The Back Story

[Matildathecat]

Hi to all fellow back sufferers. I've been on Spooning for a while but don't really feel I fit as I'm not actually ill, just have a chronic (and permanent) back injury. So please post here, no niggle too small. We can share experiences, tips and moans!

Quick history, age 48, last year had sudden crippling back pain eventually diagnosed as disc prolapse L4/5. All conventional treatments tried and failed so had micro discectomy privately.

No progress, and much worse leg pain followed. V long story short was finally seen by second neurosurgeon who diagnosed severe scarring around the nerve root as a result of the surgery. Poor outlook for surgery but we gave it a go, so had second op with similar lack of progress and final MRI showed even worse scarring. Only option chronic pain management . Had several injections with not much effect...

So, permanently disabled, use a stick, endless drugs and a lovely blue badge. Along the way dismissed from career of 25years for ill health.

Sorry, it's a grim story, but hey, I'm ok. Not depressed, have an okish quality of life with the help of my fantastic husband and friends. I walk, albeit slowly and not far, swim a bit and can please myself. Luckily my boys are young adults.

So come along and share. Moans and groans ok, tips and recommendations welcome.

Just don't tell me to see your lovely chiropractor, I might just punch you!(wink)

a couple go glycerine suppositories from the chemist will clear the lower portion. Maybe a mild laxative like sennokot for a couple of nights. You don't need full bowel prep like for a do surgery.

Enjoy a little pampering but don't get nail Polish put on as they'll probably take it off preop.

Had a lovely evening with friends at book club last night. Just nice and normal.

Of not go...

Fake nails. Like acrylics. There'll be no getting those babies off!

Nail polish - why? Just curious

Goodness, I'm not sure of the reason, but nail polish was a no no last time I went in for my injections. I imagine it's to do with monitoring. I had to take the bloody stuff off my toes whilst dressed in a surgical gown with my back refusing to co-operate.

I agree about the soh though, I try to make light of things and am a bit sarcastic on occasion. Sometimes it works, sometimes the doctors look at me like I've just landed from Mars. Hey ho.

Glad you had a good night Matilda, are you reading something good?

But these nails would have to be extracted! Lol
Owch
And I may be facing serious spinal surgery ... but my nails are stay in' ooooon!
I bite them otherwise. Badly. Until they hurt if I stretch my fingers out. So, with all the stress, it's best that I keep my fakes. Reckon they'll postpone the op? Dream on?

Two things about nail varnish. Firstly it might chip or flake which isn't good in a sterile field. Second, with toes in particular it's a way of assessing how well oxygenated someone is. However, that's very old fashioned now with modern monitoring equipment. Just to be safe don't pay for an expensive pedi. I got my BFF to paint my toes a couple of days post op.

I'm addicted to my acrylic nails, too. They'd need pliers to get them off...doesn't bear thinking about!!

Yes GSOH essential in the land of the afflicted.

Yes cowmop we just read Big Brother by Lionel Shriver. We all liked it and it provoked a lot of conversation, we've all got some kind of fat issues it seems. Next book The Goldfinch by Donna Tartt. I'll be reading mine on a sun lounger in the shade, hopefully .

Going to get my infills tomorrow then ;)
Sanity restored.
They may take me down - but they won't get me down!
And if they do, I'll have ... nice nails!

Off topic but this has been my morning! well actually started Thursday night. I have hardly any words as I feel so drained!

I have read posts, thinking of you all. Will post when I get my brain working again. (might have something to do with side effects of Nortriptyline as well as recovery from high levels or of cortisol... which by the way takes 1.2 hours to take effect, as I found out while on the phone to emergency plumber and insurance company on Thursday...)

Go you! I had my brows and lashes done too. Bit like getting ready for a holiday .

Hope you are managing a few quiet moments of sanity.

Full wax tomorrow night. Darn it, I only ever get waxed (pain & expense) for an annual holiday! Annoying but I don't want to feel self conscious with visitors and people watching (for my safety) as I go to the loo and shower)!

I made sure I wore my nicest new knickers when I had my surgery. I was most disappointed when the nurse in anaesthetic room said 'the doctor prefers his patients without knickers'

New knickers (albeit Sainsbury's): tick.

Hahahaha
I bet he does!

Dreadful thought

I said that to the nurse, luckily she was a lovely nurse and laughed heartily. I think she intended her pun.

You will be fine without knickers. You will be properly groomed

Knickers were for post op anyway, fortunately. Haha

Someone may need to help to put them on. My current ones have holes. Want them to know which holes are for my feet!

pavlov, we are scarily similar with out woes. I've replied on your other thread.

It never rains but it pours and leaks all over the fucking place

hello all

sorry to gatecrash but hoping someone can help.

one thursday after a 10min car journey (as a passenger) I started with backache and couldnt walk properly. its only got worse since.

its in my lower back-kinda at hip level.
I cant lay comfortably at all. on my back it sends shooting pains down my legs and on my sides it sends shooting pains across my lower back.

ive only made it as far as the chemist who suggested heat so ive had a hot water bottle tucked in a body bandage (very attractive! )
it gives mild relief but thats all.
can anyone help?

Thanks

I'm feeling for you. Is it worth going to A&E or would you be able to last until Monday and go to a good GP?

I wouldnt go to a&e id be sat there until monday
I have a local walk in thats opened daily, I may attempt it tomorrow. its just quite a distance so depends how mobile I am tomorrow

Because it was caused by an accident you need to see a doctor very soon. I would go to A&E whether you leave it till morning depends on your pain level. You should have some pain killers. If you can't get comfortable to sleep with what painkillers you have I would go tonight, if you think you can go in the morning. You do need to get checked by the dr asap and get pain killers.

Thanks for your reply but I haven't been in an accident.

it was when I got out of a car that the pain started. It was kind of sontainious...hadnt lifted anything, hadnt bend funny...nothing. Just got in, traveled for about 10mins, got out and bam there it was

If you cant physically walk they will send someone to do a home visit, but if you can walk definitely go to walk in clinic tomorrow. But you don't want to leave it to get so bad you cant walk or it is much harder to get to the dr. As it is getting worse consider carefully.