below the site
if they stick opiates or baclofen in it will do different things - e.g. comtrol of pain with the opiate and reduction in spasm with the baclofen ( although baclofen will also mean reduced power and control if you have function - which is why it's use as an epidural or via an implantable pump is generally something for people who are paralysed )
if they stick lots of local anaesthetic in it will 'switch nerves off ' below the site
if they stick opiates or baclofen in it will do different things - e.g. comtrol of pain with the opiate and reduction in spasm with the baclofen ( although baclofen will also mean reduced power and control if you have function - which is why it's use as an epidural or via an implantable pump is generally something for people who are paralysed )
davhill said:
I've had two! My L5/S1 disc slipped fairly spectacularly and heavy duty painkillers and nerve block injections didn't cut it overall.
I experienced a lot of pain relief post-healing but because I grew scar tissue inside, the pain came back. I ended up with an implanted neurostimulator. This is an internal TENS machine whose electrode is in my spinal canal, right by the spinal cord. It isn't a complete fix and I'm using a stick but it helps a lot. What I have is failed back surgery syndrome.
I think the healing process is very much dependent on the severity of the slips, and your core strength. One consultant said that often, a disc will sort itself out acceptably over time - an op isn't always a necessity.
A microdiscectomy is nothing like open back surgery. Mine left a 3-inch scar in the lumbar area. It's done with the aid of a microscope and though it isn't keyhole surgery as such, they attend more to going in deep, rather than opening you up in a big way.
The nerve block injections may be an option for you. They're a day case job and you stay awake. My first two each reduced the pain by about 40% for approx 3 months. The third did nothing - c'est la vie.
There were called DRGs - Dorsal Root Ganglion injections. I'm not sure what they mean by an epidural. AFAIK, one of these simply switches you off from the waist down...no standing or walking, no bladder or bowel control. See childbirth.
Perhaps he/she was referring to a nerve block?
HTH, and all the best with it.
Jesus Christ! That doesn't sound good at all!I experienced a lot of pain relief post-healing but because I grew scar tissue inside, the pain came back. I ended up with an implanted neurostimulator. This is an internal TENS machine whose electrode is in my spinal canal, right by the spinal cord. It isn't a complete fix and I'm using a stick but it helps a lot. What I have is failed back surgery syndrome.
I think the healing process is very much dependent on the severity of the slips, and your core strength. One consultant said that often, a disc will sort itself out acceptably over time - an op isn't always a necessity.
A microdiscectomy is nothing like open back surgery. Mine left a 3-inch scar in the lumbar area. It's done with the aid of a microscope and though it isn't keyhole surgery as such, they attend more to going in deep, rather than opening you up in a big way.
The nerve block injections may be an option for you. They're a day case job and you stay awake. My first two each reduced the pain by about 40% for approx 3 months. The third did nothing - c'est la vie.
There were called DRGs - Dorsal Root Ganglion injections. I'm not sure what they mean by an epidural. AFAIK, one of these simply switches you off from the waist down...no standing or walking, no bladder or bowel control. See childbirth.
Perhaps he/she was referring to a nerve block?
HTH, and all the best with it.
I've got a couple of questions if you don't mind?
Did you slip the disk through some injury and did that put your back 'out', was it a case of one minute your jumping about, next you literally can't move?
Do you think the surgery helped? As in were you mobile before? And was it the microdiscectomy and not open?
How long ago was this, are there plans to do another op? I've read in some cases the first doesn't work.
I put my back out maybe 15 years ago, it was really bad I literally couldn't walk properly for a month, I had a good 2 months off work, however it did get better, pretty much perfect. I was with the nhs and while they certainly weren't quick I had their physio which really helped. This time it's private and the service level is superb, so that's good.
This time it's not been put out as such, just painful and at times like right now almost none. I think my problem may be that I've carried on working, doing stuff I perhaps shouldn't and generally not resting it. I plan to not do a lot for a few weeks, go see this specialist, get some physio and do some swimming which definitely helps.
Actually a week or so ago I had been swimming 3 times and rested for a good 7 days I reckon, I then had to get up a ladder and refit the sky dish which meant leaning back while I did the connections, this just f
ked it back in pain I googled this epidural thing and it says you can have 3 a year, it can work for a day or upto 3 years.
Btw I think mines the l5/s1 area, it's right low down. I will say the doctor didn't seem to concerned and seemed optimistic.
I really appreciate your reply, there's almost nothing on google in terms of real cases, I just hear pub talk iykwim.
