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3rd steriod injection to L 4/5 - 3/31/2008 11:57:56 PM

Phoenix2raven

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Joined: 10/14/2006
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So after living with some very debilitating pain I gave in and got a epidural steroid injection. The first one lasted 7 blissful days then you know ouch! The second one was backed with physical therapy it lasted 6 weeks then the pain gradually came back. So I opted for a third but this one is different. I just got it yesterday and after the local anastesia wore off my pain went from a zero to a ten then to a 6 when my submissive barely touched it by pressing on the pillow next to my back. So my question is does anyone have experience with herniated disc surgery because living with this pain has had a very deep impact on my D/s relationship. I will not be able to have surgery until I am off cumadin (blood thinner) that I've been on from a pulmonary embolism I had last year. Yup this past year has really been shittastic. At least I have a supportive and loving submissive.
I would like to believe that surgery is an answer but I've heard some horror stories and I would like to get some feed back from those who have had back surgery. My main questions are
1. Did it work
2. How long was your rehab period
3. Did you have a full recovery i.e. live a normal life again being able to do stuff like fuck with out pain during or after?
I really need clear defined answers because this has basically ruined my ability to perform the simplest D/s activities and it has put a huge strain on my relationship.
Thanks in advance Phoenix

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RE: 3rd steriod injection to L 4/5 - 4/1/2008 4:40:32 AM

sirsholly

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From: Quietville
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just sending a hug and best wishes...

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Post #: 2

RE: 3rd steriod injection to L 4/5 - 4/1/2008 3:10:27 PM

kiwisub12

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Joined: 1/11/2006
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In researching back surgeries you need to look at the different kinds available. They go from minimally invasive where they put in a coil in your disc space and heat it to regenerate the disc, to spinal fusions which is heavy duty surgery.

Surgery doesn't always work either. Then you are left with failed back syndrome.

When looking for a surgeon ask what his sucess rate is and how many don't get relief. You might also call the hospital where you would have surgery, ask to talk to surgery, and ask one of the nurses who they would use if they were going to have back surgery. You might also call the physical therapist, and ask them the same thing. Both nurses and physical therapists work with the part you can't see, so can give you a really good idea of the doctors capabilities. Personality and bedside manner really don't matter in the long run. What matters is surgical skills.

Surgery of any sort shouldn't be taken lightly,but if you are incapacitated then it may be the best thing for you.
Good luck.

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Post #: 3

RE: 3rd steriod injection to L 4/5 - 4/2/2008 6:13:00 AM

Phoenix2raven

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Thanks kiwi I've done extensive research but haven't checked the surgeons rate of success or malpractice stats. Both can be done on line. Yea!

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RE: 3rd steriod injection to L 4/5 - 4/2/2008 7:23:37 AM

windchymes

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Joined: 4/18/2005
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Yes, I had an L4-5-S1 fusion two years ago, after three years of debiliting pain, numbness, burning, 2 series of epidural injections, 4 months of physical therapy, 3 MRI's, a useless orthopedic doctor.... I finally found a wonderful neurosurgeon.

I would do the surgery again in a heartbeat tomorrow to feel as good as I do today, like "What back problem???" :) L4-5 disc problems are actually very common, because that is the site of the most stress on the back. Epidurals are simply anti-inflammatories which work great for a short time, but the underlying problem that is causing the inflammation must be treated, or it will keep coming back.

Please feel free to email me on the other side and I can answer any questions you might have.

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RE: 3rd steriod injection to L 4/5 - 4/2/2008 9:16:54 AM

sub4hire

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Joined: 1/1/2004
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quote:

ORIGINAL: Phoenix2raven

1. Did it work
2. How long was your rehab period
3. Did you have a full recovery i.e. live a normal life again being able to do stuff like fuck with out pain during or after?
I really need clear defined answers because this has basically ruined my ability to perform the simplest D/s activities and it has put a huge strain on my relationship.
Thanks in advance Phoenix

Doug (my dom/husband) had disc fusion on 4-6 last year. Feb 1st, 2007. It worked wonderfully. He had been having pain for 5 years prior. Basically the only thing that didn't work 100% was because of the 5 years and having his nerve pinched between the discs for 5 years. It didn't come all the way back. He still has tingling in his feet now and then. Not a bad price to pay considering not having it done.
Rehab was 3 days in hospital and he came home. Two week's back to work and a full six weeks before being totally released from the doctor.
Pain went away just about immediately for him.
Steroid shots aren't helping you in any way. Sooner or later surgery is going to be needed. Plus the fact you can only have so many steroid shots before they start breaking down tissue.
You do need to research your doctor. Ask about support groups. Anyone they have done the surgery on prior.
While still living in California they wanted to do surgery on him. Replacing his disc with a composite disc. If they had done that due to his size (6 foot 6) he would be in a wheelchair today. Luckily the doctor here even patented the cage they put in his back.
Know your options. Talk to everyone you can find.
He just had C5-6. 6-7 fused in his neck about 5 week's ago. Full recovery on it so far. He gets the brace off next week.
It's really all about the doctor. If for any reason he makes you feel insecure or uncomfortable find a new one. It's your life at stake.

