Hi, my name is Soneil87! I was finally told I needed micro discectomy on L4/L5 & L5/S1 discs

Soneil87

Hello, first time post as I feel like I’m at an all time low. After 5 years of sciatic pain, regular physio appointments with all different types of treatments, I was finally told I needed micro discectomy on L4/L5 & L5/S1 discs. 

Although the purpose of the operation was a success and my recovery appeared to be on track when they discovered something wasn’t quite right. 

At first we thought it was muscle spasms and my back trying to protect itself. I was given diazepam but these did nothing.
I then went for blood tests that showed I had an infection. I was then sent for an mri that showed I had an infection just above where they carried out surgery, the infection is called discitis. This can be treated with strong antibiotics which will require weekly blood tests to make sure my infection levels go down and my liver and kidneys are not getting damaged. 

The positive is my infection level is going down, although still high, but my pain and mobility are getting worse. I’ve now went to worse than pre surgery and the first couple of weeks after surgery.
im taking slow release morphine and liquid morphine for the pain. Linezolid for the infection and diazepam for the spasms. My mental health is at an all time low and everything around me is frustrating. Even the people around me who try to help are getting to me as it feels like nobody understands. I know this is because of what I’m going through but I see no light at the end of the tunnel and feel like I’m destroying my relationships too. Any help or advice would be appreciated.

woodbine

@Soneil87 good evening and a warm welcome to scope, have you discussed your mental health problems with your GP?

Soneil87

Hi, Yes I have discussed it but very much feel it’s a result of the physical pain I’m going through. Normally I’m a very active person so I’m unable to exercise to let off steam. I’m unable to socialise too as I’m unable to get out. My only outings are trips to the hospital 

Hannah_Alumni

Hello @Soneil87

Welcome to the community! I'm so sorry to hear you have been through so much with getting a diagnosis and having your surgery. It would be helpful to reach out to speak to someone. My health issues were also very painful and made it difficult for me to have independence. It helped to talk about it.

You can refer yourself to talking therapies with the NHS when you feel ready.

Have you spoken to your GP or consultant about wanting to be active again? Is there a plan they could put in place?

I hope the community can be a place of support for you