Herniated disc help - posting for traffic

[Booboostwo]

Apologies posting for traffic.

I herniated L5 in February 2017 but things have been getting almost back to normal. Three weeks ago I started having pain again mainly in the lower back area but not as bad and have been treating with physio and pain killers. Last night the pain became horrific and this morning I struggled to get to a doctor. I am abroad and need to take two flights now to get home.

A local doctor gave me anti-inflammatoires so the pain is now manageable to get home but my buttocks and genital area are now numb. The NHS site suggests this needs urgent medical treatment. Should I try to get home or head to hospital here?

I'm so glad! I hope it all goes well, mine was lengthy (5hr op) but I was discharged 22hrs after it
The most important thing after the op is to follow the instructions which is usually no sitting for more than 45 mins at a time and keep WALKING. Little and often but it helps stop the scar tissue sticking to the nerve
I have some residual numbness and back pain but bladder/bowels unaffected

Thank you, and I am very glad you had such a good outcome!

The surgeon said 45 minutes and I can be discharged on Friday. He said I also need my disc repaired but he'd rather have time to prepare that operation than rush into it so we'll see how it goes. Sod's law of course my 7yo has a rare bone disease and has a year of operations and wheelchair use starting 5th July so I am a bit freaked out about not being 100% for her. I am also anaemic so we are rushing to figure out why that is before the 5th July...just shoot me!

Hopefully it will be quick, be prepared as I was told an hour and was very confused when I woke up at 4pm (went down at 10am)
I had a discectomy and laminectomy plus nerve decompression. No leg pain at all now but I get some lower back pain, I was back on my horse 42 days post op
You can't bend, lift or twist for about 6-8 weeks but you can squat down

So pleased it wasn't CE. It's always something that those of us with herniated discs need to be aware of. Take things easy, won't you. I'm a firm believer in herniated discs being dealt with right away. Mine wasnt and I now have permanent nerve damage in my leg.
Best wishes to you.

Good luck!

I had a cauda equina in 2012 and the surgery

The relief was instant, and the recovery was pretty good. A year later, i was running again and within 18 months, I had most of the nerve feeling back

Hope you have a good op and a speedy recovery

Really really sending good vibes during your surgery. I had my L4 disc removed in 2012 - so I totally know the pain!

The riding is so reassuring ollivander! The surgeon is also a rider and he understands I need to get back on my horse asap! 🦄

Bramble it is CE, it was missed by two A&E doctors! Luckily you are impressed a sense of urgency on me and I fought for a third opinion asap.

Thanks tenbob, glad you had a good recovery.

Thanks crriebella! I am totally drugged up on codaine, fussy thinking and can't drive!

Oh wow, good luck for your Operation!
Mine was v successful in 2011, at the time I couldn't walk or stand for more than 30 secs due to nerve pain and as I said above eventually went to numbness between my legs and when I peed. I have some nerve damage but the pain resolved immediately after the op. Best wishes

I really hope your op goes well.

One thing to consider if you're still taking codine is the withdrawal. I had a L3 and L5 slipped disc which meant horrific sciatica. 3 months of codine and physio followed by a caudal epidural.

The day of my procedure... a few hours afterwards I felt sick and really ill... I threw up in the bath whilst literally shitting myself and was shaking and sweating. I only then realised I was 'coming down' from not taking tablets for 24 hours before my op.

I cold turkeyed it.... which was probably a very dumb thing to do as was on 30mg tablets, but I wanted it over and done with.... Noone ever told me I'd experience anything like it and it was awful.

Oh my word, Booboos It was CE! I'm so relieved to hear you were resolute in fighting for treatment. Sending my very best wishes to you.

So glad you're getting treatment booboos, you could have had a very bad outcome if you hadn't of kept pushing.
Shocking case of medical negligence.

All went well. I am still on morphine so a bit out of it. I still have an area of paralysis but it's smaller. DH is bringing the DCs over later and I intend to binge watch Suits until then!

Good luck with your recovery OP, I had CES in 2014, please feel free to PM if you have any questions! I was also abroad when my disc went so I know how scary that is!