Trapped sciatic nerve/disc bulge

[oumbagirl]

Hello out there peeps - can anyone give me any information or advice on the thread for disc damage that I have just started:

Just four weeks ago now I had a critical episode that put me in the A & E (this was a severe muscle spasm in my lower back and right leg) which they are currently treating with some heavyweight drugs for pain management and swelling reduction.

I am still not walking independently without a stick as I have no balance and I drag my right leg. I have nightly spasms and get stuck in bed so without the help of my other half can't even get up for the loo!

Apparantly, with this kind of thing, they won't even refer you to a specialist until between 4-6 weeks because they want to try and get any swelling down.

I have had three chiropractic treatments and my chiropractor has advised that I should get a referral asap as I am not responding to treatment. I visit my GP again on Thurs this week.

What might this mean? and how long might it be before I can ride again?:eek:

Can't even walk outside at present without OH's help so can't go to stables, can't drive, can't walk dog, or do housework so can't do much at all really other than DVD's reading, jigsaw's etc etc (Sounds good:rolleyes: at first but after 4 weeks of not being able to do the most menial of tasks even housework;) the pleasure of enforced rest and just walking around every 5 mins with a stick to keep the circulation going seems to pall at bit!!!

Has anyone out there experienced anything similar? I am starting to get frightened that my balance will never come back and I will be taking this awful medication for a long time.

Any suggestions/info anyone? )...

[elaine@dow-evan]

Have PM'd you.

[Wally]

I went through something similar, about 16 years ago., I ended up in a wheelchair.

It was agony, I couldn't muster the strength to flush the loo, the pain was so great.

An osteopath got me moving again.

The chair you sit in too is vital. I bought a Banana Chair Butterfly recliner chair just after I found I coudln't sit in squashy chairs , Frances too has just bought one. You can give yourself DIY traction with it too as it turns you upside down when you are really suffering.

It takes a long time to become pain free, mine did recover well with Osteopathy and time.....and sitting in a chair that makes you sit properly, not slumped.

[oumbagirl]

Where can I see one of these chairs on the internet Wally? I live in a small village miles from anywhere really (Cambridge is my nearest town) so I rely on the internet a lot for shopping.

With not being able to drive now, OH has all the chores to do including his horse & the dog plus the housework so I want to try to be as independent as possible.

How long before you saw a neurologist and what did they advise? & what's the difference between the chiropractor and the osteo?

My chiropractor say's there is little more she can do for me and my GP has little specialist knowledge and is very young. I wonder whether massage would help but of course its getting the right person and as I haven't even had a scan yet do you think that would be wise? O...

[Daisy Lady]

Hi, Really sorry to hear about your problem. I am surprised your chiropracter/doctor has not been able to sort this out for you. If its any help, I know of a great physio, and to date I have never known anyone to need more than 2 visits to be sorted out whatever their problem is!! Before we found him, my husband had been having regular appointments with another physio for the last ten years and was still needing to go back. This chaps says you should only really need one appointment and a follow up if your problem is really bad. He was horrified that my husband had been treated for so many years without the actual problem being sorted out. Might be worth a try. He is in East Anglia - like you - albeit in Essex. Come back to me if you would like his no.

Really hope you get better soon!!

[oumbagirl]

[QUOTE=Daisy Lady;1605959] I am surprised your chiropracter/doctor has not been able to sort this out for you. Come back to me if you would like his no.
QUOTE]


Thanks Daisy Lady, what I meant was that the Chiropractor thinks I need more than manipulation and to be referred to a nuerologist (spelled wrong I think!) as there is more damage than she can sort. My GP will only refer at the 4-6 week point because I think thats the protocol for backs etc as most backs heal in that period. (Not that she was being unhelpful - its just the protocol I suppose)

It would be good to have the name and number though just in case.

Thanks again. O...

[elaine@dow-evan]

Banana Chairs - I have googled and found The Original Banana Chair Company. I've also got a Banana Chair and I find it very comfortable once I've got into it as mine is one of the floor-level ones - I didnt know the company still existed but I do recommend one and I have emailed the owner and had a quick reply.

(There are some very "odd" chairs calling themselves Banana Chairs - what you need to look at is the Original Banana Chair Company - you can also see Wally's Butterfly chair there as well. )

(I want a Stokke Gravity chair next...)

