post-microdisc. swollen nerve?

Mern29 · 12-30-2004, 11:44 AM

Getting concerned now...9 days post-microdiscectomy and I couldn't sleep at all last night, the pain is steadily increasing to the point where I can "feel" my nerve all the way down my leg, like a bump almost. Has anyone else had this? My NS won't be in til next week so I don't know what to think...I'm going to start Arthrotec (an anti-inflammatory) today and the Tylenol 3's are still OK. It seems like my doctors don't know what to tell me. Could the surgery have been a mistake? Or is the nerve just really aggravated? Does anyone know what it means for the nerve to actually be irritated - is it because it's getting used to a new "unimpinged" position?

Any thoughts would help so much - thanks everyone.

AlSmith · 12-31-2004, 12:07 AM

Mern, everyone's experience is different but I would be concerned that the pain continues to increase. Does your NS have a partner that could review your situation? My surgeon went out of town the aftenoon of my surgery and did not return for two weeks but I was told if I had any problems, another surgeon in the practice would be able to assist me. If your surgeon is in a practice by himself, there may be another office in town that is set up to handle any emergencies. Call the NS office and let them know about your problem. I hope you start feeling better soon.

Alan

Mern29 · 12-31-2004, 10:47 AM

Thanks Al, don't want to jinx it but I woke up this morning feeling quite a bit better - right now my calf just has the "echo" in it you described. Do you think it could be the Arthrotec (anti-inflammatory)? I started it yesterday, not wanting to continue with Bextra or Celebrex after the warnings.

Thanks so much for your well-wishes, and keep your fingers crossed...I'll do the same for you!

AlSmith · 12-31-2004, 01:18 PM

It could be the Arthrotec. It could also be that you are getting a little better. Did your doctor suggest icing your back at all? If you have swelling, this can really help. I use a reusalbe ice pack for about three or four weeks post op. For me, it made a difference. Good luck and Happy New Year!

Alan

Sue · 01-01-2005, 02:31 AM

Hi:

At only 9 days post-op, I'm sure this is perfectly normal. Back surgery takes a long time to come back from.

A week after my micro-d L5-S1, my leg felt like it was on fire and felt swollen (it wasn't swollen, just felt like that). Hurt quite a bit.

It was all due to inflammation.....and aggrevated the nerves. The doc put me on the 6-day steriod pack (methylprednisone, 4mgs.). In 3 days I felt 95% better. It took the swelling down.

Ask your doctor about the steriod pack.

I'm sure you'll be feeling much better in a few more weeks. The back takes 6 weeks to stabilze after surgery. Don't worry......this all sounds normal.

Hope I was able to help alittle bit.

Sue