Microdiscectomy

[naama]

My rheumy shocked me somewhat yesterday by suggesting that I see someone in Haywards Heath to discuss whether a microdiscectomy might be an option for my prolapsed discs. It would basically mean removing the part of the disc that is prolapsed and pressing on the nerves. After I'd regained my composure after nearly falling off the chair at the thought of back surgery, the idea didn't seem that silly. He said that obviously the first step would to be to see the consultant up there and discuss his opinion as to whether anything would be suitable but, as he put it, as it's affecting your bladder, the epidural hasn't worked and you still have significant pain, you have to at least talk to him. Coupled today with trying to double my pain patches and having to take the additional one off because of the side effects, it's become even more tempting! Has anyone else considered this option and either gone ahead or decided against?

[sarahh]

Hi Naama it might be worth getting a refferal and seeing the consultant like I did when I was thinking about the interthecal pump I discussed it with the nurse had a look at it went away and decided it was a no at the moment but its not like a definite no but on the back hanger at the moment till other options have been gone through. Talk to the consultant there if you go and see him and see what he says has he ever seen a hms patient if so has he done it on them before the risks, the fors, procedures risks etc how many patients have had sucess with it that kind of thing. Yes it sounds like major surgery but the choice would be yours.

I hope this kinda makes sense

Sarah x

[naama]

Hi Sarah
I'm sure he will have operated on HMS patients. My rheumy is very up on EDS, so I think he would only refer me if he had confidence in the surgeon. I've had surgery before on my shoulder so I know that I heal reasonably well, I just take longer. The thing that is making me consider it is that it's not soft tissue surgery, so it's not operating on a ligament or something that will inevitably stretch out again. It's not an unstable joint. It's removing something that is where it shouldn't be and is not going to regenerate. It's true that more of the disc could leak out in time but now I know I've got the problem I am going to treat it more seriously than I did when everyone was saying it was just a posture thing or just a soft tissue thing. It is the one part of my body that has prevented me from getting fitter because core stability exercises hurt and I've gone downhill faster in the last year and a bit since it last flared up last May than at any other time. I don't have to do anything I don't want to do and am not happy with but I think sometimes if you've exhausted all other options you have to at least have the conversation. My rheumy said he's seen people back at work after a week, so he was definitely taking my EDS into consideration when he said possibly as long as four weeks.

[bexg]

Hi Naama,
I don't really know what to say..."good luck" maybe?!!

Have a read through http://www.spineuniverse.com/displayart ... e2005.html

I think that mentally you kinda try everything in th ehope that something will work. Discogenic pain is recognised without the added complication of HMS. As a minimally invasive surgery, you should be relatively OK. I wonder if it is worth a second opinion? - You know, for concensus?

take care

[sarahh]

Hi Naama you are right if you have exhausted every other option then having the coversation with the other consultant isn't going to hurt as he won't be doing it there and then and you can always change your mind or put it on the back burner like I have for the time being. Sounds like you rheumy is very good and people back to work after a week thats really good.

I know what you mean its no fun when things do sown hill I know I am in the same boat not knowing which way to turn or who to turn to I am hoping that Prof G can help.

Take care

Sarah x

[naama]

Now that my back pain is relatively under control with the butrans patches I'm realising that I DO have nerve pain, it just wasn't anything compared with the back pain before. Now it's the only thing I'm conscious of, I realise it's definitely there and rheumy was right that the nerve is certainly being irritated if not actually trapped.

[Retro]

Hi Naama,

The first thing that came to my addled mind was...what about a disc replacement I know that the discectomy is "minimally invasive" where a full replacement would be very invasive and also mean a long recovery period. Might be worth looking at as a permanent solution tho'?

Take care,

Lindsey

[naama]

Thanks Lindsay. I'll ask about that when I go. I have to say the fact that it could happen with what is left of the disc did make me wonder!

[bexg]

have a read around disc replacement.
The life of the disc is ??? and further surgery is sometimes needed. Why half do a job?

Naama, do you take anything for your nerve pain? What does it feel like? - How did you know it was nerve pain and not disc pain...I'm curious, especially as my own pain is through the roof again and beside muscle tightening (spasm) I am pretty unsure what mecanisms cause mine. I guess it would be sooo helpful If I did...I may be able to self help myself
tc

[naama]

Now that my painkillers have been increased the only pain I get is down my legs (the fronts of my thighs mainly) and pins and needles around my bum. I don't take anything for nerve pain and am reluctant to add anything else to my long list unless I can reduce something else!

[bexg]

pins and needles around your bum...isn't that serious?
Do your docs know that?

take care. xx

[naama]

yep, that's why he's suggesting this course of action. it's not severe enough to warrant emergency surgery - i've already been admitted and had that discounted once but it is part of the reason he thinks I should talk to the doc at Haywards Heath. Obviously if it got significantly worse or I lost control I would go to A&E pronto.

[hannah]

No wisdom for you, sorry naama. Just wanted to say good luck. Finding out what the Dr has to say is probably a good idea.
H