Hi everyone,
New here and really looking for answers to a few things 
I have had back ache for about 18 months now, went to the GP initially and was given different painkillers (paracetamol, ibruprophen, tranadol, codine) none of which did a thing. Went for x-ray and was told it was arthritis, then to see a consultant and was told it was a slipped disc that will require surgery. Am currently on no medication and am awaiting the op date.
Am not totally sure about all the L and S numbers being mentioned here, but the consultant did talk to me about L1 and S1 nerves and the possible side effects on them with surgery.
The pain is all on the left side, mainly between the hip and the back of the knee (has also been in the calf and foot but not the same terrible pain as in the top of the leg)
Pain is worst when in bed, if I walk more than 200yds or if I walk slow and stand still (shopping with the wife mainly!!)
I am an industrial electrician and am obviously trying to avoid as much lifting as I can but generally continuing with work as normal.
The biggest questions I have are:
After surgery, will the constant pain disappear almost instantly?
I was told I would be off work at least 2 weeks, how long realistically does it take before you are \"fit for work\"?
Which pain killers work best for most people?
many thanks
Ian
Had surgery for disc prolapse March 2007. What they don't tell you is that the operation is just to cure the sciatica. The back problem still remains. If you're fit, stay that way it helps. If you're overweight, lose the weight pronto, things only get worse.
Just thought I would share my experience of Prolapsed Disc and the use of Pain killers. I was diagnosed about 6 months ago. I have pain in my left leg and buttock and ankle. No surgery prescribed but I am managing the pain by the use of drugs,Tramodol and Paracetemol. I started by taking one Tramodol and two paracetemol at a time, four times a day. I have now got this down to twice a day,once at breakfast and once last thing at night. This may be helpful to Ian Lewis and may help you to get some sleep. It works for me. The tramadol must be taken at the same time as the Paracetemol for it to work.I am able to manage most things on a daily basis and after an active life am now resigned to getting on with the rest of my life mostly pain free,with the help of drugs.[/b]
Hi Ian,
Your recovery post surgery should be steady over a few months, but the pain in your back may not improve much it is true. The important thing is to take it slowly post surgery, do your exercises and if not offered to you ask for physiotherapy, to start about 4 weeks post surgery. Some hospitals literally just leave you to it post surgery and don't even offer a follow up with the neurosurgeon as routine.
You can expect lots of odd little aches and pains in the weeks/months post surgery, generally this is just the nerves and muscles sorting themselves out. Any new pain of a sciatic type nature should be reported immediately. The main problem is not knowing what is normal and what isn't normal. Generally GPs don't know and are out of their depth. I found that I was not encouraged to talk to anybody and no-one seemed to care, but as it happened I had some major issues.
So far as going back to work, it is generally recommended that you take off 4-5 weeks if you do an office type job, but longer if you do something more physical, which you do. You could be looking at 8 weeks + off work. It seems like a long time, but it is worth not hurrying back as the last thing you want to do is cause any damage. You may well find that initially you will only be able to do reduced hours any way as you'll be knackered!!! Recovering at home is one thing but going back to work is something else. At home if you are tired, or your back hurts you can always go for a rest when it suits you, but you can't do that at work. And if ever there was a time when you need to listen to your body this is it!
Most people make a good recovery after the surgery, but it is important to take time out for you. You have the rest of your life to be superman!!! I am now a year post surgery and sometimes I forget and overdo it, only to pay the price!!!
Good luck,
TFU