[Wally]

They are in Cambs. now, Warboys? does that mean anything to you?

I have a Butterfly recliner and a foldup floor level one, as does Frances.
What I love about the recliner is you can go upside down and feel the nerve having the pressure taken off it. BLISS!

I'm off to Google them!

[Wally]

here you are

http://www.thebananachaircompany.co.uk/ If you have a bad back they really do make a huge difference, the recliner is nice and high too so no struggling, and lieing flat and geting back up is effortless.

[Daisy Lady]

[QUOTE=Daisy Lady;1605959] I am surprised your chiropracter/doctor has not been able to sort this out for you. Come back to me if you would like his no.
QUOTE]


Thanks Daisy Lady, what I meant was that the Chiropractor thinks I need more than manipulation and to be referred to a nuerologist (spelled wrong I think!) as there is more damage than she can sort. My GP will only refer at the 4-6 week point because I think thats the protocol for backs etc as most backs heal in that period. (Not that she was being unhelpful - its just the protocol I suppose)

It would be good to have the name and number though just in case.

Thanks again. O...

Hi, I have sent you his details in a private message.

I really hope you get something sorted out soon.

[oumbagirl]

Thanks so much for the information guys, will go and have a look at Banana chair company. OH may be able to take me Sat if they have one to look at. (He is doing Silverstone Half Marathon on Sunday so we won't be able to go then!) Do they have a showroom?

I don't think Warboys is too far from us probably about 35 miles or so.

Elaine what was that other chair you mentioned? Stokke?

[Wally]

He has mine there ATM it's being reupholstered. It's had a very hard life, and is plain worn out. Only the material, the frame is 100%

I can really appreciate what you are going through, it is myserable, truly myserable.

[Wally]

Here is is, along the same lines as the butterfly recliner, but a bit more space age.

http://www.stokke.com/inuse.asp?div=C&na=NO&la=EN&p=Gravity&nr=01

[oumbagirl]

Wally when you say 'upside down' on the chair is that literal? I have thoughts of falling out and also how do you get back upright? I have so much difficulty getting up at all out of any chair without help atm.

Also, do you think its worth looking at both the Stokke and Banana if they are both the same? Can you tell me what the main differences are please?

Had really bad night last night as lots of spasms, so if I could get one this weekend that would be really good? but I suspect you have to order them?

Also, am not cash rich atm - what are the prices of these? don't want to get my hopes up too much if they are hundreds and hundreds of pounds.

Thanks E...

[cwb]

Hiya - I used to do stress management training and part of that was concerned with correct posture and it is possible to replicate the position achieved with this type of kneeling chair - http://www.backchairs-direct.co.uk/Posture_Kneeler_1430_-_Online_purchase_only_.html using an ordinary dining chair and a cushion.

Place the cushion on the front edge of the chair and sit on it so that the front edge of the chair is under the top of your thigh - tuck your legs under the chair so that you thighs are at about 45 degrees to the horizontal. Lift your shoulders & ribcage and feel your spine take up a gentle curve.

This is the effect you get from the kneelers - they are just more comfortable over a period of time because they spread the weight over a greater area and take some of it on your shins.

[oumbagirl]

Thanks Chris, Will try that. E...

[Sooty]

Oh Elaine, no advice at all I'm afraid but loads of sympathy :o I don't usually look on this forum so have only just seen this. You poor thing .... sending lots of good Reiki vibes for a speedy recovery x

[oumbagirl]

Thanks motorbike... have had one of bioflow's bracelets for years which I know helps with ongoing circulation probs, unfortunately on this occasion I don't think its going to work, could well be an operation jobby this time around so my chiropractor tells me. Have to wait and see on scan.

Sue...How unlucky is this? Will probably be out of riding for anything between 6-12 months - and after all that hard work we put in too! How are you getting on - got cantering on your girlie yet? E...

[kturner]

Look at my posts on 'soon to be in your tack room and backmobiliser.

I sympathise, I have had my problems from 21yrs to 46yrs. Never goes, just waxes and wanes with my activity and stupid things I do. Then back in bed again.

Hopefully yours wont be permanently with you, but I find everytime I do a new injury it never goes completely, there will always be a weakness to watch for.

