J
jeffengland81
Guest
Hi guys,
I haven't been on here for ages, but thought I would just post a message just hoping to bring a little positivity to the board.
The last time I was using this board I was pre-op and very, very worried. Probably depressed I would say and this is what back pain/sciatica does to you! I had a micro-discectomy on L5/S1 and I was only 26! After my op I was in quite a lot of pain and had good days and some horrendous days. I had to move and take on a new job three months after my op (I am a journalist) and the 5-hour drive nearly killed me. Could barely walk when I arrived!
Anyway it's now Septeraber and I am doing a lot better. I have worked so hard on physio in terms of swimming and core exercises. I have found gym work involving the power plate (vibrating to activate core muscles) has really helped. I am back playing tennis virtually pain free and I rarely get back pain. I do get pins and needles in my leg now and again and occasionally a dull sciatic ache, but the pain is nowhere near as bad as it was. Before it was life-limiting and almost made me cry - now it is more of a nuisance.
The biggest thing I have learned from this experience is a few things (I don't know if you will agree)
1. The operation is not a magic wand. It is merely a spring-board to getting you back on the road to recovery. The real recovery comes with the right physio, taking care of your posture and general back care.
2. Positive mental attitude makes the world of difference. A lot of the pain can actually be in your head and it escalates. It's hard to have a minRABet that pain doesn't have to 'hurt' - but once you free yourself from this vicious cycle it will help.
3. I will have a bad back for life. But it's how you respond to it that is key. You can see it as a problem or merely just a fact of life and just another thing that makes you different/interesting. The worst thing you can do is feel sorry for yourself as there are far worse conditions out there.
4. Less can be more. Sometimes just leaving the back alone and letting it heal naturally can be better than fiddling with it (injections and god knows what)
After three years of quite a lot of pain and to and froing over this slipped disc I feel there is light at the end of the tunnel. It's been one hell of a rollercoaster, but it really has been a character-building experience!
My heart goes out to anyone out there with back pain but I just want people to know that it can get better and never to lose hope. Be strong and stay positive.
Jeff
I haven't been on here for ages, but thought I would just post a message just hoping to bring a little positivity to the board.
The last time I was using this board I was pre-op and very, very worried. Probably depressed I would say and this is what back pain/sciatica does to you! I had a micro-discectomy on L5/S1 and I was only 26! After my op I was in quite a lot of pain and had good days and some horrendous days. I had to move and take on a new job three months after my op (I am a journalist) and the 5-hour drive nearly killed me. Could barely walk when I arrived!
Anyway it's now Septeraber and I am doing a lot better. I have worked so hard on physio in terms of swimming and core exercises. I have found gym work involving the power plate (vibrating to activate core muscles) has really helped. I am back playing tennis virtually pain free and I rarely get back pain. I do get pins and needles in my leg now and again and occasionally a dull sciatic ache, but the pain is nowhere near as bad as it was. Before it was life-limiting and almost made me cry - now it is more of a nuisance.
The biggest thing I have learned from this experience is a few things (I don't know if you will agree)
1. The operation is not a magic wand. It is merely a spring-board to getting you back on the road to recovery. The real recovery comes with the right physio, taking care of your posture and general back care.
2. Positive mental attitude makes the world of difference. A lot of the pain can actually be in your head and it escalates. It's hard to have a minRABet that pain doesn't have to 'hurt' - but once you free yourself from this vicious cycle it will help.
3. I will have a bad back for life. But it's how you respond to it that is key. You can see it as a problem or merely just a fact of life and just another thing that makes you different/interesting. The worst thing you can do is feel sorry for yourself as there are far worse conditions out there.
4. Less can be more. Sometimes just leaving the back alone and letting it heal naturally can be better than fiddling with it (injections and god knows what)
After three years of quite a lot of pain and to and froing over this slipped disc I feel there is light at the end of the tunnel. It's been one hell of a rollercoaster, but it really has been a character-building experience!
My heart goes out to anyone out there with back pain but I just want people to know that it can get better and never to lose hope. Be strong and stay positive.
Jeff
:angel:
