View Full Version : Prolapsed disc lumbar spine.
I hurt my back at work nearly 3 years ago and it's been stiff ever since. During this time it occasionally totally went but with rest, home hot and cold therapy and anti inflammatory meds I could get it back to stiff but manageable.
In November I picked my little boy and it totally went again, but this time it hasn't got any better as soon as I do anything no matter how small it goes. I had been putting an MRI off for years as I couldn't face laying in that claustrophobic tube for 20mins. Last Monday I finally managed an MRI with the help of my Mum helping me to get my trainers off and on etc (how embarrassing) I spent most of today laying in bed stretched out as it's gone again after spending 1hr mucking about with my car yesterday.
I spoke with my doctor today who although he hasn't had the pictures he has had the report back and I have a prolapsed lumbar disc. He has referred me to the hospital specialists and being honest I'm worried sick to the point of panic. Surgery is my worst nightmare and I'm praying it won't come to that!
Has anybody had any experiences with this sort of thing?
Thanks
Yes - sort of.
I had severe back issues for over 5 years, due to a bulging disc in my lumber back region. It finally prolapsed after a discogram. I ended up having surgery on it privately, as the NHS were not willing to do anything. I had spent years on morphine and a nerve painkiller, so had reached the end of my tether. I hope the pain is not as severe for you.
Surgery was the best thing that ever happened to me, and if you need it - have it! My pain was cured overnight, and within a few months I was off all painkillers.
I wouldn't wish the pain I went through up until the surgery on my worst enemy.
countrygirl
13-02-17, 21:32
I have a prolapsed neck disc and a prolapsed lumbar disc. My neck one is C5/6 and lumbar is L5/S1. My lumbar one went totally this time last year and I was in a wheelchair for months. I saw a neurosurgeon who came recommended and he was very sensible. He told me to wait at least 8 weeks to see if there was any improvement and it can take up to 4 months for the body to absorb the inflammatory chemicals produced. He was a specialist in microdiscectomy and he said that back surgery would get rid of leg pain as in sciatica but would not help pain in my back itself. ON exam I did not have any signs of damage to my sciatic nerve but it was irritated when i tried to stand up hence severe hip and leg pain on standing. He said to go back to him in 4-6 months if no improvement and he would refer me for spinal injections before considering operating.
I was back walking at 4 months ,I am very limited in what I can do ( no standing or walking for long or sitting on bad chairs) I have had two further episodes where my back literally seized up for2 weeks and I could not even straighten up but no leg pain and then I had severe sciatica down leg for 3 weeks over xmas but again this has gone.
See a neurosurgeon who specialises in microdisc operations as these are least invasive and do not rush into surgery.
If I had not improved from being wheelchair bound and in agony when I stood for more than 30 seconds then even I who is totally medical phobic would have agreed to an operation but I am glad I was patient and waited as things did improve tremendously although always on a knife edge and being very careful.
The first port of call is usually spinal injections to try and calm the nerves down and if that fails then go onto considering surgery.
Yes - sort of.
I had severe back issues for over 5 years, due to a bulging disc in my lumber back region. It finally prolapsed after a discogram. I ended up having surgery on it privately, as the NHS were not willing to do anything. I had spent years on morphine and a nerve painkiller, so had reached the end of my tether. I hope the pain is not as severe for you.
Surgery was the best thing that ever happened to me, and if you need it - have it! My pain was cured overnight, and within a few months I was off all painkillers.
I wouldn't wish the pain I went through up until the surgery on my worst enemy.
Hi, Thanks for the reply! The pain if I sit or lay still is ok. If I move wrong or try and do things like trying to get in a car it's like somebody sticking a knife in my back. It was so bad last night I was having to wee in a bottle as walking to the toilet was a no no:doh:
Glad you got sorted!
What treatments did the NHS offer if they weren't willing to operate?
Just meds?
