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| Wobbly leg - can anyone help?; After ADR | |
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| Tweet Topic Started: 12 Oct 2010, 07:13 AM (1,105 Views) | |
| Nailah | 12 Oct 2010, 07:13 AM Post #1 |
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I am doing really well since I had the surgery 7 weeks ago. However, I have noticed that as I am able to walk that bit further that I have noticed that I have a wobbly left thigh (like an elastic band has been stretched to it's limit and it then has lost its elasticity) and the muscle in the groin is tight. The top of my right leg is slightly numb. When I am walking I seem to veer off course so I still have to use my walking stick to keep me walking in a straight line - it feels very strange. At my post op I asked about this and was told that this is because during the abdominal ADR surgery they move the leg muscles out of the way to get to the spine. I was told in time this will go. I have been doing some exercises to strengthen the muscles. Does anyone else have this problem and how long does it take to go? It is so frustrating as I feel so well, no back pain and yet this problem has popped up. Thanks Nailah |
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| Tony L | 12 Oct 2010, 08:30 AM Post #2 |
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Hi Nailah My case is different to yours but I do understand the wobbly leg. I had cervical ADR in june for cervical myelopathy that affected all the nerves in my body. After surgery as I found I could walk further I also like you found my left leg mostly wanted to do it's own thing, it would just get wobbly and weak putting me off balance. 4 months on and it has settled down but I am still using a walking stick because in my case recovery is going to be a long process. A friend of mine had lumber fusion 3 months ago and his walking is absolutly fine now, so don't worry it will wear off. Regars Tony |
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| ajj1001 | 12 Oct 2010, 08:40 AM Post #3 |
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I had nerve compression from my prolapses before my ADR and my right leg was left with permanent nerve damage and an odd gait. this did improve with physio and time. its still really soon after your op to know how function is going to return. you'll more than likely be recovered by 12 months post op. it takes a long time for things to recover. |
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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 | |
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| Nailah | 12 Oct 2010, 09:07 AM Post #4 |
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Thanks for reassuring me. I was getting anxious. I had looked on the Forum website but nobody seemed to have this problem - I thought it was just me. I agree it is early days but when I am feeling so well I thought I was going do lally. It is a strange feeling walking along and your leg wants to go in another direction! I am so pleased I found the ADR website. Trying to talk to a person who has had no chronic back pain or back surgery they look at you strangely when you try to explain these concerns. I will carry on with my pilates exercises and core stability and look forward to the time when I can throw away the walking stick and walk normally. Cheers Nailah |
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| naintaid | 12 Oct 2010, 09:27 AM Post #5 |
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hope thats one symptom i dont get ...crazy legs lol hope it improves x |
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discetomy feb 2005 discetomy june 2005 mri 3 of cat scan facet joint injections .aug 2007 adr active l disc 2 level .l4l5 and l5 s1 .sept 2010. 2 blood transfusion after adr surgery feeling more positive. 4 years post op and everything is fine,really pleased with outcome. go back every 2 years for check up and x ray. | |
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| ajj1001 | 12 Oct 2010, 09:42 AM Post #6 |
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have you had a referral for physio? if not then it would be worth asking your gp for one. |
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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 | |
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| Nailah | 12 Oct 2010, 11:07 AM Post #7 |
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hi Just got back from seeing my doctor. I spoke to her about my wobbly leg and the opportunity of having some physiotherapy. I was told at my post op that I couldn’t have physiotherapy for another 6 weeks (total of 12 weeks) but I know how long it takes to get on a waiting list. I was a bit embarrassed writing on the Forum about my wobbly leg but what I didn’t write is that I have also had pain from the muscle in my inner thigh - at the top of my leg going across into my groin. I noticed it a couple of days ago the first time we tried to have sex after the surgery. I don’t normally write about my private life and it is not something I normally talk about but those recovering from ADR surgery may have these problems and think they are the only one. My doctor has given me an anti-inflammatory cream to put on the muscle on the inside the top of my leg. Gosh, I feel like a hypochondriac. She is organising some physiotherapy for me and said that I probably need some ultra sound on the inner leg muscle. The physio will also help me with my wobbly leg and getting my body fit. I know I am jumping well ahead (and I know it far too soon for me and I am not going to sign up for this for quite a while) but I saw a poster on the surgery wall about a NHS 12 week rehabilitation exercise program. It is rehabilitation for those who have had muscular skeletal surgery (and other conditions). Has anyone undergone this 12 week program and has it helped? Thanks Nailah |
