Bulging disc and sciatica

[Ered_Lithui]

I went ahead with the back surgery on Tuesday. The second surgeon confirmed everything the first had said, and was able to schedule me for the surgery less than two weeks after the visit. I'd heard really good things about the second doctor from PTs who have worked with his post-op patients, and was told he's one of the best and that he only does surgery when he thinks it's absolutely necessary. I felt good about the decision going in.

It happened Tuesday afternoon, and that evening I had a few glorious hours when my leg felt free of pain and there was much rejoicing. I walked around grasping the IV pole and feeling great. A few hours later the nerve pain in the leg came back, and it has gotten worse over the past three days. This is not unheard of, and it probably has to do with the fact that the post-surgical inflammation at the site of the procedure is compressing the nerve root. But the nerve itself may also have sustained damage that could take a long time to repair. So I could be in pain for a few more days, or a few more months. Or longer. (No! Thinking happy thoughts.)

Getting out of bed is hell; rolling over is the worst part. I feel knives digging into my flesh and at every point I'm scared about ripping stitches or re-herniating the disc with a wrong move. I'm physically incapable of leaning forward to get up; it's such a bizarre sense of helplessness. Once up I can walk about a bit in accordance with the doctor's instructions.

Fortunately, I have my sister in town for a bit. Her presence has been invaluable, both in terms of moral support and physical assistance getting in and out of bed and fetching water. The hospital sent me home with a fantastic water bottle complete with a straw that runs through the lid. I suppose parents of young children must be familiar with the concept, but I'm really impressed. (Maybe it's the drugs talking here.) It makes taking pills while lying down simple and painless.

The neuropathic painkiller was supposed to kick in yesterday and address the leg pain, but so far no luck there. That's my only cause for concern right now. My back *should* hurt -- they took knives and needles to it and hacked away at disc and bone. But it was all done for the sake of the still-uncooperative leg. I'm attempting to be sanguine.

[yellow]

Ered, it's a tough decision to make and sometimes during recovery you will wonder why the hell you did it. I recovered very well (I had a different surgery...but it was still back surgery, with hardware) I think primarily because of two things: (1) I was 100% faithful with my PT--it pissed me off that I had to spend so much time doing it (when the benefits were often not apparent) but I'm stubborn so I kept at it and (2) I did not expect to be 100% free of pain after surgery. Recovery was a PITA, but it really wasn't that bad (certainly not as bad as the Internet would have you believe). It took me probably 6 weeks to recover from what I will call the surgical pain. Otherwise, gradual improvement. I know that I will need to continue maintenance for the rest of my life.

Pick an episode from the last year in which you either melted down form the pain or couldn't do something because of the pain. Remember how that made you feel mentally and physically. And then remember, with emphasis, that it is in the past and that you are moving on.

My episodes were being able to bend over on a whim to pick something up and not being able to put on my shoes without excruciating pain. I still have some pain and occasional numbness in my right leg, but I can now bend over pretty easily and put on shoes without much thought.

Hang in there and be patient with yourself!

[jessmarimba]

It probably doesn't feel like it to you, but you sound like you're doing awesome! While I was physically capable of walking the next day, it was probably 4 days before I was able to stand up from sitting on the edge of the bed and not immediately puke everywhere (sorry tmi).

And I feel you on the rolling over to get up - I could NOT roll to my left side for probably 3 weeks. Too weak or uncoordinated or something, and the incision was just enough in that direction that the pain was much worse. And the drain for the surgery was on that side and I was terrified of accidentally pulling on it. They got aggravated with me in the hospital b/c that would have been a 2 step trip to the bathroom, and instead I had to get off of the other side of the bed and walk around (while sick).

I will keep my fingers crossed that the nerve pain will subside quickly. I imagine (and I'm hoping) that it IS just inflammation, and I doubt that will last too long.

Good luck in your recovery - we're all here for you!

[malkin]

Hang in there!
Pain sucks.

[Ered_Lithui]

I've so far avoided vomiting, for which I am very grateful. The leg pain has been as bad today as its worst extent pre-surgery. Severe enough to make me seize up and lose balance. So I'm being very, very careful because falling now would be very bad indeed. I certainly didn't expect to be pain-free, but the severity and suddenness of the leg pain took me by surprise.

I just consulted the doctor on call, who said, "wow, you're on some really low doses." Apparently I could be taking over twice as much of both drugs as I currently am. That might explain some things. I'm increasing the dose of the neuropathic painkiller a bit to see if it helps the leg.

[DrBadger]

Hang in there! it get's better, but sounds like you are doing quite well already. You are right that the nerve pain can take a while to heal... I still get twinges in my big toe now 8 months later.

Take the pain meds per docs order.....don't try to be a hero...they give them to you for a reason.

As you start feeling up to it, take walks... it is great both for getting out of the house and to keep you active and get mobility back.

Good luck!
Ellen

[itself]

Ered,

You are doing great! Make sure you are taking B complex as this helps nerve damage and with recovery. Be slow and careful with PT...and make sure you get a good one.

I cried when I woke up from my surgery, as the pain was gone and I couldn't believe it. I had weird feelings/tingling in my legs for quite a while, I want to say at least a year. Different for everyone, but DON'T get freaked out. Your body will heal, it really will.

Ice is your friend. I still to this day ice after exercise. And yep, even six years later there is tingling here and there in my foot and legs on and off. Again, I don't get freaked out anymore. My chiropractor made all the difference in my recovery.