(in reply to Phoenix2raven)

Post #: 6

RE: 3rd steriod injection to L 4/5 - 4/2/2008 2:12:57 PM

Phoenix2raven

Posts: 347
Joined: 10/14/2006
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quote:

ORIGINAL: sub4hire

quote:

ORIGINAL: Phoenix2raven

1. Did it work
2. How long was your rehab period
3. Did you have a full recovery i.e. live a normal life again being able to do stuff like fuck with out pain during or after?
I really need clear defined answers because this has basically ruined my ability to perform the simplest D/s activities and it has put a huge strain on my relationship.
Thanks in advance Phoenix

Doug (my dom/husband) had disc fusion on 4-6 last year. Feb 1st, 2007. It worked wonderfully. He had been having pain for 5 years prior. Basically the only thing that didn't work 100% was because of the 5 years and having his nerve pinched between the discs for 5 years. It didn't come all the way back. He still has tingling in his feet now and then. Not a bad price to pay considering not having it done.
Rehab was 3 days in hospital and he came home. Two week's back to work and a full six weeks before being totally released from the doctor.
Pain went away just about immediately for him.
Steroid shots aren't helping you in any way. Sooner or later surgery is going to be needed. Plus the fact you can only have so many steroid shots before they start breaking down tissue.
You do need to research your doctor. Ask about support groups. Anyone they have done the surgery on prior.
While still living in California they wanted to do surgery on him. Replacing his disc with a composite disc. If they had done that due to his size (6 foot 6) he would be in a wheelchair today. Luckily the doctor here even patented the cage they put in his back.
Know your options. Talk to everyone you can find.
He just had C5-6. 6-7 fused in his neck about 5 week's ago. Full recovery on it so far. He gets the brace off next week.
It's really all about the doctor. If for any reason he makes you feel insecure or uncomfortable find a new one. It's your life at stake.

Yea I'd like to be able to know about my nerve condition. I went to see a neurosurgeon last year who told me I have what looks like permanent nerve damage to my sciatic nerve. It would be a shame if I had surgery for nothing. Thanks for the reply.

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Post #: 7

RE: 3rd steriod injection to L 4/5 - 4/2/2008 2:32:52 PM

sub4hire

Posts: 6775
Joined: 1/1/2004
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quote:

ORIGINAL: Phoenix2raven

Yea I'd like to be able to know about my nerve condition. I went to see a neurosurgeon last year who told me I have what looks like permanent nerve damage to my sciatic nerve. It would be a shame if I had surgery for nothing. Thanks for the reply.

I don't think there is any real way to know your nerve condition until surgery. His got better just not 100%. I think it might depend on how long you were like that. With his neck..the doctor said he was 99% sure there would be no long standing damage.
Sure enough, there already is no more tingling in his arm or fingers.

No matter what surgery won't be for nothing, you will have relief. Just maybe not 100%. Though after living the way you have even 95% relief is going to be a blessing.

I can't stress enough..check out the doctor. We had seen a doctor right before Thanskgiving here..he gave him a steroid injection to help him "make it through the holidays" It lasted about a week. We went back in early Jan. The doctor looked at him again and said...well we could shoot you up. This after..we had already talked about scheduling surgery in November when we saw him.
I told Doug if he couldn't even be bothered to read his chart..I didn't feel comfortable with him doing anything to him. We shopped for a new doctor and found the current one.
Since then the old doctor has been ran out of town with so many malpractice suits against him. Not our doing but it was a vibe I felt.

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Post #: 8

RE: 3rd steriod injection to L 4/5 - 4/2/2008 6:12:25 PM

ThundersCry

Posts: 892
Status: offline

I as well have been fused in the same location....L4-5-S1....14 years ago.

I chose a neurosurgeon, after seeing 3 ortho`s...

It is unbelieveable what he was able to do for me...

Like somne have stated and its been my experience as I have had 17 surgeries on my right knee...ITS the surgeon that will be all the difference in the world on the outcome...

Good luck with your decision, its not an easy one to make...

Email me if you wish...

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Post #: 9

RE: 3rd steriod injection to L 4/5 - 4/5/2008 8:37:03 PM

Greylynn

Posts: 575
Joined: 11/4/2007
Status: offline

I had a L5-S1 discectomy in September.

I researched on-line was even told by my doctor that the surgery usually should be done within the first 12 months of the injury and as I had passed that time frame the nerve could be damaged beyond help.

Surgery was the last thing I wanted to do because of all the horror stories I heard from co-workers who had relatives that had it done and were worse off. I did the therapy two rounds of it a few months a part and then had the epidural. It teased me with being pain free for 26 days.

I went into a hysterical melt down when it wore off.   I was ready to kill myself. I went for the surgery figuring I couldn't come out any worse than I already was.

I haven't had a pain pill since the morning of the surgery - the incision pain was nothing compared to the agony I was in before surgery.

