Prolapsed disc... and in a lot of painnnnnn

[ixeraurwipuiuoekt]

Hello!

I'm new to this forum. I'm Marie, French Canadian, living in England, 40 y/o.

I was diagnosed with a prolapsed disc. I've had a MRI and will have the results this Thursday. I'm in a lot of pain eventhough I was prescribed painkillers, anti-inflammatories and anti-depressants. I've been resting flat on my back since Sept 15th... and I've seen little improvement since. Not true! At least I can now sit for a little while but the pain is still there but more or less bearable. Or am I getting used to it?!?!??

I'm interested in other people's experience about this condition. Or if you have any tips or advice... don't be shy! I was told HORROR STORIES about the operation and I must say, I'm very much terrified now. Not that my doctor is considering it ---I'll know for sure Thursday--- but I can't help thinking about it. Ack!

And what would be the best approach (exercice and diet wise) after I get better? Because I'm very much focussing on getting better and soon!!!! What supplements have helped you? Or exercices???

Thank you for your time and help.

Have a nice day,

 

[jren]

Hi Marie

I posted some info on 'Low Back Probs & Prolapsed disks' in the General Forums - General Health Disscusions section before they set up this separate section for specific probs. So something there may be of help.

In short try to keep moving as best you can, without over-doing it. Although painful it will help reduce the inflammation that is the cause of most pain. []

Surgery is only indicated if there is a threat of serious nerve damage - see other post.

[sm=nono.gif]

By this time your disk injury may well be fairly stable & I would suggest some from of manipulative therapy. I'm an osteopath, so that's my preference, but of course there are various others. Ideally someone recommended by a friend or your doc - if they're that way inclined.

I find the use of acupuncture very helpful to reduce muscle spasm & pain, until the offending vertebral segment can be released. If you can't find someone that does both & initially opt for acupuncture - I strongly advise that at some point in the future that you get the 'joints' freed off. Joints lift stiff or 'locked' tend to degenerate a lot quicker & commonly become arthritic. I am referring to the small facet joints to the rear of the disk, that actually cause more local pain than do disks themselves.

Whoever you see make sure you tell them about the MRI findings - write them down word for word or get you doc to write it down.

Good luck!

 

[realestatedudeback]

i did post something on a previous forum but cant find it now! hmmmm....

Yoga would be very beneficial for you especially Salambasana, locust posture, it involves lying on your stomach, head to the side, then gently bring your head to the floor in a straight line and gently lift your head up, brushing the nose gently against the floor as you come up so as to not come up to quickly, at the same time lift your legs about 2 - 3 inches off the floor and your arms too at the sides of your waist, as if you were flying, balancing on your belly button if you see what i mean. stay there for count of 3 and release down, head to side, take a few breaths, then return head to centre and come up again on an inhalation, hold 1 2 3 then come down repeat 4 - 5 times, if you feel a pulsating in your abdomen it is the energy centres being woken up down there and massaged, this postured realigns the spine.

if you would like further advise i am a qualified yoga therapist and would be happy to advise you

best wishes

tammyx

 

[tessa wessa]

Hello Tammy!

Thank you for taking the time to answer.

You know what? I've always wanted to take up yoga! But always let other stuff get in the way... mother duties, you know! Maybe it's time I think about myself a little?

I've had the MRI results today. The disc is indeed prolapsed between L4 and L5. The prolapse is unusual because of its location. Doesn't make my condition worse; just not very common. The doc was even surprised at how significantly my condition improved since he last time he saw me (10 days agon). I do find I'm doing better too.

The pain is lesser today. Perhaps it's the same thing as going to the dentist??? Well I sure won't complain. Funny how the mood gets a boost when the pain is lesser...

I was told I should not over do it. No lifting and such. I still have to take it easy! The doc will reasses on the 30th. The only thing he told me to do was a bit of exercise for my right leg, as I've lost a bit of muscle tone. I can now hobble around the house. I can't over do it, my body tells me rather quickly it had enough.

Questions for you : I really want to take up yoga ---and this time I will!--- and I don't know what I should look for when I do sign up for classes. Or do you think I should just buy a book and try it by myself? When will it be safe to start? What could I do now? And should I??? Could you kindly tell me what yoga would do for me, with this condition?

Of course, you answer when you have the time!

Again, thank you for all your info. I really appreciate it!

Have a nice day.

