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[C.Ann]

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[hiwaygal]

I just want to mention that I totally understand everyone's concern about surgery...especially on the back area. But, medicine has come a long way in the past 10 years! Even with regard to surgery for disc problems.

The surgery is much safer now and recovery is much easier/better!

I was terrified too about the surgery (then had a terrible anesthesiologist who basically told me I was going to die during surgery! ) but after having it, my opinion has really changed.

The pain prior to the surgery was so intense (for about a week) that I had to take an unbelievable amount of pain meds just to get out of bed. This is probably TMI, but I couldn't even go to the bathroom 'cause I couldn't sit! At this point, not having surgery wasn't an option, I simply couldn't live with the pain.

I had my surgery around 7am and went home later that same day. Because I have a "desk job", I was able to return to work in two weeks (they originally wanted me to be out 4 weeks).

Surgery for herniated discs is not as "hard" as it used to be. I would never have a fusion of any type, but to just have the laminectomy and discectomy is not the "major" surgery it used to be.

C.Ann...can your DD talk to her supervisors? Maybe she can still work in that field, but in a more "supervisory" position. It just seems like they would still be able to use her experience and qualifications, even if she is no longer able to perform a relatively small part of her duties.

Most times one can live with the pain...only the "flare ups" are problematic. But, IMO when it comes to possible permanent nerve damage, surgery is the better option.

I really hope your DD finds relief and a solution can be found so she can keep her job, or at least stay in her field.

 

[Chris and Pooh]

I just want to mention that I totally understand everyone's concern about surgery...especially on the back area. But, medicine has come a long way in the past 10 years! Even with regard to surgery for disc problems.

The surgery is much safer now and recovery is much easier/better!

I was terrified too about the surgery (then had a terrible anesthesiologist who basically told me I was going to die during surgery! ) but after having it, my opinion has really changed.

The pain prior to the surgery was so intense (for about a week) that I had to take an unbelievable amount of pain meds just to get out of bed. This is probably TMI, but I couldn't even go to the bathroom 'cause I couldn't sit! At this point, not having surgery wasn't an option, I simply couldn't live with the pain.

I had my surgery around 7am and went home later that same day. Because I have a "desk job", I was able to return to work in two weeks (they originally wanted me to be out 4 weeks).

Surgery for herniated discs is not as "hard" as it used to be. I would never have a fusion of any type, but to just have the laminectomy and discectomy is not the "major" surgery it used to be.

C.Ann...can your DD talk to her supervisors? Maybe she can still work in that field, but in a more "supervisory" position. It just seems like they would still be able to use her experience and qualifications, even if she is no longer able to perform a relatively small part of her duties.

Most times one can live with the pain...only the "flare ups" are problematic. But, IMO when it comes to possible permanent nerve damage, surgery is the better option.

I really hope your DD finds relief and a solution can be found so she can keep her job, or at least stay in her field.

I would just like to add, the pain I had was intolerable in just prior to surgery the pain in my leg was so bad that I could not stand, sit, or lay without the pain, I was on morphine slow relaesa tablets which only took the edge of it and sleeping tablets to help me sleep but with no effect. I do not think I have ever felt so low and friends thought I was most strange to be excited and looking forward to surgery.
After the operation which apparently was quite difficult because the sciaticic nerve was pinched between the vertebrae like a vice,I stood up after two days and was lead round the hospital by the physio therapist and I could walk normally with no pain and climb stairs!!!
I am well on the way to recovery and will be back at work in a light manual capacity after six weeks.
So do not give up hope, you will overcome it one way or another.
Good luck from an ex sufferer in the UK

 

[C.Ann]

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