Ruptured disc - having surgery and nervous

[rubyslippers]

After months of pain and an acute episode which started two weeks ago, an MRI confirmed a ruptured disc in my lumbar spine

I was a bit taken aback so didn't ask lots of questions - any advice or experiences would be welcomed especially re post op recovery etc

Am nervy about the op even though consultant reassured me that it's all very straightforward etc but it's still surgery

Thanks

[MegGriffin]

Hello Ruby, I had a discectomy last December due to a herniated disc. You will be absolutely fine but you must take care of yourself and get lots of rest after. Let anyone who want's to help,help. I was lucky and was only in hospital 2 days, 1 night and was glad to get home as it was noisy as hospitals are. If you have any specific questions I will try to answer them for you. When are you going in?

[elfonshelf]

I've had a discectomy and laminectomy done - was in hospital for 5 days but lots of lovely drugs!

Was truly petrified beforehand, but it was actually not bad at all and I bounced back quite quickly. I was told to take 3 weeks off, but was actually pretty good after 10 days.

Good luck!

[rubyslippers]

Oh thanks both

I'm nervous about post op recovery - I'm bed bound at the mo as the pain is so bad so I'm hopeful of being up and about quickly

Did your pain from the disc go straight away?

did you see your surgeon post op? Did you have stitches which needed to be taken out? Could you have a bath/ shower etc?

I'm going in on Wednesday

[MegGriffin]

I know surgeons differ but I had internal stiches that disolved and external ones that the nurse at the surgery removed. I also had a drain in my back but that just had a plaster when it was removed before I left the hospital. My pain was sciatic pain and that was so much better after. Post op pain is controlled well but make sure you keep it up to start with. One good bit of advice I can give you is to drink lots as I didn't and it affected my blood pressure so when I got up I would faint so they wouldnt let me get up. I desperately wanted to go to the toilet as hated the bed pan (not easy lying down) and they said they dont wan't to catheterise due to increased infection risk. As it happens I did need a catheter but they put it in to relieve the problem then tok it straight out. The physio said to me if I had drunk more I may have been able to get up quicker. also take ear plugs! The consultant came to see me the day after and kindlypresented me with my disk in a pot and I also had a follow up out patient appointment with him. I had physio after as well as I had trouble walking and needed a walking stick for a while but that is very unusual and didnt need it long.

[rubyslippers]

Thanks meg - not sure I want to see the offending disc!

Good tip about drinking plenty - will make sure I do. I know I will feel desperate to get up and about ASAP as I can barely walk at the moment

I'm assuming physio will be part of recovery and I intend to follow any and all instructions I get, post op, to the letter

Thanks for all the info - it's appreciated