Nucleoplasty Recovery Time

[Kimdoc]

Hi all, just thought I would let you know how my coblation nucleoplasty went last night and to answer some of the questions that you guys had (kennethhoff & gharari).

First, I have to say if you are going to have nucleoplasty, PLEASE find a doctor who does it with the coblation technique - not just regular nucleoplasty. When you read my story and then read others who have had regular nucleoplasty - our stories will be like night and day.

I had the procedure done about 7:00 p.m. last night. The procedure lasted about a total of 10 mins. I think I had the most mild sedation ever, because I remember every bit of it. I felt a bit of calmness, but that's about it. The doctor went in from one side (right) and made 6 passes through the disc. I felt him stick the initial needle in (Ouch!) but did not feel it when he was making the passes with the wand. If anyone had a discogram without any sedation, It felt exactly like it did when he doctor put the initial needles in for the discogram.

I was suppose to have 2 levles done yesterday (L3-4 & L4-5), but he decided to only do one level now and the other level in 2 weeks. He thought I would have a better chance at success this way because my herniations where pretty big.

After the procedure, I got dressed and put my brace on. I was given a prescription for oxycodone (pain) and cephalexin (antibiotic) - just to make sure I don't get an infection. I do not need to take the oxycodone. Immediately after the procedure I started getting pain down the front and back of my right leg, to the ankle (I have never had pain there before - it was always my left leg). The doctor said that they might have temporarly irritated something and to call them today. This morning the pain is gone.

I really have no restrictions after the procedure. I have to wear the brace for 2 weeks. Although I am taking it extremely easy for the next 4 day, I can do all my pre-procedure activities. It's hard to tell if the pain has gone away because I am still a little sore from where the needle was put in. In my situation, I have 2 herniations and a collapsed disc, each produce a specific type of pain, so it will be interesting to see if the pain from that disc has gone away. I was told it might be 2 days to 2 weeks before I might notice a difference.

I can honestly say that from reading other peoples postings about their experience after the procedure, that I am having none of those problems. I can easily walk around, shower, dress, make my meals, sit, everything. I am being very cautions about bending and twisting. But I feel absolutely fine. I am in no extra pain whatsoever.

As of now, I plan on returning to work on Monday. I am going to call the doctor today because between driving and my time at the job I sit for approximaly 9 hours a day. I want to make sure this does not irritate it. I will keep everyone informed of my condition and if I experience any changes.

I know a lot of people who read this may be shocked at the experience that I had with this. If you have any questions about it PLEASE write me and let me know. I would love to answer any of your questions. If you want my doctors name and # I can give you that also.

Thanks again for everyone's advice before my procedure.

- Kim

[CMacL]

Hi Kim,
Just checking on your progress. I had my nucleoplasty & coblation a week before you, and I also had a nerve block. You know I really can't tell if I feel huge improvement yet. What about you? I still have a lot of pain down my leg in the morning (sciatic)...tough getting out of bed. Haven't found a great way to sleep yet, either. Did Larry tell you to wear the brace to bed? I've been sleeping in it, not the most comfortable pj's I've ever worn! Are you planning to work tomorrow? Hope you are feeling better each day!! Stay in touch...keep us posted on your recovery and next procedure.
Carol

[Kimdoc]

Hi Carol -
Thanks for asking! I also can't tell if it has worked yet. I know that I have 3 discs that are messed up and each disc produces a specific type of pain. I also know what disc they did the coblation on (L4-5), but the problem is I don't know what pain goes with what disc, so I can't tell if the pain is getting any better. I think that made sense??? I still have a bit of soreness from where the needle went it. But that should go away soon. I have been experiening more leg and back pain then usual and have had to take my pain meds more often. I try to be very careful about bending and twisting. For the most part I do wear the brace at night too, but as you know, it is very uncomfortable. And yes, Larry did tell me to wear it all the time. He was trying so hard to sell me on almost every product he sells in his store. It was pretty funny!

I am not going back to work tomorrow. I really don't want to push it, I'm too afraid I will make it worse. Unfortunately, I have a feeling I will be let go from my job tomorrow anyway. I actually inadvertently found out about an hour before I was ready to leave for the hospital last Wednesday, that my boss was thinking about firing me that day. Nice! But he didn't. So I would not be surprised if he calls me tomorrow and lets me go. I can't really blame him. There are only 7 of us there and I have only been working there since the end of January and have already used up all of my time because of my back. And now with having to go back to the hospital to have the procedure done again next week, it would seem as if this would ensure my boss firing me. But I'm not going to worry about it. I know my health has to come first. I will just collect unemployment for a while. I just wish that if he is going to fire me that he would just get it over with and do it because it is keeping my stomach in knots.

When do you go back for your next appt.? Do you follow up with Dr. Omar? I think all of the doctors and nurses there are very nice (especially Pam (R.N.))-the women at the front desk are another story! Have you had any problems with them? Have you been having any difficulty with any day-to-day activities? I don't know if you told me before, but are you working? Have you gone back since the procedure?

Hope to talk to you soon.

-Kim

[CMacL]

Hi Kim,
I go back tomorrow - Dr. Bhargava (I think that's how it's spelled) for my two week post check up. Yes, I'm working, and I have a very physical job. I teach Tennis, and am on the court anywhere from 4 to 8 hours a day. I've been very obedient, have not had a racquet in my hand, but am "teaching" with my voice. Wearing the brace constantly, but it's so hard not to bend, twist, stoop. That's everything I do all day. Plus I keep dropping things!! Then what? Gotta bend down to pick 'em up!! Think I'd get smarter, huh? What have you been taking for the pain & inflammation? I've settled into a combination of Advil 2x a day and 8 hour tylenol. Sometimes cyclobenzaprine before bed if I haven't been sleeping well. That knocks me out! I think that I can finally say I am standing a little straighter in the morning. I'm upright and pretty good by the time I get to the club. Driving still stinks! Read my reply to Brenda, too. Hope you continue to feel better, and maybe it's better if you lose your job? At least you can relax and get that back better!! Keep in touch.
Carol