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leg pain advice please
Topic Started: 15 Nov 2010, 09:38 PM (434 Views)
VANDANGO999
Member
[ *  * ]
Hi all

I know it's early days and things have been going pretty well so far but I have some unusual symptoms.

I'm sticking to the brochure and not doing too much but over the last few days I have had tight leg symptoms but NOT where I have had them before.

I had L4 - L5 replaced which of course meant I had hamstring and calf tightness. Over the last few days I've been having pain down the FRONT of my legs (knee to ankle) My left leg is the worst but get it in the right to a lesser degree.
At first I thought my legs were aching because I hadn't used those muscles for ages.
(I am still doing about a mile a 3/4 spread over 3 walks a day and saw my physio today who said I wasn't overdoing things)

I asked my osteo what she thought and she says the area I'm getting the tightness is the tibilaris anterior which nerve is L5 - S1. She says don't worry - so Im trying not to.

I'm just trying to put my mind at rest that this is probably inflamation from the op which will eventually settle down. I'm positive its not another dead disc just the nerve being restricted somehow.

I noticed whilst still in Warrington that the front of my leg was tight compared to calf at the back but thought things would ease off or settle down after a bit of use.

Anyone else had symptoms relating to other discs post surgery?
Spine problems since I can remember.
Fobbed off for over 10 years by physios as muscular

Jan 2009 Finally got MRI scan
August 2009 Got within sniffing distance of ADR with Mr Papastefanou who left for pastures new.
Managed to get transferred to Mr Shackleford
November 2010 ADR done on disc l4-l5
Got a new lease of life thanks to Mr Shackleford.

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ajj1001
Advanced Member
[ *  *  *  *  * ]
I wouldn't start worrying about anything unusual as your body has had such a huge op very recently. If symptoms persist beyond the 3 to 4 month stage then it might be worth looking into them. Has your physio done ADR rehab before? ie does she know what would be overdoing it?

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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Alastair
Member Avatar
Alastair
[ *  *  *  *  * ]
If you read other people's surgical outcomes you will see that this is an absolutely typical thing, it should go away in time and walking is the best thing for it as well as gentle massage by yourself.

Try and learn to be a patient patient :D
Best,
Alastair:D
Founder of this board 24th February 2007
Slow and Steady Wins This Race
Over 23 Years experience and research into spine surgery and over 2500 surgeries discussed and recorded

ADR L5/S1 Surgery with Dr Zeegers 26th July 2002 in Munich
8 facet joint ablations 28 – 8 – 12 with Dr Baranidharan and Jake Timothy in Leeds Diagnosed Forestiers disease
Your Best Asset Is Your Health
I live in West Yorkshire aged 81 now

Knowledge is power
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VANDANGO999
Member
[ *  * ]
Thank you both for that.
Onwards and upwards then.
As regards the physio - I dont know. She just looked at the notes Warrington had sent (which is basically what I have in the booklet) and that is what I am sticking to.

I don't feel as though I am over doing it. I am spreading the walks well throughout the day. Morning mid to late afternoon and late evening with a lay down when I get back in doing my stretches.
regards
Carl
Spine problems since I can remember.
Fobbed off for over 10 years by physios as muscular

Jan 2009 Finally got MRI scan
August 2009 Got within sniffing distance of ADR with Mr Papastefanou who left for pastures new.
Managed to get transferred to Mr Shackleford
November 2010 ADR done on disc l4-l5
Got a new lease of life thanks to Mr Shackleford.

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naintaid
Advanced Member
[ *  *  *  *  * ]
hiya this is perfectly normal but nobody tells you about it b4 hand. i did mention to mr s last week that i think it should be put in booklet to warn you. i had pain for about a week ,started at 2 weeks post op. i put my surgical socks back on for a day which helped but continue to do physio and stretch legs and it does go after a couple of days, well for me it did.
good luck.
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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Gilly
Advanced Member
[ *  *  *  *  * ]
It sounds to me as though it could be nerve pain which is very usual after surgery. Mine came on two weeks after surgery and felt as though my legs were tightening and very, very tender. My GP gave me Pregablin as Mr Shackleford recommends and it worked fantastically well. Might be worth asking your GP than suffering it.
Gilly xx
1990 MRI - disc protrusions levels 4/5 - fusion offered but
declined due to poor prognosis.
2007 MRI - disc protrusions Level 4/5 level5/S1
2010 2 level lumbar ADR Mr Ian Shackleford Warrington General

2010 MRI - disc protrusions at levels C4/5 C5/6
2011 27 June 2 level Cervical ADR Mr S at Spire (on NHS)
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VANDANGO999
Member
[ *  * ]
Thank you for that. It is nerve pain my L5 S1 nerves must be restricted. no doubt it will settle. I've got my osteo coming round next thursday so I will wait and see what she says if it hasnt improved and seek some meds if needed.
Thanks for the advice and support
take care
Carl
Spine problems since I can remember.
Fobbed off for over 10 years by physios as muscular

Jan 2009 Finally got MRI scan
August 2009 Got within sniffing distance of ADR with Mr Papastefanou who left for pastures new.
Managed to get transferred to Mr Shackleford
November 2010 ADR done on disc l4-l5
Got a new lease of life thanks to Mr Shackleford.

