L4/L5 discectomy?

Question

I had proceedure as emergency on 26 February. Left foot was totally numb, agonising pain in left leg and I could not go to loo.

I am now walking approximately 3 miles a day,smimming 30 lengths in local pool, but my foot is still numb. Has anyone had this proceedure and if so, how long did it take for the feeling to come back?
Every now and again,I fall over- its as though my brain doesn't know that my foot is on the floor!!!

I also now have pain in my right hip and am being referred for physiotherapy. Did anyone else have this problem?
Thanks

Answer 1

I had a L4/L5 discectomy because I was having severe hip pain and the doctors kept saying that this would correct the problem. It didn't. I still had the pain and further pain from the surgery.

What I have found works for me is deep tissue massage therapy. It's the only thing that works out the pain and keeps me going. Physio therapy may possibly be the best thing for you. your foot is numb because something is blocking the nerve going into the foot.

If you have any further questions please let me know,
Billie77

Answer 2

Did you have any symptoms before this emergency operations? The only time that it should be performed as an emergency is when there is loss of bowel or bladder control. Other then that there should have been some level of conservative care done.
That being said, once surgery occurs to remove the pain producing disc, you also have to know that scar tissue can form and have the same affect on the nerve as the disc did.
You should go for some electrodiagnostic testing to see where and which nerve is affected. At that point some conservative care can help such as physical therapy and chiropractic depending on those results.
Sometimes you also have to look elsewhere to find this cause. It could be coming from the leg and not the low back. You next evaluation should be a complete and full examination and not just focus on the low back. You could have compounding issues.
Final note, your hip pain could just be because the fact that you gait has been altered due to your persistent foot pain.
Good Luck

Answer 3

By all means keep up with the exercises!! I have found that exercising and just keeping busy helps. The numbness & pain is (more than likely) caused by nerve damage. The symptoms go away at different times for different people; keeping active & being stubborn about it helped me to get through it. There may be some nerve damage; your MD may refer you to a specialist that does nerve test if the problem continues.

More than likely due to the trauma you have been through the right hip is is being over used to compensate for the pain you are experiencing on the left side. By all means go to PT - they should be giving you exercises that hurt like the dickens to start but keep at it (stubborn) they do help.

Answer 4

You maybe suffering from some nerve damage in your foot??

I have had this surgery before myself. I have permanent nerve damage in my right leg and foot!!

You really need to tell your doctor about this!! I have fallen down and have problems even moving my right leg at times!!
It does sound though that you are recovering well.
I would be concerned about your foot though???


Good Luck!!

P.S. I have had 4 back surgeries and a fusion!! I am not able to work anymore!! I hate being at home all day!!

Answer 5

Ask your doctor about an exercise routine. Regular exercise, such as walking three times a week, may reduce neuropathy pain, improve your muscle strength and help control blood sugar levels. Gentle routines such as yoga and tai chi might also help.