Lots of bed rest, and I strongly suggest you try to get to the stables and do some grooming sitting in between of course. I spend hours with my pony, they are such good therapy. There is a thread about that too.

My dog sleeps behind my back at night. I can lean on him a little and the warmth is wonderful.. Dogs are good therapy too they are always happy and lift the mood. My cats sit with me when I am in bed for a long time too.

When I am using a stick and limping, my pony walks ever so slow next to me to the stable, I hold his rug if we are going up hill in the mud. He pulls me up.

Of course when I am OK he is the littlest monster for shuving and pushing, pushes me up hill from behind to hurry me up. Knocks me out of his way with his head. But as soon as I have a stick and limp he goes into slow mode. I suppose they know we are 'lame' like them and act accordingly. If I have flu that is different, he takes advantage and takes over pushing and shoving them because he sees me as weak! He seems to know the differenc.e

Get some cats, dogs and a pony in your life. (You may still need some painkillers though)

[kturner]

I use hand held massage machine, microwave bean bag, large and small coke bottles with hot water, hot baths, painpills, anti inflamitories, sleeping pills.

When all else fails REACH FOR THE ICE PACK. Always wrap it in a cloth, II always leave it till last because it is so unpleasand. Have something warm ready for afterwards or not bath.

It reduces the swelling and always seems to work. It is not nice though. Frozen veg will do if you dont have one. You get them at the pharmacy.

Sleep on your side so you dont put weight on the discs, have a dog or pillow behind you. Dogs are very comforting!

ICE ICE ICE

[oumbagirl]

Thanks everyone for taking time and effort to reply and give me tips and suggestions.

I am now getting quite a collection of 'toys' to play with and some work better than others depending on whether it is just pain plain and simple, or strong spasms!

Nintendo 'brain training' takes my mind off the pain too albeit for a little while! but unfortunately for me my dog won't let me lean on him and I keep banging my head on the floor:D because he keeps moving!! Oh well at least my sense of humour hasn't gone completely.

Went to my yards easter gymkhana this last weekend (I know it's a week early) and had a lovely time watching the kids and the not so small kids doing their fun races. Hubby won a cadbury cream egg and didn't share it with me:mad:

Am looking into inversion therapy and tables at present. Anybody ever tried these?

O...

[yph]

hey
poor you.
i found out i had 2 slip disc and a degenerating spine about 2 and a half years ago. i was 30. I couldnt ride for about 18 months and could barely get dressed for much of this time. I waited 9 months for an MRI scan to establish exactly what the prob was, i had been through various chiro's, osteo's, acupuncture, healing, you name it. I was at my wits end.
Once I had the MRI I was offereed surgery but said I didnt want that, I changed my meds to diclofenac which was much better and started walking every day, i know it sounds impossible but i would dose myself up, put my ariat riding boots, which are very supportive, and walk at a snails pace on a flat surface. I found that this helped as sitting around, lying around etc for the prev 1 yr didnt help at all. I then had epidural injections in my spine. Once I had this I found that I was alot more mobile, it does something to do the pain receptors i think. anyway it took a while to recover but largely as it took so long for the docs to find out what it was then waiting lists etc.
because of the degeneration i will always have pain, but not like the disc pain, they were both on my nerves so I too lost the use of one of my legs.

If I had my time over I would have gone private right away, paid for the MRI and the steroid, physio etc. thats my best advice, as well as ice and there is a spray that i used to use all the time, like ice, that helped with the pain,
its horrible, and you feel like you will never ever recover but you do, i never thought id ride again, but i can now, i wear a back support by prolite which are also good when you are suffering with the pain, around the house etc as you can do a bit more. im no doc but can only tell you my opinion!

if you want to pm me feel free x get well soon

[oumbagirl]

here you are

http://www.thebananachaircompany.co.uk/ If you have a bad back they really do make a huge difference, the recliner is nice and high too so no struggling, and lieing flat and geting back up is effortless.

Have been to visit Graham at his house in Warboys. He was so kind and accommodating:) Outcome: I am having a butterfly recliner made and have just been to purchase necessary chair covering material from John Lewis.

Graham was so kind as he has also loaned me a butterfly recliner until mine is made. What customer service!:D I haven't sat in anything else since we brought it home.

