| Welcome to ADR Support UK. We hope you enjoy your visit. You're currently viewing our forum as a guest. This means you are limited to certain areas of the board and there are some features you can't use. If you join our community, you'll be able to access member-only sections, and use many member-only features such as customizing your profile, sending personal messages, and voting in polls. Registration is simple, fast, and completely free. Join our community! If you're already a member please log in to your account to access all of our features: |
| Doing well; ADR L4/L5 August 2010 | |
|---|---|
| Tweet Topic Started: 8 Sep 2010, 03:21 PM (361 Views) | |
| Nailah | 8 Sep 2010, 03:21 PM Post #1 |
|
Unregistered
|
Hi Just to let you know that I had the ADR surgery on 19 August. A bit of a set back during the operation as the surgeon nicked my vein and I lost a litre of blood. Other than being a bit weak and tired I am doing really, really well. I haven't had any back pain since my operation. I do have the occasional back ache but I feel that is because everything is 'bedding in'. I still have bad sciatica in my buttock all the way down to my foot and hopefully, in time, this will calm down and go. My stomach is a bit tender and sore but the wound has healed nicely. I saw my x-ray, which was taken on the day of my discharge, - it is a work of art and I am really pleased with the result. I am doing my pelvic floor exercises, exercises given to me by the hospital physio and following the advice what I am not allowed to do (bending, twisting, lifting heavy items, etc). I am doing things slowly and learning to be patient - this is my last chance. To all those ADR Support members and visitors out there feeling nervous about the outcome of ADR surgery I say go for it. I can now see the light at the end of the tunnel. Nailah |
|
|
| ajj1001 | 8 Sep 2010, 03:27 PM Post #2 |
|
Advanced Member
![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]()
|
Wow that sounds like you have a bit of gruesome time but it sounds like you are all set for a good recovery. Learning to be patient is such a plus in the post op period. Take it steady and continue to progress. |
|
Std Meds Gabapentin, MR Tramadol, Paracetemol, Laxatives 2011 Sept PLIF L4 - S1 2010 May Discogram L2/L3 & L3/L4 both looking ok. 2009 May PLG Fusion L5/S1 Charite in situ April Dismissed 2008 Caudal Epidural failed to work 2007 Deterioration L5/S1 Facet arthritis, Loss of disc height. 2004 Returned to Work 2002 Aug - physio March 2 level ADR Charite L4/5, L5/S1 2000 Broadbased disc prolapses L4/5, L5/S1 | |
![]() |
|
| Tony L | 8 Sep 2010, 03:38 PM Post #3 |
|
Full Member
![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]()
|
Hi Nailah Glad your doing well, shame about the setback during surgery, I had a simular expirience as the surgeon knocked a nerve causing me some of the worst pain I can think of in my left arm, it took 2 weeks to settle down. We must remember that they are operating near so many vital parts of us and these sorts of thing can and do happen. Keep taking it slow and easy and let your body heal itself at it's own rate. Regards Tony |
![]() |
|
| Nailah | 8 Sep 2010, 06:03 PM Post #4 |
|
Unregistered
|
I was aware prior to surgery that as they were passing vital organs that there may be complications. Unfortunately, they nicked a vein. I am okay. I didn't have a blood transfusion as they said I was a fit and healthy woman (age 53 years young). I was told it could take up to 8 weeks for my body to replenish its red blood cells. I do get tired but I am bound too as I've gone through major surgery. Mentally I feel great. Just my body to catch up with my head. Just takes time and patience. Thanks to all of you who have followed my story and had a set back last resulting in having to wait nearly 12 months for my surgery. Thank you for all your advice and support. I hope that others reading my posts and are nervous of ADR surgery (or any form of surgery) that there is light at the end of the tunnel. Regards Nailah |
