2 back surgery under 1 week. still in a a lot pain please any info would be great

[Noelwolf]

L5 and S1 servere ruptured disc. I had servere pain down my left leg, could not sleep, or sit.  Had surgery a discemtomey on L5 and S1, after surgery, both of my leg hurt serverly I could barely walk and the Orthro doctor sent me for emergency MRI and ended getting amitted to the hospital to have a second back surgery on the same disc.  I am in worse pain now I have terrible pain down my left leg. The pain is twice as worse as before my  very firstsurgery.  I am using a cane, living on pain pills, and steriods.  I was told the the sciatic nerve was flured up and it needs to heal. I don't understand anything, I am miserable.  I thought that is way I had to the surgery so I would not be in this much of pain I understand nerve pain, but not pain that you can not barely walk.  I spoke with the docotor on Monday and he is now sending me for a third MRI.  I am totally confused and do not understand way I am still in a lot of pain.  This has totally ruined my life, two little girls that I can get to preschool and I can not even drive.  I spend most of time in bed.  I am so depressed and miserable. I just want to feel better.  I pray each night for a light at the end of the tunnel.

thanks Hollie

[pmuse]

I feel for you have the same problems some days it's hard to get going but the injections do help until surgery for me.  Go to the ER if yur in this much pain hun~...and also get a second opinion with a top surgeon in the area of your concerns.  Doctors ?  some are good, and some are not just like the patients.  Don't suffer when you have a choice. Seek help now!.
Blessings.

[Noelwolf]

Hi Tuck, I just found out on Friday, that the same disc reputured a third time.  I was told from the doctor that i am the 1 percent of a patient who disc will keep reputering. I am getting spinal fusion on March 17th, not very happy about it.  But I have no choice in the matter. I barely can not walk now. So in the end it will need be done.  Very scared about it.  I will keep you posted.  Thanks Hollie

[Tuckamore]

I am so sorry to hear of the severity of your nerve pain. I know that it can disable a person. I hope this is not what lies in store for you.... I am hopeful that in time and possibly with a new diagnosis you will find pain relief.  

I know that when our pain is so severe it is difficult to be patient. We want it to stop ...and stop now!!

You might want to request a muscle relaxer. There are several on the market that are effective. What works for me may not be what works for you....so please talk to your prescribing physician.

Are you on medication to treat your nerve pain....something in the Neurontin (Gabapentin) family? If not you may also want to discuss this with your physician. You deserve to have pain control until the medical profession can uncover the reason your pain is so extreme.

My heart goes out to you. Please keep us posted and let us know how you are doing. I'll look forward to hearing your updates ......and am especially interested in hearing about your MRI results.

Take Care,
~Tuck

[Noelwolf]

Yes, I am on percots and steriods,  My 1st  surgery was jan. 12 and second was the 19th of January.  I had my 3rd MRI today the  Feb 21st.   I am waiting to here from the doctor. The pain that I have is knife cutting pain down my left leg was terrible muscle spasms. I have already fallen because of the pain.  The pain is consistant the only way I get some kind of relief is taking the pain pills, it allows me to walk around the house alittle bit.  Sad to say I can not go any where without my cane.  My poor daughters I can not even get to preschool, because I am unable to drive.   I did agree with the doctor about the nerve pain being flared up.  But this pain unbearable, something is just not right.  I was in alot of pain prior to any of the back surgery's, but now I am in worse pain.

[Tuckamore]

Hello Hollie,

Welcome to the Pain Management Forum. Please excuse my tardy response. I have had some major computer issues. Your story is heartbreaking. I am saddened by all you have had to go through.

The journey through Chronic Pain is a tough one. It's often filled with difficult choices, sleepless nights and pain filled days. However there is a light at the end of the tunnel for most of us. It will take time, trail and error with medications and treatments. Don't despair, it should get better. Are you on any medications at this time.... and are they effective?

Your surgeon is correct. Your sciatic nerve is probably very traumatized, inflamed, swollen and painful. It will take time, maybe a few rounds of steroids and physical therapy to get you functioning again. Your pain may never be completely gone...but you can handle that. Most of us do. Again it will just take time to heal and then find the right combination of medications and treatments to manage any residual pain.

Don't think of your life as ruined...it's just been interrupted for awhile. If this turns out to be a long term condition you may also benefit from a consult with a pain management therapist. .... And a pain management physician.

Depression goes hand in hand with any major illness/injury/surgery. It's called Situational depression. There are treatment options for this condition....so don't let yourself slip into a major depression. We've been there and can relate. You're stronger then you give yourself credit for...and you'll find a way to deal with this.

At this juncture I would seek a second opinion. If you are not being treated by a physician associated with a large teaching facility or a nationally known clinic please find one that is in that position. Another set of eyes and opinion, especially from one that is on the cutting edge of medicine may be beneficial.

I hope you will take the support we are offering you. Post often and try to be active in our community. It will help you through this difficult and confusing time. We're here for you.

Peace,
~Tuck