Lower back pain after operation - please help

mrsp2970

Hi, I had cauda equine in 2000, I had an operation on my l5 s1 and I recovered pretty well, apart from muscle wastage in my right foot. However from time to time I get excruciating pain in the bottom of my back, right where I was operated on. It usually last for a couple of days, the doctor doesn’t seem concerned and just gives me more painkillers. 

Does this pain in the lower back happen to anyone else?

chiarieds

Hi @mrsp2970 - Welcome to the community & thank you for joining. I'm sorry to read that you can still get bouts of excruciating pain following your surgery for Cauda Equina Syndrome. As we're not medically qualified, it's difficult to give you any answers. The usual response is to see your GP, which you already do.

I've had a look online, & there's a charity for people who have this, & I wonder if someone there may have similar problems to yourself. You may have already come across them, but I'll send the link in case you haven't. See: https://caudaequinauk.org.uk/

janer1967

@mrsp2970 Hello and welcome to the community, I am a community champion here at scope and just wanted to say hello and glad to see you as a new member. I don't have any valid experience of your condition so unable to respond, but im sure other members will b e able to offer advice.

Ails

Hi @mrsp2970 and welcome to the Community.  It is nice to meet you.  I'm sorry to hear of your health struggles and hope you find the link which @chiarieds has provided for you to be helpful.  It is probably best that you see your GP about your current pain and I hope you get on ok with this.  Please stay in touch and let us know how you get on and I hope the pain eases soon for you.  If there is anything we can help/support you with then please just let us know.  All the best. 

Chloe_Scope

Welcome to the community @mrsp2970, I'm sorry to hear about your back pain. How are you today?

Drummer

Hi, I am new here but I had spinal surgery 5 years ago and still experience pain. My spinal surgeon referred me to Pain Management and I now receive steroid injections to releave the pain, albeit it does not last forever but it does help. Perhaps go back to your GP and see what else they can do for you.

pollyanna1052

Hi, have you had a scan or MRI to check if there is anything else going on in that area?

My sister has severe spinal stenosis. She`s had 2 operations on her lower back. A metal cage and screws were inserted to protect the degenerative vertebrae, with the first operation. The second was to lengthen the metal work upwards.

She is currently in a lot of pain again and has had another MRI. She is awaiting the results. She is reluctant to have a 3rd surgery, as it is extremely painful.

She says she is prepared for life in a wheelchair, as long as they find some painkillers that work. She can only take a few steps now due to pain.

jamesmon2021

What was your first signs/symptoms of cauda equine and how soon did u have surgery once you found out? I have L5 S1 bulge with protrusions and worried about this happening to me. Currently waiting to see a spine doctor 

veriterc

Welcome - and can I add my 'bit'.  I thought I had to put up with pain, until I had a lecture from a brilliant specialist in A & E.  He 'introduced' me to the local general hospital's pain clinic, and things started to move - in the right direction.  Long Covid concentrated medical minds, and now most major hospitals have a pain clinic with knowledgeable doctors and nurses, and specialist physios (very helpful).  I won't suggest you have to go to A & E, but you can ask your GP to refer you to your hospital.  It's worthwhile Googling to see what is available - then you can tell your GP which unit you would like to be referred to.  I am now under a specialist and things have got a lot better!  Good luck. If you have a hydrotheraoy pool at the hospital that might be very helpful 

Daniel_2021

Hi @mrsp2970, I had CES in 2013, before I tell you what's happened since then I just want to reiterate what everyone else has said in terms of speaking to your GP for medical advice. Remember if you show any red flag symptoms like losing control of your bladder or bowel to visit A&E.
Does your pain travel anywhere i.e down your legs or mainly around the wound site/bottom of the back? My neurologist said to me once it's leg pain that worries them rather than back pain.
Since my CES op I had regular bouts of sciatica, inflamed facet joints and other things. I had ops and injections before everything came to ahead earlier this year when I had my spine fused, sadly i'm now a full-time wheelchair user, double incontinent and have FND.
I don't say this to worry you, you know your body, if something doesn't feel right then push for an MRI to check everything is clear, see if they offer pain management programmes in your area and follow any medical advice you are given like back stretches etc.
Just out of interest was your CES diagnosed following an accident?
Thanks,
Daniel