|
|
| Lynda | 24 Sep 2010, 09:24 PM Post #5 |
|
Advanced Member
![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]()
|
Hi Nailah How are you doing? It sounds like your surgery has been a great success and the bleeding complication was dealt with. Hope you're doing okay. Lynda xx |
|
May 2008 onwards - Lumbar facet injections - First post-op ones four years post surgery, have lost count of the number I've had since then but they do help. Pre-op they didn't make much difference- Mr Shackleford, Warrington Feb 2008 - Cervical TDR, (Activ C's) C5/6 & C6/7- Mr Shackleford, Warrington May 2006 - Craniotomy and resection frontal lobe brain tumour - The Walton Centre for Neurology and Neurosurgery Feb 2004 - Lumbar TDR, (ProDisc's) L4/5 & L5/S1 - Mr Shackleford, Warrington | |
![]() |
|
| willtom | 30 Sep 2010, 04:06 PM Post #6 |
|
Member
![]() ![]() ![]() ![]()
|
Hi Nailah We have not "spoken" before. I am thrilled you are doing okay. Do remember to give yourself a pat on the back when you achieve things again. I think it is so important as healing is such a long process. I really hope you remain positive and physically things keep improving. Willtom |
|
2009 injured back at gym 2009 had MRI 2009 various needle pain relief including nerve blocks which offered a small amount of relief for about 1 week 2010 had discogram 2010 told I have L4/5 bulge and tear with L5/S1 having no space 28th June 2010 - 2 level disk replacement with active L disk at L4/5 and L5/S1 | |
![]() |
|
| Nailah | 1 Oct 2010, 11:54 AM Post #7 |
|
Unregistered
|
Hi It is now 6 weeks since my ADR op - I go for a check up at the hospital on Monday. I am feeling really well. I have had no back pain since the surgery. The sciatica down into my foot is decreasing. Wound is healing nicely, albeit, in one area is healing a bit slower than the rest of the scar - but that is fine - I am not anxious about it. I have to wear the corset for another 6 weeks. I am being sensible and not doing too much. I appreciate that the healing process will take a long time and not to be rushed. With the help from my doctor I am reducing my pain meds. Can't wait to get the all clear and go abroad, laze on a sandy beach and walk along the sea shore. I feel that I have been given a new lease of life. Does anyone know when you are allowed to fly after ADR surgery? I appreciate that sitting in an aircraft for hours is not ideal and for the first time it will need to be a couple of hours flying at the most. Cheers Nailah |
|
|
| mad_maz | 1 Oct 2010, 12:11 PM Post #8 |
|
Member
![]() ![]() ![]() ![]()
|
Hi Nailah So glad that your recovery is going well. I am one of the people that will be following your progress closely as I will be having ADR soon (I hope). It sounds like you have the right mental attitude too, and accept that you need to take things slowly. I hope you continue to improve and remain as pain free as possible. Maz |
|
1990 back problems started - degenerative disc disease 2001 disc protrusion L5/S1 - physiotherapy & pilates 2002 discectomy L5/S1 (Bruce Summers) 2008 disc protrusions L4/L5 and L5/S1 - fusion offered but declined 2009 disc protrusions L4/L5 and L5/S1 2009 physiotherapy & hydrotherapy 2010 endoscopic lumbar decompression & foraminoplasty L4/L5 (Martyn Knight) 2010 two level ADR L4/L5 & L5/S1 | |
![]() |
|
| ajj1001 | 1 Oct 2010, 04:59 PM Post #9 |
|
Advanced Member
![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]()
|
I got the all clear from my doctors before flying. Don't forget that you'll have to get covered on travel insurance, i used a specialist one who did people with medical conditions. |
|
Std Meds Gabapentin, MR Tramadol, Paracetemol, Laxatives 2011 Sept PLIF L4 - S1 2010 May Discogram L2/L3 & L3/L4 both looking ok. 2009 May PLG Fusion L5/S1 Charite in situ April Dismissed 2008 Caudal Epidural failed to work 2007 Deterioration L5/S1 Facet arthritis, Loss of disc height. 2004 Returned to Work 2002 Aug - physio March 2 level ADR Charite L4/5, L5/S1 2000 Broadbased disc prolapses L4/5, L5/S1 | |
