I need help please.

[sannyrut]

I have a prolapsed disc(L4-L5),which has previously been operated on with no successful outcome,viz constant pain,restricted movement,and grinding and clunking noises when walking.Iam now eating painkillers like sweets.I have been given a number of options by NHS.
1.Leave it.
2.Another operation.
3.Fusion.
4.Physio(makes it worse).
Can someone advise of any experiences with these options either personally or relatives etc.
I have consulted a chiropractor too,but he won't touch me.
Guy Fawlkes isn't too far away.

[Eric]

Not a personal experience, but I have known colleagues in the past opt for Fusion.  It solved the problem in their case, albeit with a restriction in movement.  Difficult to make this call, depends on what the 1st op was trying to achieve, what you want out of it etc etc.  Can you live with a slight restriction in spinal function?  I hope some medical 'experts' can come on here and give you more definitive and informed advice.

[mike A]

I too know someone who opted for fusion and did not regret it, apart from a slight restriction in movement they are fine now.

[littlereddevil]

I also had same prolapsed disc (4-5). Could hardly walk for 9 months. Got taken into hospital twice where the surgeon wanted to operate but I refused as have heard some not so good stories. 2 years later it improved vastly and is not a great problem at all now.

[Julesp]

I had this problem too, physio made it much worse, I was on morphine which did nowt but make me feel drunk and sick and couldnt walk sit or stand , saw a specialist at local Nhs who at the time was pioneering knee surgery, he advised, and did, instead of fusion, just chipping away the parts of the discs that were bulging onto the nerves, 5 days in hospital and 3 months of physio later I was nearly as good as new That was in 1992, he told me it should be ok for 10 years at least, now I still have sciatica and back pain but nothing like as excutiating and now know when to take things easy

[Julesp]

Oh and by the way You blokes and anyone who has never given birth out there, dont believe the women who say childbirth is the worst pain ever It is very painful but at least you know it will be over with something to show for it

Anyone with chronic back pain, with the restricted movement etc that goes with it has my biggest sympathy
I hope you are sorted out soon

[laffa]

My son-in-law had same discs operated on , but not sure if it was fusion, I hope you get it sorted, I know what back pain is like, good luck.

[BlackAdder]

My mrs had keyhole surgery on a disc (might have been two, I cannot remember) about 15 years ago; She was awake but doped up during the procedure so she  could feel what he was doing while he "nibbled" bits off the offending disc. She limped painfully into the hospital in the morning and walked out upright in the afternoon. Two days later we walked a couple of miles for the first time in months.
She still gets a bit of backache if she overdoes it but she knows how for to go now.

And for the past 4 weeks I've been off with a torn ligament in my back and am just getting mobile again, you have my sympathies.

[sannyrut]

Julesp mentioned physio and the same thing happened to me.That was a bad decision for me years ago.I followed the GP's advice and went for it.Made my sypmtoms much,much worse.Physio is now being recommended again despite what I told the registrar at A and E that it didn't work.Anyone got a hammer?

[TGAR]

Alec,
I had terrible back problems for 2 years and had a micro discectomy twice before problem resolved. I have slight numbness in several toes on left foot but a vast improvement from previous pain and restricted movement. Only you can decide if you want another op or not. Good luck!!!
Tony