Thursday 24 March 2016

Surgery it is then

Back/leg update - so after trialling (if that's a word. It isn't according to spellcheck) many pain meds and anti-inflammatories, it appears surgery is the only option left. I can't believe how many supposed "really good" prescriptions I've started and abandoned in a bid to quell this agony shooting up and down my right leg. My pantry now looks like a pharmacy shelf or a scene from Breaking Bad.

The last one I tried was Gabapentin, which used to be an epilepsy drug, but it didn't work so they stopped using it for that. They now use it for pain management and it works on practically the entire universe. Just not me, of course. It's one of those druge you have to build up to, which always fills me with confidence! The morning after my first dose, I could barely function. It takes a few weeks (apparently) for the pain relief part to kick in, so there I was, completely dozzened, (as my mother would say) yet still in pain. I was warned it would take a little bit of time for my body to get used to it and sure enough, the next day I was OK. I have had to increase the dosage every three days and I'm now at the target mg dosage - and still in acute pain.

Back to my orthopedic surgeon yesterday and a Microdiscectomy it is. (There's a video on that link if you're really curious.) I now have to carefully wean myself off the useless pain med, so I have a chart on the kitchen wall to make sure I lower the dosage every three days. Cold turkey could apparently induce a seizure and well, no. 



It's not a big deal - " a small portion of the bone over the nerve root and/or disc material from under the nerve root is removed to relieve neural impingement and provide more room for the nerve to heal." It's outpatient surgery so I'll do the starving overnight and early to the hospital in the morning, stay in for observation and then home that day. 

Apparently most patients feel some relief immediately which would be nice. For six weeks after that I'm not allowed to bend at the waist, or twist from side to side. 

I was trying to think of all the things I must be careful not to do. I don't do much twisting these days, although swivelling around to put a seat belt on will be a no-no. And of course, with the bending ban I won't be able to empty the dishwasher (hurray), make beds, empty the washer and dryer, feed the dog. Oh the list goes on................ a little too long. I will have to resurrect my pliĆ© in first position. If nothing else, my thighs will be firm by the end of recuperation, unlike the rest of my bod, given that I barely make it to 1,000 Fitbit steps these days.

15 comments:

  1. I hope that it goes well and provides the relief you so definitely need! xx

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  2. What Amy said.

    Kelloggsville (do you read her blog?) had this very thing a while ago. I think there's a section on her blog about it.

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  3. Here's hoping that you get the relief you need!

    Firm thighs AND not having to empty the dishwasher is a bonus.

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    1. I'll be thoroughly disappointed if I don't end up with thighs of steel.

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  4. Sorry to hear it has come to this. I hope this will bring the desired results.

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  5. Good luck with the surgery! I hope you get that instant relief.

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  6. So sorry to hear this! What a trial this has been for you.

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  7. May the procedure go seamlessly and your recovery be quick and effective. Good luck!

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  8. Ooh I hope it's as simple as it sounds and that you get the immediate relief if possible. I wish you a speedy and lovely recovery with not too much housework meanwhile xx

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  9. I'm really sorry that you're suffering like this. When my pain got really bad, I was put on Amitriptyline which did deaden the nerve pain. Its a horrible drug though and affects my eyesight. It's a low dose anti depressant.
    Hope you find something to relieve it. I dread it coming back!
    Maggie x

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  10. Found you through an A-Z blogger's site. Hope you find some REAL relief soon!

    Kicking MS to the Curb

    Linda Ann

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  11. Sympathise totally, following a fall I herniated and ruptured a disc which eventually resulted in a fusion with a plate and screws of L1 to L4 this was done in July of last year and I am still experiencing pain daily,my lifestyle has changed to slow or I suffer more. Really wish you the very best and a full recovery

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  12. I love your ability to look on the bright side!

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