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Bump for a great thread with lots of good info.
Just found out I have two bulging discs, one impinging the sciatic nerve. Probably a skiing accident from 2003 that I always passed off as muscle related until this May when I got the nerve pain. Off to the Doc today, see where it goes. Trying to avoid surgery, it's not so bad compared to some other horror stories, I guess I got off lucky.
No work though, can't sit.
Well ive been lurking for some time but feel i can share my first post here.
I blew out my lower back in 2006 ,was diagnosed with bolging disc in L5 S1 .I went to physical therapy to know avail then i went and started getting courtizone shots , this helped after my third one in three months ,Long story short i hurt it again earlier this year and had the surgery where they remove part of my disc and shave part of the bones around it.
Leg pain was instantly better and back pain was almost gone ,but as time has gone bye i have been noticing where my bones rub in my back and it hurts in a different way but definitely way better than i have felt in many years.
I wish i would have done the surgery right ween i hurt it i would have saved myself lots of miserable days and nights in pain.
I had an extruded disk at L5 S1, I had SEVERE Sciatica, long story short, I had a minimally invasive microdistecotomy (Different than a regular microdistectomy) by dr, Mark McLaughlin - you may want to check out his site and see if there are any Dr's who can perform this procedure near you.
http://www.princetonbrainandspine.co...y-invasive-044
Bottom line was I was skiing 4 months later, I didn't even stay overnight in the hospital.
I had "Minimullay invasive surgery" at steadman hawkins, dr donald cornman. It was emergency surgery for Quada Equina Syndrome. Skied 6 weeks later. 4 months does not sound minimially invasive to me. I would look around. I have had two microdiscectomy's and skied 6 weeks after and both times was in AK heliskiing hard after 8 weeks. I laugh at the words "minimally invasive" because everyone claims they do that, but i have yet to see a real definition of what it it.Quote:
Originally Posted by BoatBound
it really comes down to how hard you rehab and how good your dr and pt are.
dr. McLaughlin's technique is explained on the site however, The technique he uses does not cut any back muscles, there is a very small (less than an inch) incision through the skin, then using telescoping tools, they move the underlying back muscles and dialate them exposing the anulus for repair. the result is much less time for healing and much less scar tissue. Of course the best thing to happen is that it heals on its own.
Yes, that what everone claims, I had two of the small incisions on my back. There are different degrees of minimally invasive. The laser spine institute claims to be the only true minimally invasive surgery around. Yet, i would not waste my money going there. From the research i have done, results are variable and it usually takes a couple trips to the center to have 75-80% success. Plus most insurance does not cover it so you are looking at spending 45-60k getting a procedure done that has no clinincal success.Quote:
Originally Posted by BoatBound
I dont know if you did not ski for 4 months becuase you just did not make it to the hill, or that is what the DR told you, but i would not call that fast.
Both of my micro discetomryl's have kept me off the hill for 6 weeks. I stayed over night at the hospital and was walking around within an hour of the surgery.
Three weeks post opp i was hitting rehab super hard.
Anyway food for thought.
OK, an update from above
Two extruded discs, S1/L5 (large) and L5/L4 (minor).
My neurologist said I was right at a fork in the road on either to go down the path of surgery or not, and 8 weeks of PT has definitely helped and I've had a regression of symptoms. I still have some minor discomfort, and I can't sit down in a bucket seat for longer than a couple of hours at a time and cumulatively only a few hours a day (4 or so) before I aggravate symptoms that last a few days. Every once in a while I take some Ibu. and that alleviates nagging discomfort very well.
So, Exercises anybody?
Obviously, planks of all sorts, stretching the hammies, etc. but I want to start broadening my strengthening regime. Anyone have some good exercises that won't be murder on the discs? PT is finished, insurance won't cover any more so I'm not sure where to go from here.
Thanks!
I have been having good luck with pilates. The reformer can really help you isolate the specific core muscles used to protect the lower back. You can typically find some intro deals to pilates studios that make it not to expensive.
I think it's worth noting that since each injury is a little different, there is no one approach that works for everyone. [XXX intervention/exercise, etc] might push/pull one person's herniated disc away from nerve impingement but push/pull another person's into further impingement.
I suggest cautiously trying a variety of approaches and going with what works for you. I'd strongly caution against the kind of thinking that says: "XXX worked for that guy, why isn't it working for me, I must just need to do it more/better."
Been studying this thread hard for a few days. I'm on my fourth week off work with a herniated L5/S1 and it sucks. Massively.
Anyway, apart from regular physio, swimming a few times a week, daily stretching and core exercises, I have to stretch out my spine from the cervicals to pelvis which gives me the dubious pleasure of some of the most uncomfortable positions known to man. I have the posture of an old granny these days after various sporting accidents including L3 blow out skiing and a half ironman on painkillers which was not my greatest decision ever.
I'll be trying all the advice her including St John's Wort, Pilates, acupuncture and the diet. I have PM'd someone on this thread for diet advice but if anyone has any ideas for recipes I would be grateful as no wheat, dairy and meat basically rules out everything I eat. Just simple stuff I won't need to shop around for because I live on the Canary Islands and having a meal without those things is about as looked down on as being a foreigner...and I'm already that!
The best bit is that I now have 'gluteal amnesia' and my ass is like a bag of bones. The exercises and swimming I do don't really seem to be taking much effect apart from leaving me destroyed the day after and waking up needing a full on stretch before I get out of bed. Any advice on bulking up without doing more damage?