Edited by m3jappa on Thursday 15th January 20:45
I had a Discectomy myself L5/ S1 level 12 years ago. This came about after 14 years of of manual/building work. Mine actually went lifting a paving slab. Lot of pain down right leg. Spoke to Surgeon and decided to leave it 7 months for it to try and heal. Had a couple of Epidurals but they have never really done much. In the end I went for the op as the pain was stabbing in my thigh relentless, (1inch scar) so possibly a micro Discectomy.
Probably went back to work too early and it still flares up now and again, possibly scar tissue. Still working in same industry but don't do any lifting too heavy. Running is no good for me as too much impact but use cross trainer, swimming and also go skiing now so it's not turned out too bad.
Should I have had the op, who knows but the pain was bad.
Sometimes the damaged disc material won't go back in and carries on pushing on the nerve, so needs intervention.
I would get a couple more opinions, maybe Mckenzie/Sarah Keys exercises or whatever you think might help you.
Probably went back to work too early and it still flares up now and again, possibly scar tissue. Still working in same industry but don't do any lifting too heavy. Running is no good for me as too much impact but use cross trainer, swimming and also go skiing now so it's not turned out too bad.
Should I have had the op, who knows but the pain was bad.
Sometimes the damaged disc material won't go back in and carries on pushing on the nerve, so needs intervention.
I would get a couple more opinions, maybe Mckenzie/Sarah Keys exercises or whatever you think might help you.
m3jappa said:
Jesus Christ! That doesn't sound good at all!
I've got a couple of questions if you don't mind?
Did you slip the disk through some injury and did that put your back 'out', was it a case of one minute your jumping about, next you literally can't move?
Do you think the surgery helped? As in were you mobile before? And was it the microdiscectomy and not open?
How long ago was this, are there plans to do another op? I've read in some cases the first doesn't work.
I put my back out maybe 15 years ago, it was really bad I literally couldn't walk properly for a month, I had a good 2 months off work, however it did get better, pretty much perfect. I was with the nhs and while they certainly weren't quick I had their physio which really helped. This time it's private and the service level is superb, so that's good.
This time it's not been put out as such, just painful and at times like right now almost none. I think my problem may be that I've carried on working, doing stuff I perhaps shouldn't and generally not resting it. I plan to not do a lot for a few weeks, go see this specialist, get some physio and do some swimming which definitely helps.
Actually a week or so ago I had been swimming 3 times and rested for a good 7 days I reckon, I then had to get up a ladder and refit the sky dish which meant leaning back while I did the connections, this just fked it back in pain
I googled this epidural thing and it says you can have 3 a year, it can work for a day or upto 3 years.
Btw I think mines the l5/s1 area, it's right low down. I will say the doctor didn't seem to concerned and seemed optimistic.
I really appreciate your reply, there's almost nothing on google in terms of real cases, I just hear pub talk iykwim.
I first knackered my back with an unwise lift (my 7-stone dog slipped down between the bed and the wall - I was scared he'd break his neck). This was in 1976 and I had to spend a week in bed with it. After that, I could still do stuff but if I wasn't careful, I'd get two days of serious backache. I've got a couple of questions if you don't mind?
Did you slip the disk through some injury and did that put your back 'out', was it a case of one minute your jumping about, next you literally can't move?
Do you think the surgery helped? As in were you mobile before? And was it the microdiscectomy and not open?
How long ago was this, are there plans to do another op? I've read in some cases the first doesn't work.
I put my back out maybe 15 years ago, it was really bad I literally couldn't walk properly for a month, I had a good 2 months off work, however it did get better, pretty much perfect. I was with the nhs and while they certainly weren't quick I had their physio which really helped. This time it's private and the service level is superb, so that's good.
This time it's not been put out as such, just painful and at times like right now almost none. I think my problem may be that I've carried on working, doing stuff I perhaps shouldn't and generally not resting it. I plan to not do a lot for a few weeks, go see this specialist, get some physio and do some swimming which definitely helps.
Actually a week or so ago I had been swimming 3 times and rested for a good 7 days I reckon, I then had to get up a ladder and refit the sky dish which meant leaning back while I did the connections, this just f
ked it back in pain I googled this epidural thing and it says you can have 3 a year, it can work for a day or upto 3 years.
Btw I think mines the l5/s1 area, it's right low down. I will say the doctor didn't seem to concerned and seemed optimistic.
I really appreciate your reply, there's almost nothing on google in terms of real cases, I just hear pub talk iykwim.
Edited by m3jappa on Thursday 15th January 20:45
The slip happened in 2005. I was working for a motorhome magazine and I got up into a vehicle without using the step. Over the next few days, it got worse and worse. The work had to go on but I was using my camera tripod as a makeshift crutch before too long. It happened in Brittany and when I got home a week later, it was straight to hospital. The scan showed a disc prolapse about the size of a garden pea, which was pressing on my right hand sciatic nerve.