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| ajj1001 | 12 Oct 2010, 03:13 PM Post #8 |
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You might have given yourself a groin strain. Its amazing how back surgery affects every single part of your life. Looking at getting supported positions for intimate situations is important. Think cushions in place to support and adequate lumbar support. Feel free to PM me if you would like advice but do not want to put things on a public forum. Its a difficult and sensitive subject. In my local area it took 3 - 4 months to get an appointment with the physio, if it comes through before the 12 weeks just go along for the initial assessment and book your next appointment for the 12 week point. Be prepared that the physio you see might know nothing about ADR. You have to ask them very clearly if they understand that it is different to fusion and rehab for it is very different. The majority I have had have been willing to go away and do the research necessary or call up the surgical unit for more guidance. If you are at all unhappy with them then ask if you can change to a different physio who specialises in back rehabilitation. The 12 week programme is probably just a generic rehab programme, it might be something you could go on at some point when the physio assesses you as recovered enough. |
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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 | |
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| Nailah | 19 Oct 2010, 11:54 AM Post #9 |
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So surprised. Just had a phone call I have got an appointment to see a NHS physiotherapist next Monday. At my post op I was told I had to wait until 12 weeks post op before having physiotherapy. I was expecting to wait weeks for an appointment so it has come as a shock to have a date so quickly. When I see the physio I will be just over 9 weeks post op. Obviously with having the wobbly leg and the groin strain (I was told I need ultra sound on my groin) he can treat those areas. Ajj1001 - you mention to ensure that the physio should understand the differences between a fusion and ADR and that their rehab is different. What should I be looking for when the physio suggests back exercises? I have been doing Pilates exercises for years so I am happy with those movements and I have been gently doing basic exercises since I've had my op - mainly working on strengthening my legs and using my pelvic floor (core). I am just a bit worried what an inexperienced physio will try and get me to do. I hope that they are experienced enough that if they don't know about ADR rehabilitation they will find out. At the hospital I was told that I should not bend from my wait (bending my knees to reach item on the floor is okay) and that I cannot twist. How long is it before I can safely bend and twist? What are other peoples' experiences of physiotherapy after ADR surgery? Thanks Nailah |
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| naintaid | 19 Oct 2010, 02:32 PM Post #10 |
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hi ,i just got phone call from nhs phsio . got app for this thursday . i will be 4 weeks post op. what will she be expecting me to do. i am going back to warrington so they should be experienced with adr as thats where i had it done. |
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discetomy feb 2005 discetomy june 2005 mri 3 of cat scan facet joint injections .aug 2007 adr active l disc 2 level .l4l5 and l5 s1 .sept 2010. 2 blood transfusion after adr surgery feeling more positive. 4 years post op and everything is fine,really pleased with outcome. go back every 2 years for check up and x ray. | |
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| Tony L | 19 Oct 2010, 02:56 PM Post #11 |
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Hi Nailha and Naintaid Glad you have both got your appointments and hope physio helps. One bit of advice I was given is simple, one exercise at a time and say NO to any that cause or increase your pain. You know your body and it's capabilitys, so listen to your body when it say's STOP. Regards Tony |
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| ajj1001 | 19 Oct 2010, 03:42 PM Post #12 |
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Your first appointment should involve a thorough assessment where they take your history and do a physical exam so that they can find out exactly where you are now. You can ask at this if they have worked doing ADR rehab before. If you are at all unhappy with their answers then do say so. They can find a more experience physio for you. Be careful to not over extend yourself in the physical assessment. Physios who are unused to working with patients who have had back problems for a number of years can be over enthusiastic and push and pull you into positions that you are not capable of just yet. The long restrictions on bending lifting and twisting are for fusion rehabilitation. If they talk about these being in place for long periods of time then they probably aren't doing the right rehab. Twisting should be introduced when your consultant says it is safe to do so and gradually. You will find that alot of back rehab (for many back procedures) is based on pilates principles. You should only do exercises that cause mild discomfort. Physio will never be completely comfortable as it is seeking to engage muscles that haven't been used for a long time and stretch supporting ligagments back into their appropriate position. You should tell the physio on your next appointment of any major discomforts and increase in pain that the exercises have caused and they should take account of this in further plans. |