 

[Bass]

Hi Marie
I also have a prolapsed disc,have had for a year and a half now,,,,i too have been in agony with scaitica,back pain and i now have a very noticeable shift to one side, i have tried traction , which did help for a while, physio, chiropractor, reflexology, u name it ive tried it, i eventualy was refered to the surgeon and waited 5 months without hearing anything, in the end i paid privatley to see the same doc as the one i was waiting for on the NHS, i was told my op would be in 2/3 months.
I am due to go in on Oct 22nd, i am terrified but anything is better than what iv'e been thru the last year.
Hopefully you sound as though you are improving slightly, i really hope you get better and have no need for surgery, good luck and possibly the yoga will help, my physio advised swimming if it does not hurt, i tried that but it did, it migh work for you though.
Take care and don't over do it, i found lying on the floor with my bum up to a settee and my legs on the cushion bit gave a bit relief for a while,,it's a homemade form of traction ha ha,,,, try that its quite comfortable.
Chin up always though

 

[Japamadyblata]

Hello Jo!

My heart goes out to you... You've been suffering for so long! I'm having difficulty imagining what it's been like for you. How do you cope? I've been in pain for a month now and I feel my life has been taken away from me. I'm quite surprised nothing has worked for you so far and at the same time I'm so sad for you. Believe me I know pain... and don't wish this to anyone.

Absolutely disgusting the amount of time patients have to wait. When I was told how much time I'd have to wait to see an orthopedic surgeon and have a MRI I almost fainted. Fortunately I have private insurance. We don't let animals suffer but yet we let human beings suffer...

Needless to say all my prayers and good thoughts are with you Jo. Hang in there! Don't give up. I'll be thinking about you on the 22nd. After the operation, when you feel like it and feel better please come back and tell me how things are going.

Good luck Jo!

 

[dyeteunxinjiftevf]

hi,

gentle yoga to start with.

hot bath,
place mat on floor
and lie flat for a few minutes
focusing on your breath, inhale, through nostrils, then exhale, breathing in past the chest deep down to the abdomen it gently rises, as you exhale it falls back naturally repeat for 2 -3 mins. now lying flat, both legs outstretched, take awareness to the left leg and lift it up gently off the floor, not so high, as high as you can manage, you are aiming to have it at say 90 degrees, perpendicular to the floor, so if you look at your toe they are right up in front of you if you know what i mean! if this hurts lower back place hands palms down under lower back as cushion or indeed roll up a towel or blanket and place under lower back, breathing natural, let the leg hang, if you can take hold of ankle with both hands and hold, feel hamstring stretching, take it easy to start. release to floor gently then other legs turn. one leg may be more flexible and softer than the other, just work with how you feel comfortable.

work with this so that you can lift each leg right up to centre, release, opposite leg to centre, and holding each ankle with both hands in turn workin at bringing that leg towards you, if you can lift up and take nose to knee well done! but that comes with time. awareness of lower back and hamstrings, opening up and on exhalation, releasing back down. BKS Iyengar is a good yoga guru, he has beginner books, also the Wei Lana yoga vids are good, it is ok not to go with teacher but advise is always best sort if you have back problems like you said. the LOCUST posture (salambasana) will be very good for you as it REALIGNS all the spinal discs if practised regularly.

best wishes and i do hope you recover soon, back ache does drag us down

love

tammyx

 

[Sudhakar B]

Hi Mg
Thanks for wishing me good luck, like i say i'm terrified but i want my life back, you say you have had no life for 1 month, it's nearly a year for me . dont leave it too long, as the drs don't push you to treat you , you have to push it urself.
It is a disgrace that u have to pay privatley, but if i had waited for the NHS appointment , i'd probably be waiting still.
Anyway i will let u know how i get on, i go on the 15th October for a pre assessment, i'll keep you posted in case this is what you decide also, i have been speaking with a few other and it does help to know that other people are going thru this ( but as u say you would not wish this on anyone), pls mail me if you need to talk to someone , because it helps me too.
And as you can see i tried everything, i must just be one of the unlucky ones !!!
Good luck and i hope urs improves you never know it might get better by itself, fingers crossed for you.
Jo[sm=newangel.gif]

 

[Afnan M]

Hello ,

Since it is what I practice, my favourite prolapsed disk therapy is Shiatsu. I have experienced it first hand myself when I just starting Shiatsu. Could hraldy stand on my feet when I went into the therapy room, but I could walk normally 45 minutes later!
Acupuncture is great against pain relief.
Bowen Technique can also be very effective for back problems. It can work through distance. I am happy to send you some treatments mg. Same for you Jo. If you are interested, e-mail so we can arrange time/day.