Pre-surgery, my mobility was awful. I was hobbling from lamp post to lamp post in agonising pain. This was typical sciatic pain - starting in the right buttock and going all the way down to the outside of the right foot. It's vey like toothache. I haven't suffered foot drop but the outside of my right foot is still permanently numb.
One problem was my poor tolerance of heavy duty painkillers - the side effects made me quite ill. This prompted the DRG injections.
The surgery helped a lot. After the first op, my pain level was very low - for about three weeks. However, my scarring tendency is what brought it all back and op No. 2 included dissection of the scar tissue and a laminotomy - removal of bone to make more room for my sciatic nerve. Repeat what happened after op No.1 - much reduced pain but the pain came back, again because of scarring. This is when the 'Failed' tag was added and the implant decided upon. No further ops are planned on my disc area because the scarring will only come back. Both these ops were microdiscectomies rather than open surgeries.
My mobility isn't great even now. The implant does help but I still hobble about with a stick and can't go at all far. However, without the implant, I'd be in big trouble. And I can set shop alarms off with it but can never again have an MRI scan.
From your description, it sounds like you're experiencing more in the way of back pain than sciatic pain.I reckon, though, that the mechanism is much the same. The tough, outer part of the disc (annulus fibrosus)splits or cracks and the jelly-like inner 'filling' (nucleus pulposes)pops out (prolapses). The pain comes from this material's leaning on a nerve, or nerve root.
One thing I learned is that there's more to the problem than just pressure on the nerve. There's also the question of friction, and the jelly stuff is also toxic to the nerve. I assume this is why big slips aren't left untreated for too long.
The good news is that your discs are glued together very effectively. With a slip, some of the shock-absorbing effect goes but your spine won't be disconnected!
L5/S1 is your lowest lumbar disc and the first one that flexes to a significant degree. IE, it's the one that gets all the hammering when you bend, and especially lift. Do you know where your second slip is located? I'd think it's probably at L4/L5. It's be interesting to know this and the size of the prolapses.
I think you have to remember that I've been unlucky. Mine was a big prolapse and the scarring is my thing - it doesn't affect everyone. In various clinics, I've met people who had the same op and were more or less back to normal. A microdiscectomy (the surgeons call it 'working on the jelly doughnut') is a common op and you might want to Google the success rate.
Again, I hope this helps. Feel free to ask if you've any other questions.
My tuppence worth...Your mileage may vary...
Had L5/S1 microdiscectomy 15 years ago, this didn't work I still had the same pain mainly in the left buttock, and tingling numbness going down to my little toe, also its now harder after op to stand on left leg putting trousers on as muscles I think are cut doing the op etc. worse still for me is standing, I cant stand for too long or my front left thigh goes totally numb, sitting relieves it again as I can sit hunched over which obviously curves the discs away from pressing on the nerves, it literally is a pain in the arse.
Been attending clinics since 2000, have had many epidurals, which work quite well for a few months though it never totally pain free, some epidurals work better sometimes than others, I usually have facet and lumber injections and occasionally caudal epidurals up the tail-bone. the last lot included sending an electric current to stun the nerves as well, still have pain but manageable, as long as I don't do to much stressful activities which is a shame because that's what I want to do, I still do, but suffer later at the same time.
I see NHS pain management clinic in Queens sq London, and also the surgery clinic in same building, they keep trying to get rid of me off the surgery list, but each consultant I see (usually 4-6 month wait) some use a delaying tactic of passing buck by getting you to have another MRI X-ray ct-scan or bone-scan, it means your on the back burner & probably won't see the same consultant again, some say the dics pulp is so small that they need to fuse the joint, some don't.
Sometimes I wish the joints were fused, but that's quite a big op and again no guarantees as some end up a lot worst than when they went in for the op.
What has me in two minds is I've been dealing with it for 15 years, yet still really the same and some of the worst pain happens to me when I miss a step or drop into a small hole or divot when I'm expect the ground still to be there under my foot, because their is a drop my leg and back muscles aren't expecting the dip, so respond too late this sends a massive skeletal jolt up from my foot up to the L5/S1 joint and as the disc pulp is so small their is no cushioning and the disc above L6 crashes down on L5/s1 with the whole weight of my body above L6 the pain is excruciating, so in some senses to me fusing the joints may help because the two discs l4/l5/l6 are now one whole single joint sure I'd lose some mobility in bending but the nerve wouldn't get aggravated. It is a very very big decision to have joints fused, as is having a microdiscectomy.
