Prolapsed disc - Ive just had Surgery

[seeme1995]

My other half has L5 S1 prolapsed disc and has been using acupuncture for pain relief and this has worked very well - he is back to work a couple of days a week. I understand that acupuncture is now available in some areas (unfortunately not where we live) through the NHS and is worth discussing with your GP. He is now waiting for surgery, although reading all your threads, his pain is not as bad as most of yours and I am now thinking that maybe surgery is not the best option.

We have also had bad experiences of GP's with one recently telling him that the pain was in his head, although he had a MRI scan which clearly showed the prolapse! He no longer sees that GP and asks for the GP that initially diagnosed him who has been most helpful.

Good luck to all who have had/waiting for the operatioin and a speedy recovery

 

[The "L" Word]

Hi coffee123,

I think surgery has to be the final option if nothing else can solve or manage the disc prolapse. I have had acupuncture from a physio when suffering left leg sciatica and am lucky the NHS do provide this service in my area. It managed the pain but did not get rid of it unfortunately. I had the choice of an epidural with a chance of 50% success or an L5 S1 discectomy which so far, 17 weeks post op, has solved my back problem. The chance of operation success was 95% in my case.
As you may have seen on other people's comments, back strengthening is key with a physio if possible to manage the pain now as well as if an op is required. Hopefully not.
A question to ask would be the %chance of success rate from the surgeon if and when your other half discusses or has discussed the MRI scan with the surgeon.
Hope your other half's prolapsed disc does not require surgery and the pain can be managed.

Best wishes

dalep115

 

[illistavy]

I have just stumbled on this forum and delighted to see I am not alone! Although I can sympathise with you all as I have had leg and bum pain since at least the end of May and back pain since July. I put off going to the Dr until mid July, which is when the pain stopped me sleeping and when after 4 hours at work I coundn't stand any longer. I got the usual 'take painkillers and here's some diclofenac' etc.....

I was referred for Physio but after the pain got much worse I decided to see an osteopath who was highly was recommeded by a friend whom he had 'cured' of sciatica. However, after 3 sessions (and £120 down!) I was in more pain than ever - took me days to recover after each session and in the end, the osteopath admitted that it wasn't working for me.

Since going back to work after 4 weeks off (school job), the pain is much worse so I went back to the Dr who was shocked I hadn't been seen by a physio yet, she phoned our local hospital and 'Hey Presto' I am going in the morning. My Dr said that if she refers me for a scan they won't do it until I have tried physio! After the osteopathy failing I don't hold out much hope!

I admit I am a couple of stones overweight but I am a busy, working Mum with 3 children, I'm certainly no couch potato. It's such a shame that scans/appt's take so blooming long. If I could afford it I would pay privately for an MRI scan to at least tell me if it's a disc problem. If not, then I will have to work on things but if it is, I am all for having surgery because at 37, I don't want to live with this quite literal pain in the arse forever!

 

[CrackerBoy67]

Thank you for posting a positive of the operation!
I'm so terrified of having the operation that I make children look fearless against the boogeyman.
To hear that it worked out for you hellsbells after the operation is brilliant. I shouldn't be as scared as I am, as my brother had a disc operation on his neck and it went really well for him.
This would be my first operation also and that scares the hell out of me but to know as first operations go you got through it has helped me so thank you for sharing your story hopefully when i'm panicking in the hospital i'll be thinking it worked out for you lol x x x