Disc Prolapse Surgery

[Sowmiya]

Hi All,

  Last month I underwent a prolapse disc surgery in the L5-S1 region. The pre surgery symptopms were acute pain in the calf muscles in the right leg which was extending upto the ankle which made it pretty difficult for me to even walk one step. Thats when we did the MRI and found that surgery is a  must and hence operated. Post operation, I found that there was little numbness in the area where the pain actually occured. Apart from the pain in the incision area, I underwent a micro surgery
and apart from the numbness, I was pretty normal. I was able to walk comfortably within 3 weeks with the support of a belt to keep my back straight. But sitting for more than 2 hours caused some pain in the back, I mean this was the symptom after 21 days of the surgery. Suddenly yesterday I experienced some pain in the leg like the one that I had before the surgery. But it was not so painful like the earlier one but still made me panic. I am just going for some small slow morning walks as suggested by my surgeon as a part of post operative care and also started on some exercises  for the back. My question is when will this numbness and the pain in the leg reduce and when can I be absolutely normal ,like the way I was before even the pain occured to me. I am just 29 with a small kid of 1.5 years old and I have been advised not to lift her for the next 4 months.  I have been having a very active normal life and this sudden rest and surgery has caused worries in me. I am really worried if I can get back to normalcy, carry my daughter outside and be back to office.

Thanks in advance for you help.

BR,
Sowmiya

[Sowmiya]

Hi,

  Yes indeed, Columbia is a very good hospital. The doctors over there are too good, caring and concerned. So is the service of all the hospital staff. Currently I am just doing it for 10 mins and 3 times a day and not more than 10 mins. My physiotherapist wanted me to do it slowly and he also suggested that first let me strengthen my back with these exercises.

   Thanks for you kind and concerned posts.

Regards,
Sowmiya

[JainMD]

Hi,
What I wanted to know was that if we know the cause we can avoid the same circumstances.
Well, Columbia is a nice upcoming hospital. The Neurosurgery department is good.
The physiotherapy department is also standardized.
You should be going slowly on physiotherapy.
Do let me know if you have any queries?
I am a physician, specialized in child health.
Bye.

[Sowmiya]

Hi,

   Infact we ourselves were shocked to see me at that state.  I dint know whats the reason and how I got into this problem. It was a sudden onset and a very severe one for which surgery was the only solution.

    I got the surgery done at Columbia Asia Hospital in Bangalore, Hebbal.  The physiotherapy is also going on with the same hospital.

Regards,
Sowmiya

[JainMD]

Hi,
I understand from your post that you take care of your health pretty well.
It is indeed important to take break after every hour so that you won’t tire your eyes and back.
But then how did you got hurt at your lower back?
Bangalore is a nice place to stay, where did you get your surgery done?
Was the surgery done at Manipal Hospital?
Is your physiotherapy planned at Manipal Hospital Rehabilitative Services?
Keep me informed.
Bye.

[Sowmiya]

Hi,

    Thanks for the reply. I am still doing it slowly only not overdoing it.

    I am talking to my doctor about my progress often.

   I am basically a software Engineer. My job is normally a 8 -9 hours job, but its been my practice to take breaks every one hour for 5 mins. Go relax myself with a small walk and then come back and continue. This has been my practice for the last 3 years.

     I am in Bangalore now. After my daughter was born, my office work has always taken back seat. The work that I do is only at office and once I am back home my time is all for her and no going to work in the weekends.

   So thats on it.

Thanks,
Sowmiya

[JainMD]

Hi,
That's great news that you are recovering faster, Congratulation's.
I think you should go very slowly on physiotherapy, as sometimes as our recovery is faster we tend to overdo it and later we lend up in trouble.
What is your occupation and how much time normally it takes you to be on laptop?
I think it would harm by sitting on laptop for long.
This is the best time you can enjoy with you little one and make her as brave as you.
Which part of India do you belong to?
Keep me informed.
Bye.