Artemis

 

[candy]

artemis
My partner has a family member is agony with a prolapse disc.He has spent the last god knows how long, led flat on his back and the pain has gotten so bad that is had brought him(a fully grown man) to tears on many occasions.
I have been reading your advice and this is probably going to make me sound stupid but what exactly is Shiatsu and the other therapies you mentioned?
I am afraid i do not know much about them obviously.
I would be grateful for any advice as i know he is suffering a great deal.

 

[Caprikorn]

Hello Miss XXHap!

I know what you mean when you say a family member is in a lot of pain. And my heart goes out to that person!

Since I first wrote that post (30-09) the pain has decreased by 50% I would say. Why? I don't really know. But I won't complain because I really thought I would jump off a bridge. I couldn't deal with the excruciating pain anymore. Saw no end to it.

Been taking anti-inflammatories, painkillers, and anti-depressants. I've started to move too. Even if it hurts, I try to keep mobile but without over doing it. I now take glucosamine to help me and eat healthy. Hot baths with Epsom salts help greatly to get rid of muscles spams and tension. I use an infrared light too when I'm in pain and it does help greatly I must say.

I will see the orthopedic surgeon again on the 30th. Until then, I must not over do it. I have good and bad days. I will certainly take up yoga as soon as I'm given the OK to do it. I hear it will help greatly!

Has that person seen a specialist? Has had a MRI? Is on medication? I recommend you print all the good advice and tips you will find here and elsewhere in the forum (see 'General Health Discussions - Low back pain and prolapsed disks'). Maybe something will help that person, who knows? I sincerely hope it does!!!

When in pain, it is easy to give up... it is easy to fall into depression. That person needs moral support too in order to get better! If that person can get online, well I'm here! Sharing sometimes helps. And there is Jo (see post above) who has the same condition. She will soon have an operation.

All my best to that person who is in a lot of pain!

'Although the world is full of suffering, it is full also of the overcoming of it.'
Helen Keller

Have a nice day,

 

[Stephanie V]

Hello Miss XXHap!

Forgot to mention this in my last post :

I've started to move but found that staying in a position for a long time (for example, sitting down) will make the pain worse. A little of everything is my best bet if I want to keep the pain at bay. I thought this was worth mentioning because it does make a lot of difference for me...

Nights are still very uncomfortable. Haven't had a decent night of sleep in ages! I put cushions between my legs and try to find the best position to relax. And when I have a really bad night, I take a nap during the day...

Good luck!

 

[Judge Judy Sheindlin]

To mg-2204

Thank you ever so much for taking the time to reply. I am very pleased that your pain seems to be getting somewhat better, and the fact that you are so positive about it all is just fantastic, because as you say it is just so much easier to just give up when in such a situation.

Thanks for the info too, I will be doiong a search now and will print off what i find for him,every little helps and anything that can even relieve it just a small amount would be good, but then i don't need to tell you that do i?

Well i really hope that you get it sorted out quickly and are back to optimum health very soon, but keep up with the positive attitude as i believe that will help as much as any medication.

Take care
Sending love and best wishes
Lisa

 

[who said that?]

Hello,

Shiatsu is a Japanese hands on therapy based on Traditional Chinese Medicine. The idea behind it is that when the body's energy gets blocked somewhere, for instance tense muscles arround a prolapsed disk, then unwanted symptoms occur. So the aim is to make the energy flow freely again. It is done by using finger pressure and some gentle stretches.
Bowen technique is an Australian therapy based on the idea that th ebody is like a string instrument. At times a string gets too loose or too tight. Strings are tuned back in by gentle moves on the muscles or tendons.

I hope this makes sense?

Artemis

 

[#TerRooche]

Oh thays great thanks for enlightening me.
I will have to look in to these a bit deeper and see if he will try them.
thanks for your help
Lisa xxx

 

[oooo]

hi Anahata and others,

I am Delvin, I have been suffuering from prolapsed disc for more than 12 yrs.
It recovered after some physiotherapy sessions when it first occured 12 yrs ago.