Bad back is a life changer if it doesn't go away, especially when I can walk almost normally in gait, so have great trouble convincing other people who don't know me that I suffer terribly with pain, that can include consultants...
Had L5/S1 microdiscectomy 15 years ago, this didn't work I still had the same pain mainly in the left buttock, and tingling numbness going down to my little toe, also its now harder after op to stand on left leg putting trousers on as muscles I think are cut doing the op etc. worse still for me is standing, I cant stand for too long or my front left thigh goes totally numb, sitting relieves it again as I can sit hunched over which obviously curves the discs away from pressing on the nerves, it literally is a pain in the arse.
Been attending clinics since 2000, have had many epidurals, which work quite well for a few months though it never totally pain free, some epidurals work better sometimes than others, I usually have facet and lumber injections and occasionally caudal epidurals up the tail-bone. the last lot included sending an electric current to stun the nerves as well, still have pain but manageable, as long as I don't do to much stressful activities which is a shame because that's what I want to do, I still do, but suffer later at the same time.
I see NHS pain management clinic in Queens sq London, and also the surgery clinic in same building, they keep trying to get rid of me off the surgery list, but each consultant I see (usually 4-6 month wait) some use a delaying tactic of passing buck by getting you to have another MRI X-ray ct-scan or bone-scan, it means your on the back burner & probably won't see the same consultant again, some say the dics pulp is so small that they need to fuse the joint, some don't.
Sometimes I wish the joints were fused, but that's quite a big op and again no guarantees as some end up a lot worst than when they went in for the op.
What has me in two minds is I've been dealing with it for 15 years, yet still really the same and some of the worst pain happens to me when I miss a step or drop into a small hole or divot when I'm expect the ground still to be there under my foot, because their is a drop my leg and back muscles aren't expecting the dip, so respond too late this sends a massive skeletal jolt up from my foot up to the L5/S1 joint and as the disc pulp is so small their is no cushioning and the disc above L6 crashes down on L5/s1 with the whole weight of my body above L6 the pain is excruciating, so in some senses to me fusing the joints may help because the two discs l4/l5/l6 are now one whole single joint sure I'd lose some mobility in bending but the nerve wouldn't get aggravated. It is a very very big decision to have joints fused, as is having a microdiscectomy.
Bad back is a life changer if it doesn't go away, especially when I can walk almost normally in gait, so have great trouble convincing other people who don't know me that I suffer terribly with pain, that can include consultants...
I had an L4/5 microdiscectomy a few years ago - for me it worked for about 6 months before the pain started coming back. It ended up that the disc was just disappearing (as well as the initial bulge/slip I had degeneration) until the bones were touching each other in one point. Then they fused it (too badly damaged bones for an artificial disc). The fusion was 3 years ago and life is almost normal.
The microdiscectomy itself wasn't too big a deal with hindsight; I was fortunate enough to have a few weeks off work. I probably didn't need it, but my back was so weak, and my legs etc. from living with the bulge for quite a while, that I took the time to recover properly and build up strength etc.
If you do go ahead with the op then allow yourself time afterwards to recover properly, especially if you have a manual job which it sounds like you do.
The microdiscectomy itself wasn't too big a deal with hindsight; I was fortunate enough to have a few weeks off work. I probably didn't need it, but my back was so weak, and my legs etc. from living with the bulge for quite a while, that I took the time to recover properly and build up strength etc.
If you do go ahead with the op then allow yourself time afterwards to recover properly, especially if you have a manual job which it sounds like you do.
Thank you all for your replies, as you understand it's a pretty bad experience I just hope and prey I can get better.
Some of the above is pretty harrowing, I was hoping it would be a case of 'yea my back was fked, I had one and I'm now doing a kart wheel every morning,
With regard to the second slip, I believe it's the one above l5/s1, they are next to each other. I'll be honest I couldn't make a great deal of sense of the MRI. Basically those two discs were darker than the others and when shown a cross section you can see that they are touching the bone (I think). They are only just making contact and one of them is negligeable apparantly.
About two weeks ago the pain had really eased, that was until I decided to get a sheet of ply up on the conservatory roof to deal with a leaking down pipe, as I carried the sheet over I slipped on the decking putting the back 'out' for a day or two it was bad again but then went back to the typical stiffness.
I do have some pain in the legs, usually it's in my hips and sometimes lower legs but no numbness or tingling as such. Years ago when the doctor said I had sciatica it went all the way to my feet. Due to how bad it was years ago and a full recovery I'm hoping this time will be ok as well.