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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 | |
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| Lynda | 19 Oct 2010, 04:10 PM Post #13 |
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Hi there N and N, Tony has given good advice Nailah, have you considered contacting the spinal physio at the hospital where you had your surgery for information? Explain your situation and concerns and ask if she/he could fax or email their protocol for post ADR physio to your physio at your local nhs department. (0r to yourself maybe) That way you know they will be following specialists guidelines. I did similar following my lumbar surgery but that was over 6 years ago and regimes may have changed, I know the intensive physio is currently often started sooner than the six week mark I began at. ( Each individual case is different so be guided by your surgeons recommendations) The specialist physio from Warrington gave a training session to the physio's at my local hospital as they had not dealt with disc replacement patients before. (It was 2004 though.) Even though the training had been give I still chose to travel to Warrington for my physio as I preferred to see someone with experience in TDR. Re the 12 week rehab, I have been on such a course and it was excellent. It was initially a one-to-one assessment and a programme tailored for me was planned. In my area there is a choice of the rehab at the local swimming pool gym or at the local university. I opted for the uni and the trainer was brilliant. Well worth doing if you get the chance. Plus it offered a good deal on gym membership if you carried on attending after the course completed. It would be better to wait until you have had your post-op physio course and follow on with the 12 week course then. Perhaps ask your physio her views on the courses. There's a useful link to info on sex and the back here: http://z6.invisionfree.com/adrsupportuk/in...hp?showtopic=69 Naintaid, you'll be fine on Thursday, I went for my post-op physio at Warrington. You'll be assessed and given a plan. Its gentle to begin with so don't worry, wear joggers or similar so you'll be comfortable doing your moves and stretches. Say hello to Sue from me if you see her. Let us know how you get on. Best wishes Lynda
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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 | |
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| Nailah | 19 Oct 2010, 06:27 PM Post #14 |
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Hi Thanks for all the advice - very useful and interesting. Yes, Tony, if it hurts - STOP I live in Peterborough and the hospital I had the surgery was in Nottingham well over an hour and a half away. It was decided that Nottingham was too far to go for physio so I would have physio here in Peterborough. Ideally I would like to go to Nottingham but the distance is a bit prohibitive travelling every week. Lynda, that is an excellent idea to contact the physiotherapy at the hospital and I will give them a ring tomorrow. I could at least pass on the ADR protocol onto the physio on Monday. Thanks, ajj1001, it is really interesting on what will happen at the assessment - things to bear in mind. I'll be interested, Naintaid how you get along on Thursday. Do let us know. I do fancy the idea of the 12 week rehab course but realise that I have to be fitter and have all my physio course. Something to look forward too in the future. I will let you know how I get along. |
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| naintaid | 21 Oct 2010, 11:56 AM Post #15 |
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hi well saw physio called claire this morning. went through history and what i am capable of. did some exercises and was given additional ,harder ones to do at home. was glad that she said i can now flex my back backwards to stretch...that felt good as not been able to lean back. have to go back weekly. got rearranged app to see mr s instead of 12 nov now its 5 nov. i can also start to walk my dogs again as they are only small and wont pull me when on their leads. also told her that i feel sick when sitting,she didnt know why.i also had a numb right leg after sitting in car for 45 mins to get to hospital but she said thats ok as long as it wears off but to still limit my sitting to half hour. lynda i didnt see anyone caleed sue xx |
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discetomy feb 2005 discetomy june 2005 mri 3 of cat scan facet joint injections .aug 2007 adr active l disc 2 level .l4l5 and l5 s1 .sept 2010. 2 blood transfusion after adr surgery feeling more positive. 4 years post op and everything is fine,really pleased with outcome. go back every 2 years for check up and x ray. | |
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