Wednesday 23 December 2015

Operation (No. 1)

Went for my MRI on Monday 23rd November (it was a mobile scanner so head first!).  Rather anxious (to say the least) but I managed to get through by taking loads of tablets (painkillers and diazepam), deep breathing and towards the end some singing - Jingle Bells and We Wish You a Merry Christmas!

After it had finished (approx. 10mins) they asked me to stay where I was for a while as they were showing the Consultant.  He then asked to see me.  He asked me how my waterworks were and then proceeded to stick an unwound paperclip in my buttocks.  Could I feel that? How about now? And now?  Apparently my scan was quite serious and indicated I should be incontinent.  He told me he would be referring me Urgently.  This was the first time anyone had mentioned I might need an operation.....

I was seen at the Sheffield Claremont Hospital on the 30th November.  The MRI scan showed 'a large L4/5 disc prolapse with impending cauda equine.'  Mr Zaki (Consultant  Neurosurgeon) agreed it was Urgent that I should have an operation to alleviate the pain. 

After visiting Sheffield for my Pre-op on the 4th December, my operation took place on the 11th December....

After an overnight stay in Sheffield, once we had seen Mr Zaki and the physiotherapists, and got letters for my GP, and nurse, and a 6 week sick note, driving home wasn't too bad.  We were advised to stop every now and again to help the circulation in my legs (having to wear surgical stockings for a few weeks!).  I don't think I felt too bad as, after a sleep, I desperately wanted to see my son, but I stayed in bed for a few days.  My leg felt better almost straight away.  It was just the 12 stitches (staples) that I had in my back!

Had my stitches taken out on the 22nd December 2015.

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