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Nailah
Unregistered

Hi Carl

I am 12 wks ADR L4/L5 post op. As yourself about two weeks after surgery I was getting terrible painful calves - I didn't know what to do with myself and I wasn't getting much sleep. I did post earlier on the Forum about my calves. I tried everything - the stockings, exercises, stretching and husband massaging my calves. Nothing worked. I went off to the doctors and was prescribed 'Quinine'. Not only is this medication for malaria but also calf cramps. Took one at night. It worked for me. I stayed on the medication - tried to come off them after 2 wks but pain returned. However, after an extra week (total 3 wks) I came off the Quinine and haven't had a relapse since.

I hope you are doing fine otherwise after your op. I am feeling great. :D

Regards

Nailah
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naintaid
Advanced Member
[ *  *  *  *  * ]
hi nailah,was wondering how were gettingon. glad you are feeling good so am i ,its great isinit. hope physio is going well and your man checked up on adr rehab for you. can u bend yet ?. i bought a gym ball after mr s said to and its great. i am doing well onit. only have some mild ache in back after i have done exercises but then it goes. going dr next week to see him as ive not been for over a year so going to tell him about op etc.
go back to hosp in 4 weeks for 12 week post op xray.
well ,please keep in touch .bye from alison
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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Nailah
Unregistered

Hi Alison

I'm doing well. Yes, I was pleasantly surprised when my physio told me he had contacted the physio dept at the hospital. I have my exercises to do in particular exercises for my left leg which I've had sciatica in for 11 yrs. The leg is still weak and takes some building up and yes I am bending.

I am the same as you, I do get mild back pain if I do too much - I am still learning to be patient and try not to do things at break neck speed. Isn't it nice, Alison when your life has changed and you want to do it all - now?

When I had my six week check my surgeon was happy with me and I won't be seeing him until my six month check. I do have an open appointment if I need him.

I am slowly coming off the morphine and amitriptyline and in another couple of weeks I will be off them. How about you?

Cheers
Nailah
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naintaid
Advanced Member
[ *  *  *  *  * ]
hiya ,yer it is good being able to do things again,just everyday stuff others take for granted.
i am on tramodol ,it was 8 a day the max dose but did stop taking them but got bad headaches because after 5 years i am addicted to them now so i am cutting dose down to wean myself off and stop side effects.
well fingers crossed we both keep doing well , we need an update from marion i think COME ON MADMAZ HOW ARE THINGS ?.
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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mad_maz
Member
[ *  * ]
Hi

Two weeks, three days post op:

Saw my physio yesterday for my first session & though she was gentle I paid the price last night and couldn't sleep because of my back pain and burning in my legs. She has given me some additional exercises which she was sent from the physios in Warrington.

MR S has told my physio that I should be taking Pregabaline as a matter of course after having two discs replaced, so I rang my GP today. I won't say that he was reluctant to prescribe it to me but he did say that 112 tablets cost £120...

I am still not doing very well with walking, and on Monday persuaded my hubby to take me to the local Asda store. Not to do a shop, I just wanted to get a gift for a friend. I couldn't manage it because I had to go up an escalator (not steps but an incline) and by the time I got to the top I was in agony.

I am trying my best to be patient and to ride it out, but I do get frustrated.

I want to gallop before I can even walk ;)

Maz x
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
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naintaid
Advanced Member
[ *  *  *  *  * ]
hi marion ,thanks for update. seems abit early for physio.
mr s didnt recommend anything for me to take and when i asked him at 6 week check up he said you dont need medicines as course. shame you arent walking easily yet but it is early days. i would check why you are starting physio so early.
please keep us updated from alison.
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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VANDANGO999
Member
[ *  * ]
Hi all
Thanks for your help.
I have started the pregablin.. just started them today. Still don't think this is nerve irritation. The whole of the front of my legs especially the left is extremely tight and it goes right back to the L5 - S1 disk.(as were the backs before the op)
It feels exactly the same as when my nerves were trapped in my dead L4-L5.
I am hoping that it's just because everything is tight in there following the op and has put a bit more pressure on it and that it will only requre a bit of time to settle down or by manipulation can be freed.
I noticed it was still tight the morning after the op when everything else was nice and relaxed. I guess I will have to wait and see.
Carl
Spine problems since I can remember.
Fobbed off for over 10 years by physios as muscular

Jan 2009 Finally got MRI scan
August 2009 Got within sniffing distance of ADR with Mr Papastefanou who left for pastures new.
Managed to get transferred to Mr Shackleford
November 2010 ADR done on disc l4-l5
Got a new lease of life thanks to Mr Shackleford.

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Nailah
Unregistered

Hi Marion

Gosh, I was told I couldn't have physio until I was 12 weeks post op (although I did end up start having physiotherapy from 10 weeks). It does seem a bit early so soon after your surgery.

Don't knock yourself up with not a being able to shop for a gift for a friend. I couldn't walk very far at first and certainly couldn't have gone shopping. It was difficult enough just to walk to the first lamp post in my street. It takes many weeks to enable you to increase your walking distance. I found that some days I couldn’t walk as far as the previous day. Just do short manageable and achievable walks first. I am not an angel - I too try and run before I can walk. Your body soon tells you when you have done too much - listen to your body.

Be kind to yourself and give yourself time to heal. You've had major abdominal and spinal surgery. Try doing your Xmas shopping via the web: I have. :rolleyes:

Cheers

Nailah

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