![]() |
|
| irehman | 1 Oct 2010, 08:55 PM Post #10 |
|
Newbie
![]() ![]() ![]()
|
Hi Nailah, Re your flying question i took my first flight 8 weeks after my op, but only on two conditions: Firstly i had to make sure i was fully able to walk with minimal pain and tiredness. As a measure if you can drive for an hour or more comfortably then you can fly. Secondly it cant be long distances. The first flight was for an hour and since then has been the same, but flying isnt the 1 hour trip in the plane, you have to remmeber to include the journey to the airport, the hanging around waiting, the getting off at the other end and hauling your bags. All of this adds up - so a simple 1 hour flight is actually a 4 or 5 hour escapade. Remember to walk lots (in flight) & do as man of your physio bits before and during the flight and you will be fine. Let us know how you get on... |
|
2002 -2007 - Osteo/Physio/Chiro/Tens/Pain mgment 2008 - Osteo and pain management only Feb 2009 - MRI (Mr David Harrison) - confirmed herniated L5/S1 Mar - July 2009 - Physio July - Dec 2010 - Osteo & physio April 2010 - Lumbar Epidural (Mr Nigel Mendoza) May 2010 - Discogram (Mr David Harrison) - L5/S1 confirmed DDD 16th July 2010 - ADR L5/S1 (Mr David Harrison PMH Windsor) | |
![]() |
|
| Nailah | 2 Oct 2010, 08:59 AM Post #11 |
|
Unregistered
|
Hi Thanks for the information about flying. It is nice to have well informed information and support from forum members who have had ADR surgery and are willing to share those experiences with others. I have to be sensible and not rush into things. The trouble is that I feel so well and I want to do the things I haven’t been able to do for such a long time. I am not booking anything at the moment – I’ll see what they say on Monday when I go for my post-op. You are right Maz; you need a positive mental attitude – very difficult when you are racked with pain. I do wish you well in your forthcoming ADR surgery. It is not a decision you take lightly and surgery should only be the last resort after all over avenues have been tried and without success. When the surgeon suggested ADR surgery to me I didn’t even ask the question ‘would I be pain-free?’ The thought never even came into my head. I just wanted to have a reduction in pain thus a better quality of life from the one I was experiencing. After surgery having no pain is a big bonus. Six weeks after the operation I feel so well and I hope it carries on. My surgeon, Mr Grevitt, and his team at Queens Medical Centre, Nottingham, have given me the greatest gift anyone could give me and I intend to enjoy life. Cheers Nailah |
|
|
| Nailah | 5 Oct 2010, 09:34 AM Post #12 |
|
Unregistered
|
Hi Just a quick update. I had my 6 week post op yesterday Monday, 4 October. Very pleased with my progress. Unfortunately I have been told that I am unable to fly for another 6 weeks (12 weeks after surgery). This is because during ADR surgery a vein was nicked and I lost a litre of blood. I am doing well and I do not feel tired. However, because I lost blood there is a risk of DVT. I suppose I was expecting too much too soon. I will take the next 6 weeks to build my strength and stamina. Nailah |
|
|
| ajj1001 | 5 Oct 2010, 10:21 AM Post #13 |
|
Advanced Member
![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]()
|
sounds very sensible, you'll be much more recovered and enjoy your trip more. glad everything was ok at the post op. don't forget to get insurance that covers you for your trip. |
|
Std Meds Gabapentin, MR Tramadol, Paracetemol, Laxatives 2011 Sept PLIF L4 - S1 2010 May Discogram L2/L3 & L3/L4 both looking ok. 2009 May PLG Fusion L5/S1 Charite in situ April Dismissed 2008 Caudal Epidural failed to work 2007 Deterioration L5/S1 Facet arthritis, Loss of disc height. 2004 Returned to Work 2002 Aug - physio March 2 level ADR Charite L4/5, L5/S1 2000 Broadbased disc prolapses L4/5, L5/S1 | |
![]() |
|
| « Previous Topic · Surgical Outcome · Next Topic » |







![]](http://z6.ifrm.com/static/1/pip_r.png)