Quote:
Originally Posted by dominici
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Huh?Quote:
Originally Posted by salx
yeah so being the skier known as XXXQuote:
Originally Posted by ill-advised strategy
what worked for me with disc issues was to take 8 weeks off on advice or my PT, do a lot of Cobra pose, lay on an ice pack, imbibe analgesics at the craft brew
the PT who IS a BC skier did the laying on of hands, fixed me up 100%
In the fall I ran saw for 9 days cutting ski run and I'm on track for a 70 day season
Highly recommended. Helped me:
https://www.backfitpro.com/books/bac...fix-back-pain/
Followed by:
https://www.backfitpro.com/books/ult...-edition-2017/
Take the long road.
Threads for later.
Definitely need to work my core to help negate the potential for this happening again.
I managed to miss the last month of my season.
It sucks how many of us have had to go through this.
that is all.
Yeah, it's a huge bummer. The wages of a sedentary life punctuated with moments of intense exercise I reckon? Or the cost of evolving into upright, two-legged creatures...Quote:
Originally Posted by ill-advised strategy
Saw the neurosurgeon yesterday in follow up for my broken back, T3 spinal fusion and I talked to him about my chronic lumbar stenosis. He told me he could go in with a drinking straw and little instruments and enlarge things, without cutting bone or doing a fusion. Probably should have talked to him years ago. Better hurry up since they're banning plastic straws.
I’m scheduled for Coflex for stenosis next week. Pretty gnarly. What do you think?Quote:
Originally Posted by old goat
https://youtu.be/91krOjmv8pY
My sciatica has been getting steadily worse for three years and my left lower leg is numb. Getting hard to walk; not because of pain but the numbness doesn’t let my foot work right.
Went to the Neurosurgeon after 2+ years pain mgt., shots, therapy etc. I brought a three year timeline and told my story. He looked at the MRI and maybe said ten words. “Coflex or fusion”. Got another X-ray to determine spinal stability so we go with the Coflex device because my spine is stable.
Still need insurance to sign off but I’m scheduled for next Tuesday.
I'm afraid I don't know anything about it. Sorry. Anyone?Quote:
Originally Posted by 4matic
Thanks. I like the idea of it because it can be backed out if ineffective and you don't lose flexibility or range. "They" make it sound like no big deal; the vid says otherwise.
Check out Vertiflex and discuss it as an option with your neurosurgeon and/or interventional pain doc as both might be trained to implant. Best of luck.Quote:
Originally Posted by 4matic
I haven't checked this thread in a long time but was blown away last year when I got a full back xray last year and my vertebrae and discs were totally fine. Quite the opposite of twenty years ago when the docs pointed out the C shape of my backbones and the where the discs were bulging out. Unless the more wholistic shit I did fixed my back, then I guess I'd just have say my back just cured itself during my 50's.Quote:
Originally Posted by ill-advised strategy
Thanks. I’ll mention it. My neuro has done a lot of the Coflex. From my reading and the doc said I’m a good candidate. Not much back pain, Limited spondy and relief with flex ion.Quote:
Originally Posted by mooseknuckles
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^ sounds like you are a perfect vertiflex candidate. I will be interested to hearing which route you go.
I’ll let you know. With the fast track I’m currently on sticking with whatever the doc has prescribed is likely. If he’s an expert at Coflex so be it. It’s the archer not the arrow.
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I’m at the surgery center for three hour outpatient Coflex procedure. Excited for a fresh chance l4 l5.
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Yeah buddy
Good luck
Yes!!! Best wishes.Quote:
Originally Posted by 4matic
All good. Nice warm Felling my back. Waiting for norco
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Feeling great. No pain on extension 4 hours later. Feels nice and tight.
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Meds wearing off but pain minimal.
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Glad it’s working out well. Get some rest!
Too early to declare victory. Hydrocodone is good drug. Drink lots of water.
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Good luck 4matic, I hope you heal up well and come back strong.
Thanks. I’m really surprised how fast it game together. Appt. Thursday, EKG Friday, Blood test Saturday.
Table Tuesday.
The team made it fun. The nurses and docs were engaging and laughing at my jokes. Went out laughing. 5 stars for these guys. What should I send as gift? Panera card?
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We laugh at everyone's jokes. The real fun starts after you're asleep. Or even if you're not--we can say anything and the versed will make you forget it. And what's with the Panera card? Medical people like the same thing ski techs do. OK maybe Scotch or wine. Although very few patients can afford whiskey or wine that would appeal to the average neurosurgeon. Maybe just stick with the Panera.Quote:
Originally Posted by 4matic
Hope all works well.
Oh yeah I know they are probably acting but it still helps. I'm a funny guy though! Neuro pretty quiet and he's not even there till I'm gone. Saw him for less than a minute in prep. I'm ok with the whiskey and the docs are a separate deal. Was thinking about the whole gaggle of nurses and techs in the surgery center so a Panera card lets them get a big box of pastries, quiche, cookies, etc. They have a great cinnamon bun.
I hope they made fun of me. Being an old coach if they aren't making fun of you they probably don't like you.
I don’t remember writing those posts from post op yesterday. Modern anesthesia is such a miracle. I’m usually not a serial poster so apology. Thanks for the notes of support. It helps and so many friends are offering support. You never know when you might need to reach out to someone.
Today it got a bit more real. I slept great and woke up pain free. Now that the surgery drugs have completely worn off the surgical wound is pretty damn sore. It is reasonably painful to move at all but I’m comfortable laying still with my knees elevated and doze off easily and often. I now have a sore throat and two blisters on my upper lip which I assume are from airway tubes or retaining tape for the tubes. The nurse said I was a thrasher which is pretty typical when I sleep. It’s like a tornado blew through. Demons..
When I stand my legs are pain free. My calf is still numb and reading indicates it will take time, maybe considerable time, for damaged nerves to heal.
Also. It is important to eat on time. I got behind on food and felt awful. Like I was getting sick. Food and water and I’m good. That’s where friends help. Buddy sternly tells me to get with it and he was right.
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