I am thinking of starting a plant hire company, however this was something I planned to do over several years, building it up one machine at a time as after my workings out it would take a good 5-10 machines before you earns decent money. Looks like I better get a move on
I just hope and prey I can get better. Some of the above is pretty harrowing, I was hoping it would be a case of 'yea my back was f
ked, I had one and I'm now doing a kart wheel every morning, With regard to the second slip, I believe it's the one above l5/s1, they are next to each other. I'll be honest I couldn't make a great deal of sense of the MRI. Basically those two discs were darker than the others and when shown a cross section you can see that they are touching the bone (I think). They are only just making contact and one of them is negligeable apparantly.
About two weeks ago the pain had really eased, that was until I decided to get a sheet of ply up on the conservatory roof to deal with a leaking down pipe, as I carried the sheet over I slipped on the decking putting the back 'out' for a day or two it was bad again but then went back to the typical stiffness.
I do have some pain in the legs, usually it's in my hips and sometimes lower legs but no numbness or tingling as such. Years ago when the doctor said I had sciatica it went all the way to my feet. Due to how bad it was years ago and a full recovery I'm hoping this time will be ok as well.
I am thinking of starting a plant hire company, however this was something I planned to do over several years, building it up one machine at a time as after my workings out it would take a good 5-10 machines before you earns decent money. Looks like I better get a move on
Don't be too put off, I had two done two years apart 8&10 years ago. I was in horrendous pain, really chronic. Even breathing hurt. Pain down my left leg was to the point I could barely sit down for fear of it. Both ops were a huge success and I am so glad I had them done. I had never had any back pain prior to this. They take a while to settle, particularly the sciatica but be patient and they work 
I still ride heavy motorcycles and am just careful of putting it on the centre stand and lifting in general. Life can be good again !
I still ride heavy motorcycles and am just careful of putting it on the centre stand and lifting in general. Life can be good again !If it makes you feel any better, I now mountain bike (including Wales etc.) and including a few crashes with broken ribs but the back is all fine. I also had my first skiing lesson, I took my private pilot's license, and I've tracked the Caterham. All since both ops.
I have a numb patch on one leg, some nerve damage meaning one cold and sweaty foot and one hot and dry one, and yes I still get back ache and a bit of foot drop. None of that impacts my daily life anymore. Well not in any meaningful way anyway! Personally I think I left the first op way too long (years) before investigating properly and having it done. It did a lot of damage to the surrounding area in the process, which probably eventually led to the fusion. But everybody's case is different. Many times they will recommend not doing it too soon because bulges can heal themselves.
My dad had two discectomys (before they became micro!) and although now (20-30 years later) his back "goes" every so often (well he is nearly 70!), he's had a normal life too and puts in more miles on his road bike than anybody else I know!
I have a numb patch on one leg, some nerve damage meaning one cold and sweaty foot and one hot and dry one, and yes I still get back ache and a bit of foot drop. None of that impacts my daily life anymore. Well not in any meaningful way anyway! Personally I think I left the first op way too long (years) before investigating properly and having it done. It did a lot of damage to the surrounding area in the process, which probably eventually led to the fusion. But everybody's case is different. Many times they will recommend not doing it too soon because bulges can heal themselves.
My dad had two discectomys (before they became micro!) and although now (20-30 years later) his back "goes" every so often (well he is nearly 70!), he's had a normal life too and puts in more miles on his road bike than anybody else I know!
I'm 65 this year. About 9 years ago (I'll keep this brief) I put one leg inside the car (like you do) and thought WTF! the pain was incredible. Guy came over and asked what was wrong? Helped me out, I stood up straight and thought fm, I could not have imagined that pain? He went off after I reassured him I was fine. I wasn't! My lower S2? disc had ruptured (discs don't slip!). Somehow, I drove home in absolute agony. This was the start of months of agony. My wife had to put my socks on was one part. I couldn't sleep. Hell.
MRI scan showed one disc ruptured. Surgeon (I've moved on a bit now) offered op. I met many people with similar condition. Painkillers... I rattled. But I fought it. Luckily I'm self employed otherwise I probably could not have (ie I worked when pain was subdued, which was not very often!). It took me an age to hobble a few hundred yards. The absolute fear of some ignorant pedestrian bumping into me told me just how fearful elderly people with hip trouble and walking sticks have it. After several months I'd had enough. Surgeon however said I was battling it well - rest and excercise are the answer. He said he'd keep the door open for the op if I couldn't manage it. I really wanted to keep my back as I was born with it. GP suggested another MRI. FM! Another disc had ruptured. I was on a downer just as I thought things were better but it was the 'mind'. Tense up just a little and the pain is exacerbated. Then I found the godsend - The Back Sufferer's Bible. I'd recommend it to anyone with back trouble. Find out 'exactly' how your spine works.