Told him where I got the recommendation from hope that was OK.

Again many thanks for your help and advice/information. O...

p.s. My MRI has come through quickly and its scheduled for two weeks today on the 8th April. I feel very lucky to have got it through so early so perhaps this episode won't take too long to put right:) Fingers and toes crossing:D:D

[elaine@dow-evan]

Elaine - I'm pleased your MRI appointment has come through so quickly. It may be worth calling them and saying that you could accept a cancellation at short notice (if you can!) - I did and they called me back the same afternoon with an appointment for that very evening. (They dont like the scanner doing nothing when it could be used.)

Glad about the Butterfly Chair too - I have a Banana Chair and its is great. The Butterfly one looks like it but on legs??

Hang in there - there is life after a disc problem, but when you have one it seems as though it will never end.

"The other Elaine"

[oumbagirl]

Elaine - I'm pleased your MRI appointment has come through so quickly. It may be worth calling them and saying that you could accept a cancellation at short notice (if you can!)
Hang in there - there is life after a disc problem, but when you have one it seems as though it will never end.

"The other Elaine"

Thanks Elaine. Will give them a call perhaps as you suggest. Yesterday was big day for me going to John Lewis and now I am paying for it! Rest today I think in the Butterfly!

E...

[Wally]

:D :D Just had an e-mail from Graham this morning, he told me a lady from your area had been and ordered one there and then.

You won't regret it, Frances has one too and sits .......and kips in hers all the time too.

Mine is on the way back to me this week after being recovered, 14 years (maybe more) of loyal service took its toll on the fabric, the frame and everything else were still 100%. They are really well made.

You'll be really pleased you bought one. How kind of him to lend you one until yours is made.

[fairlady]

Oh boy FT I am feeling for you as I have exactly the same problem, you too oumbagirl, have had two MRI scans and I am awaiting the results on the 2nd scan as they think discs 4, 5, 6, 7 and 8 may be involved.....however I am recovering whilst awaiting all these results and I am feeling much better than I did, however I initially injured mine two years ago!!!!! For 3 weeks I could not lift my chin from my chest and honestly thought I was going to be a 'floor gazer' for the rest of my life!!!

Any disc problem be it neck, back etc., causes immense pain. You really do have my sympathy....apparently the Surgeon told me I am one of the lucky ones, I have no muscle wastage etc which he tells me he would expect with the injury I am carrying, I am reasonably fit for my age, working full time in a very demanding job, however at the moment I am on what they deem 'light duties'.

I have now gone back to dealing with my horse on a daily basis whereas for the last 2 months someone else has been dealing with him. The Surgeon was talking of operating, depending on what he saw on the 2 nd scan however, I don't think now they will operate in my case as I seem to be improving....again.....until the next time......but I think they will look at nerve blocking....have to wait and see. Hope you go on ok.

[oumbagirl]

Hi there FT & FL - just don't realise how many folk are out there with back problems until you have one!

Sorry FT about yours hope your surgery goes well, and FL hope your improvement continues. Mine is improving very slowly, the back is no longer so painful, but as with trapped nerve stuff, the leg still is, and my foot drop has not improved. Continuing wih physio at present. Had traction today, and in three days time more traction and acupuncture. Really cannot fault either my GP or my local PCT rehab centre.

My MRI is Tues next but have mixed feelings. Suppose its decision time, but I really do not want to have invasive surgery if I can help it at all. If only the feeling in my ankle would come back and I could drive again, I would put up with the sciatica and keep on with the PT no matter how long it took!

Just want to ride again, but have been warned today it could be a year or more before I get back on - not because of the disc damage, but because of the nerve damage so I am not a happy bunny at present...:mad:

Anyways, on a more positive note, the days are getting longer, and the summer is approaching - hopefully! so can sit in the yard and watch everyone else work with their horses, whilst I talk to them!!!

FL ^ FT are you still able to ride and if so what kind of horse have you goO...

[oumbagirl]

FT - how did you train your horse to lie down! awesome! Unfortunately, could not do that I think with either of ours, We have Welsh Section D very powerful, very strong 6 year old stroppy mare (but beautiful!) who my husband idolises, and mine is 6 year old ex racer thoroughbred ... so with his temprement don't think he is going to lie down - he won't even stand still to mount although he is getting better and still only a baby in real terms.