I was ready to go back to work in 2 weeks but PT couldn't get me in for another 2 weeks and my doctor wanted me in PT before he would release me back to work.   I was supposed to do 3x a week for six weeks.

I went to for two visits, got released back to work, had 6 more visits and was released from PT.   After my 3 month follow up I was completely released. I love my doctor but I'm not hurt by the fact that he never wants to see me again.

I have times when I get a twinge but that is most likely from the scar tissue from the incision. I was told I'd probably have them for up to a year afterwards.    All and all I'd say I'm at 100%.

Good luck.

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Post #: 10

RE: 3rd steriod injection to L 4/5 - 4/6/2008 12:56:53 AM

glowworm

Posts: 14
Joined: 7/5/2007
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For those who have had the surgery, has it affected your ability to play? The idea of surgery scares me silly. For those of us who are struggling with this kind of pain, any non-medication recommendations?? I don't want to give up playing, but I feel so damn fragile....

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Post #: 11

RE: 3rd steriod injection to L 4/5 - 4/6/2008 3:03:18 PM

windchymes

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I"m two years past the surgery. It took some time, but at this point now, I have no limitations whatsover (don't confuse that with "no limits"!

). I can move, bend, twist, jump, dance, lift heavy things (carefully), mow the grass, ride bikes and horses, do whatever I want with no restrictions. I'm maybe a little bit less flexible than I used to be (damn it) but other than that, I can't think of any bdsm activity that I couldn't do, other than being twisted into some bizarre hogtied position for any length of time.

Of course, you're looking at probably a good year, at least, to recover enough to try the "rough stuff".

I firmly believe that the best way to guarantee being a "horror story" is to lie around and be inactive after the surgery. They encourage walking (with a brace on) and moving about. Believe me, your muscles get really tight, stiff and sore if you don't. But as I keep saying, I'd do it all again tomorrow to feel like I do today!

I found adopting a puppy 3 months after the surgery was a great way to get moving again, lol.

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RE: 3rd steriod injection to L 4/5 - 4/21/2008 10:13:17 AM

forfun2ss

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Joined: 2/20/2008
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I had a bit of a different back injury. I had actually broken a part of a vertebrate off and crushed two discs affecting the L4-L5-S1.

I went with the first doctor's suggestions and toughed it out for over a year in absolute agony. I was seventeen when this all started and the doctor expected me to live my entire life that way. The steroid injections and limited pain pills, left me to taking an additional 250 pills of motrin a week to curb the pain. It wasn't long before my liver was starting to fail. This was when we sought out another doctor. He was an orthopedist teamed with a nuerosurgeon. In my first consultation I saw them both in the same day. They decided who was best for my treatment.

My L4 & L5 were fused together with bone grafts off of my hip. Portions of my discs were removed. This type of surgery requires 2-3 months of bedrest. Then it took me about a year after the surgery before I felt like me again. As mentioned previously, you have to keep mobile or muscles feel extremely tight. For about two years the bone graft from the hip was the worst of it. I kept bumping it on corners of tables. I have a little arthritis and am not 100% but the comparison between the two makes the surgery an easy decision.

I will feel perfect for months at a time, almost too good. As soon as you pick up a heavy object(tossing your sub onto the bed) or twist(golf) there is a brief second or two where you think about how to do it safely. Personally I try to stretch every couple of days and the key to any lift is your legs. The type of stuff a person should do anyways.

I've talked to people who had the metal brackets put in. No extended bedreast beyond about a week. It is a quicker recovery in gerneral. I could afford the time for the bone graft route because I was inbetween college and highschool. The long term it becomes a consideration of when you're in the retirement home and spend time bedridden. With metal special additional care needs to be taken from pressure wounds. Supposedly I won't have these problems (its only been 14 years since mine was done, I haven't been back to a doctor for it beyond the initial care).

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Post #: 13

RE: 3rd steriod injection to L 4/5 - 4/22/2008 10:53:05 PM

Owned1

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From: Toronto, Ontario
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A question for those with herniated disks, have any of you tried a chiropractor? If so did it help/make things worse?

Owned

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RE: 3rd steriod injection to L 4/5 - 4/23/2008 5:08:08 AM

windchymes

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I know from personal experience that physical therapists, especially those with concentrated training in backs, have a lot of success treating herniated discs.

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RE: 3rd steriod injection to L 4/5 - 4/23/2008 12:42:06 PM

sub4hire

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quote:

ORIGINAL: Owned1

A question for those with herniated disks, have any of you tried a chiropractor? If so did it help/make things worse?

Owned

Doug tried chiropractors...made it much worse to live with. Although it may also depend on your injury.

Anyway...since then he has had his surgery C4-5, 5-6 were fused in his neck. One day in the hospital...next day he came home. He had 100% of his nerves come back. Six week's wearing his neck brace. No physical therapy.

About the only symptom he still has is his neck is still a little swollen at the site they operned him up.
Next appt is in 6 months.

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Post #: 16

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