L4 L5 s1 severe slipped disc

[harrieQ]

Hello, I'm really really struggling with two severly slipped discs. To the point where I'm not able to bear weight on my left leg. I'm 23 years old and have been struggling with this pain for absolute ages, I'm talking years rather than weeks or months. At the begining it hurt badly but then after a year or so it seemed to ease off. I finally thought it was over! But then it just seemed to get worse! Its now to the point where it's unbareable!

Any way I've been begginning to worry about what's going to happen, some people have mentioned that I might have to go through a series of injections before they will consider surgery. I'm at the point where I've tryed loadsa different forms of pain killer and none have given me any sort of relief! What do these needles do and can I just opt for surgery instead? I've tryed everything!! I don't want horrible needles in my spine! I'm quite scared to be fair

Does any one know how much it would cost to have the surgery I need in a uk private hospital?

Sorry to ask so many questions but what are they going to do if/when I have surgery, will they just pop them back in or pull them out or something else

Sorry that I'm a pain in the bum but I'm really worried!
Thanks! X

[harrieQ]

Thanks for the reply! Started physio the other day, thankfully she's really nice! Last time I had physio she was horrible so I stopped going!! But she's a laff! She even showed me my MRI scan which was amazing to see because she said we weren't allowed to see it. But her boss was preoccupied and I was keen to see! Kinda gross but at the same time completly amazing!!
I've been doing as much tidying as possible to make up for the time I won't be able to! My husband said I shud stop researching what's going to happen coz I get my self all up in a state! I would just like to know!!

Were you bed bound for a long length of time? I suppose it must be different here than it is over there! U have to pay so they treat you well! Coz we have the nhs they let you weight round for ages!! ( I was in hospital just after christmas, I waighted five days for a scan that could have told you I was ok to go home!! Grr! Luckily I got home for new years other wise I'd have been on my own!!)


Seriously though thank you for replying to me. It has helped a lot! I hope you don't mind me asking you all these questions!

Thanks

Harrie Q ( my 3 year old son wanted to say good bye! Bye!)

[kat1983]

Also sorry I forgot to tell you theyused BMP-2 Protien insteadof bone graph they say it is more swuccessful that actual bone graph in the studies and you heal faster and fuse faster.
Kat1983

[kat1983]

Harrie,
The proceedure that was used on me was an anterior approach with about a four inch incision on abdomen. they used a newer plastic insert cage to put the disc space back and realign my spine.I gained an inch back in my height. each cage has 4 titanium screws in the front of the vertebre above and below each cage. The plastic cages let the doctors actually see hoe far the fusion process is the only thing you see on my xrays are the eight screws on the front. The restrictions are no sitting longer than 30 minutes 3x daily, I can walk right now about 1.5miles a day. No bending,twisting,lifting more than 5lbs from chest level. No heavy house work like vaccuming, etc. As far as the mobility, my doctor says I may notice a little less mobilitiy as far as bending but he said I will beab,le to bend and touch my toes when everything is healed. I feel better at 8weeks post op than I have for years, actually got to crawling point before surgery. The most important thing is follow all intsructions and take every restriction very seriously.This is crucial to a successful fusion without complications. I think you'll do fine. I'm 46, 2x your age so you are going to be fine. Again, just FOLLOW ALL RESTRICTIONS YOUR SURGEON GIVES TO THE T.Hope this helps,
Kat1983

[harrieQ]

I have had physiio in the past I have also seen the mctimony chiropractor. It seems easier for the first day but then it hurts I've had lots of diferent sorts of treatment and I feel like it has just got worse. I get pain on my left side of my lower back that then goes down to my hamstring area and then in my ankle and foot. I have then got pins and needles quite badly in my foot. I also get a pulling sort of pain in my whole spine if I turn my neck to look behind me. I've been to the doctors today and she has given me orimorph, gabapritin or sumthing like that, for the pain. Also I've been having problems with going to **umm** toilet! It has given me a really bad stomach where it's painful to touch. The doctor gave me senna and magnisium hydroxcide mixture. I have heard a lot latly about people taking a mixture of medication and dying because of the mixture, I can't help but worry. I just wanted to double check if the mixture of these medications are ok.

Also the senna and magnisium are directed to be taken at night. Ive got a really really bad belly. Am I ok to take them before the night. What are they going to do to me? Sorry to be a worry pot!!

[JeffersonDPT]

Have you sought out the services of a Physical Therapist? If so, what were your experiences? Reason I ask is, if there is not a significant displacement of the vertebrae on the Sacrum (Spondylolithesis), postural education and trunk strengthening may be able to redistribute the disc into proper alignment. In addition, do you notice referring pain along the posterior thigh or below the knee that seems to radiate from the source? Consider the PT implications; good luck with future treatment plans.

[harrieQ]

What's involved with the lumbar infusions? Do you find flexibility has been restricted? How big is the scar you have? Do you struggle to do any thing and do you have any sort of pain. How long does it take to get back on your feet?
It sounds like you had the same as what I've got so I'm sorry to ask so many questions but ur proberbly the best to ask.
I'm proberbly not going to pay to go private, I will have to wait until I get an appointment via the nhs! Apparently I'm on the list for one of the best surgeons so fingers crossed!
Thank you for the reply and any further advice u have

HarrieQ

[kat1983]

Harrie,
Sounds like you need surgery to me. I had slipped disc at l45 and severe ddd also of s-1.
I had two level lumar fusion feb 4,2009, and befroe surgery, I couldn't feel my left leg at all no wieght was able to be on it etc. I am 8weeks post op, off all pain meds and I feel great. The best thign I ever did. Long recovery still ahead with lots of restrictions. I.m in the usa and went to saint marys spine cener in san francisco ca. this is one of the top 3 spine ceners in usa. were awesome,and caring. i highly reccommend sseking the best not the cheapset care. you only have one spine ang i did alot of research before choosing a surgeon. my surgery cost about $340,000. i have my health ins. that paid all but my deductable. make sure you don't wait too long,you don't want permanent nerv e damage at your age.
kat1983