I'll move on. I never had the op. Ok it took a long time but 'my' back is still my back, it isn't hacked about. I get episodes (rare now) but I 'know' I can beat it. Roll-ups (wonderful) just lie on your back (all found via the book - and to be fair from early sessions of physio) and bring your knees up to your chest and rock back and fro. Bottom bounces... I used to do these if out and in pain at the side of my car! Both hands on the sill (door open), legs wide apart! and bounce me bum on the floor several times opening up the vertibrae. Later I got to simply touching my toes a load of times - works wonders. At first I could hardly get to my knees but the more I did it, the easier it became.
Today, even at my age, I bet I can get to the bus stop running before most half my age!
When I think back, I can honestly say it was the most pain I have ever experienced in my life. Bloodly awful in fact.
But my advice is get that book. I still have my dog-eared copy and occasionally refer to it. At the time I paid a tenner for it on offer, it's even less now. By Aussie physio Sarah Key. Best 10 quid I ever spent!
http://www.amazon.co.uk/Sarah-Keys-Back-Sufferers-...
And no, I have no connection whatsoever with it or her!
Edit
Ha ha. Good old Amazon.
I said it was about 9 years ago. Amazon proudly displays on the page when I bought the book 'You purchased this item on 5 Sep 2005.' So, even my memory is still good!
My review of the book is in there but there are so many now I couldn't find it!!
ps I should add that I have never, ever, since that fateful day, put one foot in the car to enter. Sit yer bum on the seat and swing both legs in. Physio told me the strain on a 'weak' low back is immense with that twisting action everybody has when entering and exiting a car. Think about it next time you get in your car!
MRI scan showed one disc ruptured. Surgeon (I've moved on a bit now) offered op. I met many people with similar condition. Painkillers... I rattled. But I fought it. Luckily I'm self employed otherwise I probably could not have (ie I worked when pain was subdued, which was not very often!). It took me an age to hobble a few hundred yards. The absolute fear of some ignorant pedestrian bumping into me told me just how fearful elderly people with hip trouble and walking sticks have it. After several months I'd had enough. Surgeon however said I was battling it well - rest and excercise are the answer. He said he'd keep the door open for the op if I couldn't manage it. I really wanted to keep my back as I was born with it. GP suggested another MRI. FM! Another disc had ruptured. I was on a downer just as I thought things were better but it was the 'mind'. Tense up just a little and the pain is exacerbated. Then I found the godsend - The Back Sufferer's Bible. I'd recommend it to anyone with back trouble. Find out 'exactly' how your spine works.
I'll move on. I never had the op. Ok it took a long time but 'my' back is still my back, it isn't hacked about. I get episodes (rare now) but I 'know' I can beat it. Roll-ups (wonderful) just lie on your back (all found via the book - and to be fair from early sessions of physio) and bring your knees up to your chest and rock back and fro. Bottom bounces... I used to do these if out and in pain at the side of my car! Both hands on the sill (door open), legs wide apart! and bounce me bum on the floor several times opening up the vertibrae. Later I got to simply touching my toes a load of times - works wonders. At first I could hardly get to my knees but the more I did it, the easier it became.
Today, even at my age, I bet I can get to the bus stop running before most half my age!
When I think back, I can honestly say it was the most pain I have ever experienced in my life. Bloodly awful in fact.
But my advice is get that book. I still have my dog-eared copy and occasionally refer to it. At the time I paid a tenner for it on offer, it's even less now. By Aussie physio Sarah Key. Best 10 quid I ever spent!
http://www.amazon.co.uk/Sarah-Keys-Back-Sufferers-...
And no, I have no connection whatsoever with it or her!
Edit
Ha ha. Good old Amazon.
I said it was about 9 years ago. Amazon proudly displays on the page when I bought the book 'You purchased this item on 5 Sep 2005.' So, even my memory is still good!
My review of the book is in there but there are so many now I couldn't find it!!
ps I should add that I have never, ever, since that fateful day, put one foot in the car to enter. Sit yer bum on the seat and swing both legs in. Physio told me the strain on a 'weak' low back is immense with that twisting action everybody has when entering and exiting a car. Think about it next time you get in your car!
Edited by dandarez on Sunday 18th January 21:12
Rockets7 said:
Agreed with entry and exit of vehicle. Roll ups tho! I was told to never attempt anything of the sort as the pressure on the lower discs was horrendous. Just shows the volume of differing advice.
Get under the knife. Job done. Move on ??