In recent 2 years, it recurred. Until half a year ago, the pain was intorelable
for 2-3 days. After taking the anti-inflammatory tablets, the pain totally disappeared. However, I discovered that there is numbness around
the back of my thigh and heel area of my left leg.
I am unable to tip toe too due to serious weakness and I limp when
I walk.
the Doctor recommended physio sessions again, but it doesn't help.
I knew it was worse than last time (12 yrs ago) cause I don't have the numbness and weakness then.

The physio does little help and Dr. recommened MRI. After checking the
the MRI scan, the Dr advise me to go for ops.
I went for the ops 1 month ago.
The result is the same.
No improvement to my numbness and weakness and I am still limping.

The Dr. is puzzled why there is no improvement besides I have others
side effect after the ops. Eg. heel pain once in a while and electric- shock
like pain shoot down my leg.

May I know anyone have the same problem as me, ie. weakness and numbness
and after the ops does it heals?

Thanks
Delvin

 

[Steve D]

Hello Delvin!

I was the one who started this thread...

I am doing so much better now. Have stopped medication a month ago. I can do most of what I used to do before this stupid prolapsed disc... but I do have numbness still. It's in the knee area. It comes and goes. Very little pain though, perhaps as if I had banged my knee on a desk or something.

I had lost my relexes in that leg. What about you? Mine are somewhat back... but my doctor said reflexes don't always come back. It is something we have to live with...

When I touch the skin of my right leg, it still feels funny a bit. When I was in excruciating pain, I just couldn't even put a finger on my skin! Then had the numbness... and now it's well... half numb! Don't know if it will ever get better. I do hope so. I was told it could stay like that for the rest of my life.

Weakness... I do suffer from that too! Again, it's the knee the problem. Going up the stairs can be tricky for me. The knee gives way without warming. But I'm very stubborn and want to beat this ; I have started to exercice and take brisk walks. I still see progress each week.

My doc told me the operation only got rid of the PAIN. How come yours thought it would cure you??!!???

I was told that to REALLY get results... you need a steroids injection. It really makes the prolapsed disc shrink. Many have had good results with the injection.. or injections. I am due to see the specialist this month, on the 27th, but will wait to have it done. I'm still progressing and feel it is too early in my case to have this injection... If the pain comes back, I won't hesitate to have it done, believe me!!!! Will never EVER suffer like I did again. I refuse!

Jo, who posted in this thread too, had the operation on Oct 22nd. I still haven't heard from her. I can't wait to hear how she's doing.

I know someone who had the operation... twice! Again, it was just to get rid of the excruciating pain. The problem still comes and goes. I hear that eventhough a prolapsed disc can be very painful it's very common too... But still, made me want to jump off a bridge. Fortunately, couldn't walk!

I'm still amazed you've suffered from this condition for 12 years... TWELVE YEARS!!!!! I do hope you get better.

Feel free to tell me how you're doing over the next few weeks!

Have a great day,

Marie

 

[Pompal 09.]

Hi Marie,
Thanks for your prompt reply. Great to hear you are doing well after the ops.

I didn't experience any pain before the ops. However the Dr. advised me
to go for the ops. since it has slipped out too much. If I don't go for ops.
the pain will come back.
I did ask the Dr. before the ops will the numbness and weakness go away
after the surgery. The Dr. told me the ops will cure the pain immediately, as for
numbness and weakness it may take longer times, maybe months or
up to a year.
I went to see the Dr. 3 weeks after the ops. and told him the weakness
and numbness did not improve and he was puzzled and couldn't give me
an explanation.

My problem is I am now limping as though I am a disable person, that's really
annoy me.

Rgds
Delvin

 

[<3LUVlemmy]

Hello (again) Delvin,

I know what you mean by limping... and feeling disabled. I could write a whole book on the matter! But we are not disabled!!!! Just recovering...

Now that you've had the operation, did your doctor recommend any type of physio or exercices to do? Have you started to be active again since the op? What do you do?

In my case, being active makes the difference when it comes to numbness, pain and such. And after a little workout, I take a hot bath with Epsom sals in it... and I massage my leg really good. Helps! Just some ideas you could try...

Best of luck! Hope you will see the end of this. You *M*U*S*T*!!!!

Bye for now,

Marie

 

[Lion]

Hello Marie,

I have my ops. on Oct 15, just barely more than a month. The Dr. doesn't
recommend me to do any form of excercise yet.

Hope I am in the recovering stage as you mentioned.

Thanks for the encouragement.

By the way, the Dr. prescribe me NeuroBio tablet to strengthen my nerves.
I have been taking it for close to 3 months, doesn't see any effect.

Delvin