Hi
 

Hi Libby are you in Sydney? What hospital are you having surgery at? Do you have any arm/ hand symptoms??

I am sorry for the delay in replying to you. Yes I am in Sydney. I had my surgery on 10th July at Dalcross at Killara. I consulted the anaesthetist and icu dr prior to surgry and did some drug trials and discovered that I could tolerate a very low dose of fentanyl. So between that and digesic every six hours I have been uncomfortable but able to cope. It is scary when you can't tolerate the main forms of pain relief. I have had immediate relief from the pins and needles, tingles and horrid nerve pain down both legs. They told me the herniation was very big so I was extremely lucky really that it didn't comromise my cord.
While my chest is sore frm the surgery, I realize now just how sick that rotten disc made me feel. My main problem was in my legs and I still have numbness in my left foot which will take some physio as well as time to regain. Not up to much, unbelievable tiredness:) and exhaustion but it hasn't been two weeks yet - things can only get better from here. Libby

I was referring (or meant to) immediate post op as well as the weeks or months thereafter. When I think about it, I guess I want my pain doc's immediate input because he takes all of my issues into considertation. I have had some bad luck with the surgeons managing the pain, When my body feels it has been violated, surgery for certain, I have a Fibro flare from #@&%. If not addressed properly and quickly things get real complicated. He has given the surgeons notes that covered were most effective and what problems to look out for. He was ignored. After that happened twice, he told me I could have another pain doc who he had worked with numerous times manage the pain, immediately post op. They had a phone conference, discussed my various pain issues, surgical history, what to look out for (various post op infections), and how to best treat them. I was so greatful to have that safety net last time because I ended up staying up at Norton for two weeks due to a nasty bacterial infection, UTI and candida flare due to the antibiotic. I was so relieved to get out of there and transfered to the rehab hospital back home. Again, I am rambling. Have a good day.

On the mend - slowly
 

Well it is coming up to three weeks on Tuesday of this week since surgery and although still uncomfortable from the surgery it is such a relief to have relief from that dreadful nerve pain and electric tingles. I am aching terribly through my ribs which is what I was told to expect but considering how sick I felt before surgery, I really am very lucky. I have a lot of physio work to do to hopefully regain sensation in my left foot which is still really numb in part which makes walking difficult. I really don't want to trip and risk a fall at this stage. I am still wearing a fentanyl pain patch - just the 12 microgram one and taking digesic every six hours*as I was advised to do for another week so I am very grateful to have found a pain medication that I can tolerate even though it is only a very low dose, it has made a difference.
It is so nice to be on this side of the ordeal. I do wonder if I will ever feel normal again whatever normal is going to be but I think that it is to be expected to feel like that after such huge surgery.
Libby

Hi Libby, I am so glad to hear you are ok. I have sent you a PM.

Aussie:)