I agree about the roll ups in a way, what's good for one person may be ill-advised for another , 'but' when I had a twinge or spasm I tested it with a roll-up - if it's sore on the point you roll, you know damn well it is inflamed (sciatic nerve) and I just went ahead and rock and rolled (he he). Yeah, it hurt but it's a good pain. Rest afterwards and exercise (walking is best) and back to normal. Mostly helped too I would add by the lack of 'fear' factor, which in early days of disc trouble can be dreadful. Get under the knife. Job done. Move on ??
And by the way to anyone reading this who has not suffered. Discs don't slip (rupture) in those old wive's tales, 'I just bent down and my back went'. It will have been 'going' for some time previously. Mine was years of lifting reams of paper and books (and bad posture).
Another add on. Early on I was advised (as I sit at PC a lot) was a 'kneeling chair' for better posture and aid to bad back. I still have mine, actually sat on it now! Good buy also.
I had what I would term a successful microdiscectomy in June 2013.
Hurt my back doing weights in the gym the previous autumn. Lots of pain and discomfort for months. All came to a head on Easter Sunday. Slipped and fell in the kitchen. The disc then moved into my spinal chord! Pain was obscene. Dr's and A&E refused to acknowledge a problem. So I paid for a private consultation. He immediately diagnosed a slipped disc and said I shouldn't have been left the way I was. A few days later, I was in the Walton Neurological Centre in Liverpool for an MRI scan. The scan showed my L4/5 disc nicely embedded in my spinal chord! My chord was white (healthy) above the disc and grey (bad) below.
It was agreed my consultant would see me the next day to discuss my op. Overnight, inexplicably, I made a superb recovery! My limp lessened quite dramatically and pain had subsided quite a bit. My consultant said I could have an operation the next day if I wanted or I could walk out a free man. Being a wimp, I walked...
Three weeks later, feeling 90% right, I was hoovering out my Scirocco to make it half presentable for its MOT the next day (Monday). It didn't make its MOT... I stood up after crouching in the back of the car and experienced a pain I had never experienced before. I was crippled and I hadn't done anything. Got myself to bed (took over an hour!) and there I remained without food or water for 5 days! Luckily the night before I'd been to a wedding and drank (never normally) and taken a pint of water to bed. This had to last me 5 days!!!! Simply couldn't get up - the pain was unbearable. This was by now Sunday evening. Made an appointment to see my consultant the following morning. Couldn't see me until Friday.
Friday came and my mum came to take me to the hospital. She didn't have keys to my house so I had to throw mine out of the bedroom window. That took twenty minutes! Obviously a shower was required as I'd not seen water for 5 days. In the shower I made another of my miraculous recoveries. Crawled in, walked out!
Consultant said I needed an op as a priority and that was scheduled for 4 days time, next Tuesday.
So after 4 days of blind panic and varying levels of mobility and pain,
I'm on my way down to theatre. I come around from my anaesthetic and I'm in much less pain than when I went for my op! Progress! Two or three hours after I'm back on the ward I'm encouraged to get out of bed. I manage this and walk a few hundred feet around the corridors and again in much less pain. From here on in, I made great progress. I was sent home the next day and told I could drive after 3 days. Not feeling the Elise was appropriate with a gouge in my back, I opted for the Scirocco. Slight problem - I'm far too weak to turn the steering wheel!
A week later I managed it though and I continued to make great progress through the rest of the summer. I was back
In work after. 4 weeks and have had no further episodes since.
To bring an end to my ramblings, 18 months later I am in no pain and haven't really had any at any poInt inbetween. I will say that I feel like I've lost a bit of strength in my back and also, I am less flexible than I was. Overall I'm pleased
I went ahead as life was intolerable leading up to my operation and I was always in fear of a repeat attack.
Hopefully if I look after myself, I'll be fine going forwards.
Hurt my back doing weights in the gym the previous autumn. Lots of pain and discomfort for months. All came to a head on Easter Sunday. Slipped and fell in the kitchen. The disc then moved into my spinal chord! Pain was obscene. Dr's and A&E refused to acknowledge a problem. So I paid for a private consultation. He immediately diagnosed a slipped disc and said I shouldn't have been left the way I was. A few days later, I was in the Walton Neurological Centre in Liverpool for an MRI scan. The scan showed my L4/5 disc nicely embedded in my spinal chord! My chord was white (healthy) above the disc and grey (bad) below.
It was agreed my consultant would see me the next day to discuss my op. Overnight, inexplicably, I made a superb recovery! My limp lessened quite dramatically and pain had subsided quite a bit. My consultant said I could have an operation the next day if I wanted or I could walk out a free man. Being a wimp, I walked...
