My turn to get sympathy

Captain Kirk · 12 Jan 2008 at 16:55

So, after being unable to find the previous back thread I am going to start my own! I don't usually do these kind of threads, but I'm bored.

In September 2006, shortly after starting full time work and after finishing uni, I went to get up off my bed, and twisted at the same time. I then proceeded to have cramp like pains down my left leg and also a numb foot. Except it was so much worse than cramp, and it wouldn't shift. After that, I had extreme difficulties sitting down for more than 30 seconds due to agony in my leg. This continued for several weeks. I saw my doctor several times, who would only give me strong pain killers and not refer me on, stating that it was sciatica and would settle down on its own accord. I also started to have some Physio sessions, at my own expense. This helped slightly, and I returned to work after about 2 weeks off (still in pain, but I couldn't afford any more time off sick). The pain slowly settled down, but has never gone completely. I have also had about 2 relapses in the past year, where the pain is almost unbearable but still the doctor would not do anything.
In April this year, I moved to Wirral, where I joined a new doctor surgery. I had another relapse just before a holiday in June, and when I came back I vowed to get an MRI scan. So off I went to my doctor, and in October I finally managed to get a scan. The scan showed 2 prolapsed discs (the inner gooey centre of the disc escapes and causes pressure on the nerve running down the leg). So after that I was referred to a neurosurgeon who recommended that surgery on one of the discs would (in about 90% of cases) solve the problems in my leg. Some back pain may remain.

Why am I writing this? Because I'm going into hospital tomorrow to have surgery on the disc (between L5/S1 for those of you into medical stuff). And due to this will be off work for about 6 weeks, and will therefore be posting on here a lot more. I'm into white water kayaking, and have not been paddling for months. I have been told by my physiotherapist that after 6 weeks I should be able to get into a boat again. So here's hoping that everything is successful.

Thanks for reading, you can go back to sleep now!

Captain Kirk · 12 Jan 2008 at 19:35

Forgot to mention, part of the procedure is to stick a needle into my back with dye in so they can see where to operate more clearly. This apparently turns my urine green for a little while! Just call me Shrek

Captain Kirk · 12 Jan 2008 at 20:17

Clinkz said:
Best of luck with the op man, hope it all goes well.

But dude, seriously, what's this 'my turn to get sympathy' business? Those that expect sympathy, at the most, get apathy. Im not saying you havnt been dealt a bad hand but why do you deserve sympathy any more than the next tragic patient?

I don't expect any sympathy at all to be honest. It was probably my fault in the first place that it happened as I have never had good posture whilst sitting at desks and computers etc, so my back muscles were probably weekend. I have a habit of trying to make a joke out of everything, and the thread title was a (admittadly poor) attempt at humour.
I just thought that if anyone else out there was having problems it may help to read that they are not the only one.

Also thanks to everyone for the good wishes, it's very much appreciated

Captain Kirk · 12 Jan 2008 at 20:51

I asked several times to be referred on, especially for an MRI scan. One reply was "I'll give santa a call then". At which point I got very angry, didn't voice it though as I didn't think punching a (elderly) doctor would help my cause. I just asked to see a different doctor the next time I made an appointment.
The problem with back problems, is they have a habit of sorting themselves out given time and as long as you don't stay still. So normally doctors just give painkillers and send you on your way. Only a few cases, like mine, will carry on for longer and need surgery or some other intervention

Captain Kirk · 15 Jan 2008 at 14:40

Quick update. I had the op yesterday (14th) morning at around 11.30am. I was out of theatre at about 12.30, or so I've been told and back on the ward for 1.30pm, but they wouldn't give me any lunch!
I feel a lot better. I still have slightly green urine from the back marking (enables the surgeon to see what he is doing better) and my back is really sore and aching. I have hardly any leg pain/no pain at all most of the time, and that was what the surgery was to get rid of. Sleeping will be a little uncomfortable for a while, but it should be worth it in the end.

Thanks for all the good luck messages that everyone has sent me, they seemed to do the trick! (oh, and I don't appear to have any erecitle disfunction, good news!)

Captain Kirk · 16 Jan 2008 at 14:24

SB118 said:
Any updates ?

Seeing as you asked so nicely

I have just been for my first walk (probably less than a mile), including up a little bit of a hill and back down. I had no pain in my leg whatsoever, which is great news. However my back is hurting, but this will just be because of the scar/hole that is currently there, also my jeans were rubbing on it slightly.
I had a great nights sleep last night, although I am shifting arond quite a bit as my back gets quite stiff if I lay in one position for very long.
Yesterday I managed the drive back to Nottingham from Liverpool (my dad drove) with relatively little discomfort. Also my pee is back to the normal colour.

So all in all it looks successful so far, but I have quite a way to get my strength back up to it's previous levels. But that will come with time.

Once again, thank you all for your support and messages. I just want to get back into kayaking as soon as possible, especially with all this water around!