Microdiscectomy recovery week 8 update
>> Wednesday, March 28, 2012
After Sunday's scare I've hardly been able to do much at all. I've lain on my side in bed with the iPad, Lain on my side on the floor with the iPad and occasionally sat on my barstool with the iPad.
I've been using the ice pack on my back a lot and I found some sore back exercises that eased me a bit too. But mainly I've done not a lot except potter around the house and lie down for 3 days. This has made a big difference.
I went to see the consultant today. I have a problem with consultants in general not being 'holistic', for example I mentioned to him that I use ice on my back to ease my leg pain and he just raised an eyebrow. But it works. I think it reduces swelling which in turn means less pressure on the nerve. But I don't really care how it works as long as it does. But he didn't agree. He also wasn't interested in the fact that my leg feels heavy and alien, like it doesn't want to do what it's told. He told me to 'shhhhhhhh'. He is an abrupt man but he is a good surgeon which is what matters really.
He tested my full leg movement, nerve reflexes etc and said I am doing ok. He doesn't think I've reherniated, he thinks I've pulled hard on the nerve root and I need to rest up to let it settle again.
He also said all the walking I do is too much (well why didn't he tell me to stop before?) He also said I'm one of the fittest people he's seen at this stage of the game (I said it was down to all the walking I'd been doing but he didn't look impressed!).
We didn't discuss the pain, I kicked myself after I'd came out for not insisting we talk about it but he makes me feel about 5 years old. In fairness if rest is the order of the day then the pain should ease up as I start to heal again.
He gave strict instructions that I was to walk no more than 1km a day and I should see him in 2 weeks time. If I'm not better by then he will rescan me but I can tell him now if I do nothing ever again forever I'll be fine but I want my pigging life back, I want to do something.
He agreed with the GP about me being off work for 2 weeks too so I don't feel so bad about that.
So rest rest rest....
I have created a page of links for my Microdiscectomy posts and other links I have found helpful. You can find it here. PLEASE FOLLOW THE MEDICAL ADVICE OF YOUR DOCTOR. WE ARE NOT ALL THE SAME.
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