Three weeks later, feeling 90% right, I was hoovering out my Scirocco to make it half presentable for its MOT the next day (Monday). It didn't make its MOT... I stood up after crouching in the back of the car and experienced a pain I had never experienced before. I was crippled and I hadn't done anything. Got myself to bed (took over an hour!) and there I remained without food or water for 5 days! Luckily the night before I'd been to a wedding and drank (never normally) and taken a pint of water to bed. This had to last me 5 days!!!! Simply couldn't get up - the pain was unbearable. This was by now Sunday evening. Made an appointment to see my consultant the following morning. Couldn't see me until Friday.
Friday came and my mum came to take me to the hospital. She didn't have keys to my house so I had to throw mine out of the bedroom window. That took twenty minutes! Obviously a shower was required as I'd not seen water for 5 days. In the shower I made another of my miraculous recoveries. Crawled in, walked out!
Consultant said I needed an op as a priority and that was scheduled for 4 days time, next Tuesday.
So after 4 days of blind panic and varying levels of mobility and pain,
I'm on my way down to theatre. I come around from my anaesthetic and I'm in much less pain than when I went for my op! Progress! Two or three hours after I'm back on the ward I'm encouraged to get out of bed. I manage this and walk a few hundred feet around the corridors and again in much less pain. From here on in, I made great progress. I was sent home the next day and told I could drive after 3 days. Not feeling the Elise was appropriate with a gouge in my back, I opted for the Scirocco. Slight problem - I'm far too weak to turn the steering wheel!
A week later I managed it though and I continued to make great progress through the rest of the summer. I was back
In work after. 4 weeks and have had no further episodes since.
To bring an end to my ramblings, 18 months later I am in no pain and haven't really had any at any poInt inbetween. I will say that I feel like I've lost a bit of strength in my back and also, I am less flexible than I was. Overall I'm pleased
I went ahead as life was intolerable leading up to my operation and I was always in fear of a repeat attack.
Hopefully if I look after myself, I'll be fine going forwards.
Some great replies, it really is horrific that 'putting the back out' thing.
I'm confident now I can get over this, I haven't done any physical work for a week or so and have been careful, I'd say the pain in my lower back is minimal, just hips and knees hurting a bit, today I've been putting ice on my knee, I'm convinced this is due to simply having a weak back.
Sciatic pain does come and go a bit, but since I've been taking it easy it's been better.
It's things like this that make you realise how much of a knife edge life is lived. I mean I'm doing ok, looking forward to my future, things aren't bad, then all of a sudden thinking hold on I'm 34 skilled in not a lot more than what I do, I've got some savings, some assets etc but not enough to retire on, if I had to finish work today I'd be fked and I think that goes for most people, except a lot have no savings and no assets at all.
Scary stuff really.
I'm confident now I can get over this, I haven't done any physical work for a week or so and have been careful, I'd say the pain in my lower back is minimal, just hips and knees hurting a bit, today I've been putting ice on my knee, I'm convinced this is due to simply having a weak back.
Sciatic pain does come and go a bit, but since I've been taking it easy it's been better.
It's things like this that make you realise how much of a knife edge life is lived. I mean I'm doing ok, looking forward to my future, things aren't bad, then all of a sudden thinking hold on I'm 34 skilled in not a lot more than what I do, I've got some savings, some assets etc but not enough to retire on, if I had to finish work today I'd be f
ked and I think that goes for most people, except a lot have no savings and no assets at all. Scary stuff really.
Had 2 microdiscectomy ops on L4/L5. Went in with sciatica only, came out with back pain and hasn't left me since, tried everything from physio to acupuncture. First op by NHS was a disaster hence the second op, after that I had a privately funded fusion on may 14.
P
Feel slightly better now, still with pain and stiffness, can't swim or run, the driving joggling hurts and can only bend a handful of time and not much, my quality of life is gone. I do core exercises 3 or 4 times per week and had been pills free for the first time in 4 years in the last 30 days, I hope it gets better but I doubt it.
To this day I still don't know if my problem is facet joint or scarring, haven't been able to get any of the doctors to get to the bottom of it and I have a bit of a language barrier that doesn't help. I am only 34 by the way.
Having said that I know two colleagues who had micro ops and are completely fine. Good luck whatever you decide.
P
Feel slightly better now, still with pain and stiffness, can't swim or run, the driving joggling hurts and can only bend a handful of time and not much, my quality of life is gone. I do core exercises 3 or 4 times per week and had been pills free for the first time in 4 years in the last 30 days, I hope it gets better but I doubt it.
To this day I still don't know if my problem is facet joint or scarring, haven't been able to get any of the doctors to get to the bottom of it and I have a bit of a language barrier that doesn't help. I am only 34 by the way.
Having said that I know two colleagues who had micro ops and are completely fine. Good luck whatever you decide.
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