Hi, I had a microdistectomy in July 2015 after MRI showed walnut size herniated disc at L4-L5 ... Looking back, I realize now this had been coming on for many many years. Over past 20+ years, 5 times pain right hip with radiating pain down leg that would dissipate on its own with rest etc and occur when lifting something heavy etc.
Well last winter 2014, I found it happening more and more often ... i.e. I
opened window, and out it went. I also had a lumpectomy for breast cancer Dec. 2011 and been on arimidex which causes joint stiffness. I hadn't had any problem with the drug but thought maybe the episodes last winter had some connection. But it was tolerable. I even asked my oncologist about
it and just said maybe arthritis.
Long story short, went on vacation June 2014, lifted heavy suitcase and hip went "out" with pain down leg. I was about
to leave for airport so of course, went on our vacation. During, pain did not subside but I was able to deal with it even exercising on elliptical in hotel gym. I had been finding my leg calves were tightening and thought due to gym. Well on vacation, was noticing when standing that one leg/foot left side felt very weak and hurt when standing in line at McDonald's for pit stop Florida, had to stand on other leg.
Weeks earlier more difficulty and even told my husband I be in wheelchair yet. Hmm, something coming on. Anyway, home vacation. Fathers Day 2014, shooting pains in shower down legs and had to run out of it. Worse pain imaginable. Had to stop work, got diagnosed, had the surgery and no pain. Oh reason why say coming on a long time is weak left leg/foot for years never addressed properly as much as I tried.
But, I also had Chronic Fatigue Syndrome since 1987, 3 flare-ups where had to be out of work 6 months each time and that weakness I always thought was residual from that. Needless to say the CFS when flared up made me house bound, when in remission, less walking than the average person would do. I rarely walked alone for long distances as a result of often feeling off balance, fatigued when exerting alot and for fear of a relapse wit it. I was able to always get back to work after CFS feeling maybe 90% but always a smitten off with balance, leg weakness.
OK, had microdistectomy July 2014, no pain after, amazing ! Had had left foot drop, a mess, couldn't walk, pain so bad and walnut size herniation in center of L4/L5 so sciatica down both legs that hurt even when sleeping. Post-op still left leg weakness but recently felt it was better. My gait was still off however and blah, blah, working out in PT. Told right hip turned, higher than other etc.
OK, things to fix still. I went back to work 5 weeks after surgery to desk job and very highly stressed work environment with unbending boss. OK, I had been feeling stiffness again right hip about
8 weeks ago but would resolve upon rising and walking. Still in PT. 4 weeks ago, I woke up to go to work and lifted myself from bed and OUCH, horrible pain down right leg. Moved slowly, got dressed, hubby drove me to work (which he always does .. since breast cancer, more fatigued and with health history, and age 62, taking subway just not an option anymore). That day walked around office stiff as board and radiated into my calf.
Next morning, could not rise from bed for an hour, pain so bad down right leg (hamstrings, buttocks, calf, ankle) that I called out from work and did the next week too (for 7 days missing work) until my boss read me the "riot" act. I went in somewhat improved. I also increased my PT from once/week to twice/week ... but sessions for first time hurt like heck when tried to get off the table. Terrible neural pain leg and foot.
Saw my neurosurgeon who told me last Wednesday to get an MRI and put me on cortiopredisone (sp) drug for inflammation for 5 day pack. Helped and I was able to work but barely really... Had to get up, hobble with pain in calf, ice, work, not walk so much.
Well, past 2 days unbearable plus the drug Dr gave me wore off. I had to wait for insurance to OK my MRI which I had today. Yesterday, at work, could barely walk and did with a cane and grimaced in pain, OK when sitting. Went to PT and neural flare-up so bad the PT could hardly do anything with me and getting off table, UGH, flare-up and pain made moving off it intolerable not to mention took forever for me to do it.
Today, hard to walk to car to go to city for MRI. I sleep at night OK and can sit OK. It's the bending I can't do on that right side, and pain radiating even top of foot and tingling lately foot, outer two toes, etc. No weakness in leg. Got to MRI. Pain when stretching out right leg, just very inflamed. MRI OK but just felt the pain in leg throughout that was creating anxiety in me on top of knowing getting off table would be hell which it was. Hurts when straighten that right leg. Only on Alleve now. In house sitting couch comfortable, can walk around house little. Think I might have herniated disc again or something .... Will know Monday.
Any comments appreciated. Mind you, my boss took me to HR and wouldn't care if my foot was hanging off my leg as long as I am in the office and working. I had been doing virtual from home every Wednesday per my Dr's OK. When I was out the 7 days this flare-up, I managed to get my boss to agree to virtual except for the last 2 days when she said you sick, take sick day... job is not virtual and pulled me in to HR when I returned to work that Monday. I have no plans going in to work until this current crisis is resolved, come what may. I can't, I can't walk without pain. House OK which is where i am going to stay until get MRI results.
I have made some paragraphs in your post. Some of our members have tracking problems when reading. Thanks.
Post Edited By Moderator (straydog) : 2/22/2015 8:26:30 AM (GMT-7)