Had Op

petmad

Well had my disc and bone spurs removed at C5/6 last Monday, I was out of hospital by Wednesday, as weak as ditch water but oh so pleased to be at home.
As soon as I woke I knew the horrid spinal spasms were gone, initially I thought the nerve pain had gone too, but when the morphine stopped the nerve pain returned.

Unfortunately I did not receive the physio support I was led to believe I would get in hospital, indeed it was on the day of discharge I was seen and advised to roll out of bed to prevent strain on the new disc...nice to know, I asked if they would refer me on for physio, they said they would but when my GP checked they hadn't. The specialist physio requested the appointment clerk contact me as she wants to see me as a mater of urgency so I will start with her this Wednesday.
I know it may be 18 months before I know if the nerve pain is going to stop or be permanent. But the decompression part of the op has changed my life, my legs are so much more flexible I actually knee led on the floor today rather than sliding off a chair to get down.
Prior to the op I was thinking I may not be able to return to work, now I am looking forward to my return. I realise I will have continuing problems with my other joints and indeed may need surgery on my hand but I am so glad I was given the surgery. Linda

elnafinn

Hi Linda

Great news about the op but not so good about the lack of physio support. Be extra careful until your physio on Wednesday.

I know you had no choice but to have the op and perhaps that is sometimes easier than having to decide oneself. Let's hope the nerve pain stops too for you. Although you will still have other ongoing problems one less certainly helps.

Wishing you all the best with your recovery and getting back to work again.

Luv
Elna x

skezier

Hi Linda,
Glad to see you back again, I was wondering how it had gone. I hope they sort out the physio for you asap cus you should have been given the date before you left the hosp.
Its early days, Its not the same but I had a full decompression of my lower spine years ago and it took so long before I knew what was 'cured' and what was perminent so hopefully the nerve pain will get less. Mine was at L4,L5, S1 & S2 and it did end up being perminent but the difference even with that was incredible. I hope you get at least as good a result and hopefully better.
Take care and I'm pleased to see you back.

colinone

Hi Petmad
On Wednesday 8th April we are going to try and set a new record for most people being online at the same time on this site. I think the time is set for 6pm if you can join us please let BADGER know. If you cant locate him have a look on CHIT CHAT FORUM under are we going to break the record. We need your help to do this so please join us.

frogmorton

HI Linda
Well done you!!!!
I am so very glad your op has gone so well for you
As for the nerve damage - when I had my back op 5 years ago I couldn't fell (at all ) my rt leg, after the op it was temporarily worse (lost my bum too - boy did that feel big when I had to wash it in the shower!!!!)
Now the only bits I can't feel are side of rt foot and heel, bit at back of knee and bit of bum
That took around 2 years to recover. So there's plenty of time yet!
Still have nerve pain in my hip/back and inside leg(sciatic), but I'm still gald I had it done.
Here's to a rapid recovery
Take care
Toni x

nearlybionic

Hi Linda
Pleased to see you back after your op. I hope that your physio goes well, although it would have been better from the start!
I`m glad you have some relief already after the surgery and fingers crossed for the nerve pain to go.
Take it easy, I know what you mean about feeling weak post op. But do as I say not as I do re resting :oops: I`m worlds worst at that!
NB

semipreciousmum

I am glad you have some relief and I hope you continue to improve xxx

woodbon

HI,
Glad to hear you around again! You're bound to feel weak and have pain for a while. Maybe the nerve needs time to settle down. Hope all carries on going well for you. Love Sue

petmad

Thanks all, I went out today expecting to be fine and to get back behind the wheel of my car again never having driven since Nov 2007. Well !! I don't know what they put in the air but I could not have driven if offered £1000.
The inflammation from the surgery has struck big time so can't wait to get physio tomorrow, she had tried to warn me of this as she is already working with a chap who had this surgery so I will gain from the experience gained treating him.
A big plus following the surgery is I can now see what is caused by my arthritis and what was pressure on the cord, so can start to look for help with this also. See podiatrist to have moulds made for insoles on Friday and see the new Rheumy in a fortnight so all go.
Toni my bum is big enough lol I would faint if anything made it feel bigger lol.
colinone I will try to join in, I will contact Badger for more details. Sorry not to be able to be on all the boards but am trying to contribute as much as I can to the new Scottish forum as well.
Glad to be back with you all. Linda