Bulging disk in my lumbar/sacral region... is my Med/Surge career over?

oldladyRN · Aug 30, 2008

Poor baby. I know just what kind of pain you're in because I've been there. However, I'm happy to say that things WILL get better.

In 2000, I noticed one day that my back "felt funny". It was right after I had gotten up from a deep chair in the living room, but initially, all I felt was a deep pulling sensation. As the day went on, the pain came. It progressed over the course of the next couple of days to radiate down my right leg and into my foot. I had little to no control over the use of my right leg and was "dragging" it along with me while I walked.

I saw my family doctor right away, who referred me to a neurologist. He did a couple of simple diagnostic tests in the office (like lifting my right leg up by the bottom of my foot, causing me to scream) and ordered a myelogram and an MRI. The tests confirmed a herniated disc @ L5/S1. My scans and records were sent to a neurosurgeon, who reviewed my scans and set up an office visit and then surgery.

The surgery was the best thing I've ever done. I don't feel as though your med-surg career is over, but you need to get this taken care of right away, however you choose to do so. Although the pain is indescribable, don't rush into treatment with the first surgeon you meet. They do a lot of nifty things now with an electric needle (I'll pass), injections and such, but I just went ahead and had a laminectomy/discectomy. I've never regretted it. I was in/out of the hospital in 24 hours, and 4 hours after surgery I walked to the bathroom (just me and my IV pole). He MADE me stay home for three weeks, because he knew that I would not otherwise rest.

This is not to say that I'm not careful with my back. I am VERY careful with my back. I don't look down at an average-sized patient and think, "oh, I can move her myself". Sometimes, I bow out and don't help with the lifting or transferring at all. I try to use the best body mechanics I can in every single situation. I don't want to be back in the same position I was, because it was the worst pain I've ever experienced in my life. From the time I got up from that chair to the date of the surgery was six weeks, and it was the longest six weeks of my life. My back feels better than it ever has.

I am sorry about your pain. I am sending you prayers and good thoughts from Texas right now.

oldladyRN

CseMgr1, ASN, RN · Aug 30, 2008

I also have a bulging disc at L4-L5, due to degenerative disc disease. I've been told by at least two specialists that I will never be able to work in the Clinical area again....and that I *shouldn't* be sitting or standing for longer than 30 minutes at my present job, which requires extended periods of driving and computer work. Some days the pain is so intense that no amount of meds will touch it...and all I want to do is to hang my head over the toilet and throw up. If I thought I could get approved for permanent disability tomorrow, I'd quit my job in a heartbeat. But the waiting period to get a hearing is now over three years in my State....and, like many others, I can't go without any income for that long.

God bless you, my Dear. Keep us informed, OK?

Blee O'Myacin, BSN, RN · Aug 30, 2008

There are treatment options which your neurosurgeon will discuss with you.

I had a micro discectomy in early July after two steriod epidurals and physical therapy after a ruptured L5/S1 in March. (Foot drop, neuralgia, the whole nine yards - I feel your pain!)

My docs, PA-C's and physical therapists are all helping me work toward my goal of returning to the bedside. I start post surgery PT after the holiday weekend, so I remain hopeful. Today I was able to clean the kitchen and took a limp free walk around the block (I tend to drag my right leg when I'm tired).

So, think of yourself on temporary hiatus. Take good care of yourself. Try not to worry about things you can't control at this point. You will get better. It just takes a while. I hope that you have a relatively easy and uneventful recovery!

Blee

Bortaz, MSN, RN · Aug 30, 2008

L5-S1 victim here, too. I've been treating it for a few years with yearly (or so) injections and nerve blocks. Will only do surgery if these injections quit working.

It's about time for another injection, as I haven't had one this year...and I can definitely tell the difference in pain levels and mobility. Thank God for Naproxen and Flexeril, because I don't currently have time to go back for treatment.

Dizneynurse · Aug 30, 2008

I sympathize completely. I had a major car accident in 2004 (my car vs. a tractor trailer truck). I was so bad that they told me I needed a laminectomy at L5S1 and that I was herniated at c3/c4. I could barely walk because the pain was so bad. I did not ultimately have the surgery r/t the therapy I received 3x/wk and the heat packs helped. My point is this: It can get better. Hang in there and whatever you do, Always use good body mechanics, you can't help your patient's without being healthy yourself. Adhere to therapy and ask for help when you need it. I was really bad and I was better (100%) within a year. Take care of yourself.

meownsmile, BSN, RN · Aug 30, 2008

I had a bulging disc that severed and was floating into my spine pinching nerves. I had surgery after being flat on my back for a month. It took about 6 months to completely get healed so i could go back to work but that was in 97. I have been working on the same unit i was then, have gone back and completed my RN from LPN and havent had a problem with my back since.

I do have to be careful, esepcially when im tired but that is from another underlying condition i have from a vertebral fracture we didnt even know i had in jr high school. It isnt from the disc surgery.

penelopelp · Aug 30, 2008

A friend of mine went through the same thing. He had the surgery, and had to take about 6 months off work as a psych nurse. It took him a while to get to where he is now, but he's back to bicycling, and he's been back on the psych floor for about 3 years now.

TheCommuter, BSN, RN · Aug 30, 2008

I had a L4/L5 injury which resulted in chronic pain running down the back of my right thigh and leg. This severe pain lasted for 2 years, and rendered me unable to stand or walk without pain. I was able to survive in a LTC work environment with the pain, just as long as I managed my time well and didn't stand for too long. Once the pain kicked in, I had to sit down. This pain adversely affected my quality of life.

Thankfully, I found pain relief after 2 years of suffering. A chiropractor did some old fashioned manipulations during 2 months of therapy, and I have been pain-free since March 2007.

Many chiropractors have spinal decompression tables for treatment of bulging discs. You may wish to obtain other professional opinions before undergoing a surgical procedure. Good luck to you, and I hope you can find relief very soon!

Shiloh06 · Aug 30, 2008

i worked on neuro/trauma med/surg unit and took care of patients with similar symptoms. most of the patient did really good after surgery and went home, a few mostly the elderly had to go for rehab. i am sure you will do fine.

Turd.Ferguson · Aug 30, 2008

I had the same procedure in 2003. I was up and walking and pain-free that same night. I was in college preparing for Nursing school and went back to class two days later. I've never looked back and have been pain-free ever since.

There is hope and I wish you well.

allnurses Guide · Aug 31, 2008

Turd, I swear you have the best handle on here. =)

Anyway, thanks for all the replies. The one thing that worries me is that I hear from very few people who have the exact same symptoms I have. Neither of my legs are really terribly affected; most of the pain, neuralgia, everything, is in my buttocks and genital region.

The ER doc said I was >

So... here's hoping. SOMETHING has to be done about this. I'm currently fairly miserable. I'm actually SUPPOSED to be on vacation and was going to spend my vacation getting my house and my yard in shape... both need a lot of work. Oh well. It will all finally get done eventually. I'm expecting that I may be taking off an extra two or three weeks, at least. :) Good thing I have the time available...