Anyone who has had discectomy, or ruptured disc w/ sciatic damage...?

Question

I have been having alot of trouble with going to the bathroom (2). I don't know how to explain it, its not incontenence because, i don't have accidents. Its just that I can't feel when it is there to go. There is never any pressure, or just the normal "knowing you have to go" feeling. I haven't been regular in years since I started pain meds, but this is a fairly new issue. My surgery was almost 2 yrs ago.
I did start taking Methadone about 5mos ago, for pain, would that have anything to do with it? I asked my pain doc about it and he just looked at me, obviously didn't know what to say.
HELP please.

I am not constipated, this is a lack of sensation.

Answer 1

One of the first things they did when I went to the ER with loss of bowel control was a rectal exam to check for sensation there. (TMI part: They put on a glove, KY, then press around in there and ask if you can feel it.) I was able to feel sensation there, but had the incontinence. (Pooped all over the doc's hand, it was hilarious at the time :P )

Loss of sensation is usually (when they know disks are involved) cauda equina syndrome. The bowel/bladder control nerves are around S2/3/4 but the nerve ROOT is @ L4/L5. As people's anatomies vary slightly damage in that general area can cause problems. ~Usually~ you have what they call 'saddle area' numbness (the parts that would touch a saddle were you sitting on one) with cauda equina, but not necessarily. For me they're calling it cauda equina, but I only have the incontinence (only?!?!) but not loss of sensation. It's serious to have a change like that. I don't think methadone would do that. Better check w/your doc!

Good luck.

Answer 2

1

Answer 3

The nerves that were affected with your sciatica also go to your lower digestive tract. When you have a discectomy, the vertebra above and below compensate by adding motion to those joints. This can cause those discs to wear out at a much higher rate. If the nerves to your bowels are being pinched, you may lose that sense of "urgency" when it's time to go. I would suggest talking to your neurosurgeon or orthopedist (whomever did the surgery) and possibly get an MRI to confirm if there are disc issues above or below your previous surgery. You know what it's like to wait too long, so don't hesitate to talk to someone. But, before you consider surgery again, talk to your physical therapist, and yes, get a consult from a good chiropractor. You'd be surprised what we can do for people, especially after they've had a spinal surgery.

Answer 4

I found many interesting info about sciatica here: http://curesciatica.toptips.org


While looking for a miracle cure, it has to be understood that sciatica pain in itself is not a disease. It is actually a symptom or a group of symptoms with an underlying cause that needs to be targeted if some sort of permanent pain relief is what one is looking for. But one thing is absolutely clear. Incorporating a few exercises that have a beneficial effect on sciatica pain in daily regime is of great help and whether a patient is taking drugs or not, these exercises ensure that his muscles are kept in a toned condition that lessen any flare up of pain. Just a few stretching exercises can bring about a drastic change in the levels of pain and signify the importance of exercise in the management of sciatica pain.
I hope it helps

Answer 5

pain medication plays havoc with your intestinal system. constipation is one of the biggest problems from pain pills . You're going to have to start normalizing the intestines. I recommend you take Metamucil powder 1tsp. (Do not use the capsules as they don't work as well) first thing in the morning with a large glass of water in last thing at night. Add a capsule of Acidophlis with the metamucil. It's going to take time but if you do this every day you will be able to start having regular bowel movements.

start eating brown rice, yogurt, oatmeal, fresh and dried fruits every day to get the intestines working normally again.

If you have any further questions please let me know.

Best wishes,
Billie77