Am thinking of getting something smaller and quieter perhaps a small irish cob or something like that once I can get back on. At present, have very little strength in my right leg, and no push or flexion in ankle so riding any of the horses in our yard would be a no no at a walk they are just too mischeivous and highly strung!!!!

Just wonder how long my back is going to be before it stabilises enough to ride? OH is having kittens when I keep talking about riding - can't even drive at present as the pain is still to intense and that is after 8-9 weeks. What I need is a car with all the controls on the steering wheel then a t least I could get myself about.

Your Fjord sounds beautiful. That will be the size I will be looking for in the future, - falling off 16-17 hands is no fun these days when you are over 50!!!!

[elaine@dow-evan]

Hang in there Oumbagirl and others!

Even if you don't want surgery, the MRI scan might be quite interesting to "see" what is going on in your back, and to suggest appropriate treatment.

Ever since I started riding (end of last May) I have felt my L leg was slightly weaker than my right as a result of my ruptured disc and operation theron. The last session I had on the riding simulator showed it to be so - not badly, but I do have to work a lot harder to use it than I do my R leg, and my R leg is slightly more flexible etc than the left. Its quite nice to have my "feelings" confirmed - not to make riding impossible, just to make me aware of it.

This is said not to depress you, but to make you aware that you may find that your leg will always be slightly different to the other.

Chin up.

[oumbagirl]

FT - sorry about your fusion rate, that sounds like a pretty long job too, but it would be great to hear how you are getting on etc from time to time, and how your riding style might change over time.

Elaine - I am gutted because just before my episode started I paid out 150 notes for an afternoon on a very jazzy simulator to help with my position etc for dressage and balance. Had a great afternoon, learnt a lot about my then current position, but of course will not be any good I suppose once I get back on one riding again. Will have to start from scratch. :rolleyes: and probably with a lead rein!

Best wishes peeps to all. O...

[jaydevon]

Wish I wasn't knowledgable on this. Hi Oumbagirl keep yer chin upas best you can! I know the pain is like no other.

I've been going thru the same thing this past month except I have 2 blown disks in the base of my neck pressing on the nerves going to my arms. They spasm until they cramp solid. The Dr's tried steroids. YUCK! was all I could say to those they didn't do a thing for me except make my resting heartbeat go to 115bpm. SO far the best blessing has been a nerve inhibiting drug called Neurontin and a pain killer called Oxycodone. Both are scarey stuff a one must be carefull with them. Finaly got an MRI done and it looks like I've blown 2 disks. C-5 to C-6 and C-6 to C-7. Cervical disk replacements are not as common in the US and it could be that way for days or years. I need help NOW so their going to do a fusion surgewry on me in a week. I'll have to wear a neck brace and I get to set off the metal detectors at the airport. Basically they remove the disks and any extra boney growths add in a graft to allow the bone to grow together and screw in a metal plate to help firm things up.

Most feedbacks on the procedure are good but the next time I can ride and enter a costume class I'm going to go as a BORG!

Hang in there your not alone, ice is your best friend NOT heat. I hope they find a solution for you soon. Let us know whats going on and take care fellow Newrider!


my hubbies just had this op, 3 disks fused together and 1 replaced, if you would like any info please feel free to pm me,

what i will say is he was up and home 2 days later, and is doing really well,

[oumbagirl]

Aw bless.....! Horses are so knowledgeable! Ours too, know they are getting their spring finery, and love being groomed. The only thing is they are a bit patchy at present, so they don't look as good as they believe they do when they go prancing about in the paddock lol!!!!:D

[jacs205]

I'm coming in at the tail end of this thread so please forgive me if someone has said this before. Your problem sounds very much like mine, I've only three discs involved though and its my facet joints that cause the problems causing the nerve pain and muscle spasm. My consultant has been great as has my osteopath and steroid injections do help, they got me off crutches. What made a big difference drug wise is one called gabapentin, its a magic bullet for nerve pain and without that, the osteopathy and steriods I wouldn't have dreamed of going on a horse last year. I do hope that you (all of you) find treatments that work or at least effective analgesia to allow you to do what you want to, its horrible and debilitating and for a while made me think my life was over so my thoughts are with you.