---------- Post added at 22:18 ---------- Previous post was at 21:33 ----------
I have a prolapsed neck disc and a prolapsed lumbar disc. My neck one is C5/6 and lumbar is L5/S1. My lumbar one went totally this time last year and I was in a wheelchair for months. I saw a neurosurgeon who came recommended and he was very sensible. He told me to wait at least 8 weeks to see if there was any improvement and it can take up to 4 months for the body to absorb the inflammatory chemicals produced. He was a specialist in microdiscectomy and he said that back surgery would get rid of leg pain as in sciatica but would not help pain in my back itself. ON exam I did not have any signs of damage to my sciatic nerve but it was irritated when i tried to stand up hence severe hip and leg pain on standing. He said to go back to him in 4-6 months if no improvement and he would refer me for spinal injections before considering operating.
I was back walking at 4 months ,I am very limited in what I can do ( no standing or walking for long or sitting on bad chairs) I have had two further episodes where my back literally seized up for2 weeks and I could not even straighten up but no leg pain and then I had severe sciatica down leg for 3 weeks over xmas but again this has gone.
See a neurosurgeon who specialises in microdisc operations as these are least invasive and do not rush into surgery.
If I had not improved from being wheelchair bound and in agony when I stood for more than 30 seconds then even I who is totally medical phobic would have agreed to an operation but I am glad I was patient and waited as things did improve tremendously although always on a knife edge and being very careful.
The first port of call is usually spinal injections to try and calm the nerves down and if that fails then go onto considering surgery.
Hi, Thanks for responding and your story gives me hope. Was the neurosurgeon you saw on the NHS?
The strange thing for me is I've not had sciatica.
Thanks
Mainly just meds. Also had injections into the facet joints, the discogram which included steroids, and an epidural. The problem was that while the disc was bulging, it wasn't touching the nerves so they couldn't justify surgery. I had that for 5 years until I couldn't take it any more. Ironically the discogram actually caused the disc to leak, so they may have done something in the end, but they wouldn't have done the type of surgery I had, which has solved all my problems
Ow.. sorry you're dealing with this. I have a disc protrusion 4-5th lumbar and it goes every now and then so I know what you're talking about. Fortunately, it's remained stable.
My wife on the other hand ended up having two surgeries. One to place pins and then she fell and broke the pins and needed another surgery where they fused the vertebra. It took a while but she's doing fine. As with any major surgery, there's pain and healing time. Thank goodness for good drugs is all I can say ;)
If it comes down to it and you need surgery, rest assured they have this back stuff down to a science and the end result will be so much better quality of life.
Let us know how things come along.
Positive thoughts
Ow.. sorry you're dealing with this. I have a disc protrusion 4-5th lumbar and it goes every now and then so I know what you're talking about. Fortunately, it's remained stable.
My wife on the other hand ended up having two surgeries. One to place pins and then she fell and broke the pins and needed another surgery where they fused the vertebra. It took a while but she's doing fine. As with any major surgery, there's pain and healing time. Thank goodness for good drugs is all I can say ;)
If it comes down to it and you need surgery, rest assured they have this back stuff down to a science and the end result will be so much better quality of life.
Let us know how things come along.
Positive thoughts
Thanks Fishmanpa! I'm hoping this will resolve to some sort of normal or at least manageable. I'm guessing my hospital referral will be a while yet.
Im glad im not the only one with back trouble, im only 26 and ive had a bulging disc for about a year now.
Some days its agony just trying to get out of bed and put my shoes on, and then other times i can go days at a time with little to no pain at all.
I remember one time it felt great for a few weeks and then i made the mistake of helping my mother pick up a new lounge suite, halfway through lifting one end it felt like someone plunged a knife in my back and i could barely walk for about 3 days.
I don't wish lower back pain on anyone :lac:
Im glad im not the only one with back trouble, im only 26 and ive had a bulging disc for about a year now.
Some days its agony just trying to get out of bed and put my shoes on, and then other times i can go days at a time with little to no pain at all.
I remember one time it felt great for a few weeks and then i made the mistake of helping my mother pick up a new lounge suite, halfway through lifting one end it felt like someone plunged a knife in my back and i could barely walk for about 3 days.
I don't wish lower back pain on anyone :lac:
Hi Doug,
Sorry your going through it too. How was your disc problem diagnosed? MRI?
Have you had any specialist treatment? and yes it's a nightmare!
Anxiety overload!!! I got a call from the hospital the day after my doctor did my referral and will be seen within 2 weeks. So quick worry! worry! worry!
I'm off to see the specialist tomorrow:ohmy: Wish me luck please, being honest I'm shi**ing myself.
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