It has been a long time, and I am happy to say that 99.9% of my leg pain has gone, and I think over the course of a few years it will continue to get better.
I can stand all day (although these days I do a fair bit of standing all night at the local pub 
).
One thing that has been a bit of a surprise is that I think my inability to walk or even look after myself for the first 4-6 months of my L4 L5 disc herniation took a toll on my 10 year relationship… yes I’m riding solo for the first time since I was 17.. weird!
My partner gave 100% attention and care during the whole episode, and was very supportive (which I’ve explained in previous posts), I just started getting normal again when the bombshell dropped, and I think it was to do with the fact that our relationship had turned slightly into a carers relationship. She looked after the house, paid the bills etc etc, although things were on the way up with me getting back to normal I think it just took it’s toll. There are obviously other factors, but I think it was a reasonable contributor… all credit to her for sticking with me while I was in the worst state…. I couldn’t have done it without her.
Back to the update. If I stand for a day, or night, what I notice is when I go to bed is a slight stiffness, but by the time I wake up in the morning I’m back to normal. I wouldn’t be surprised if it’s to do with muscle strength, which is again is getting better and better as I go on.
The surgeon seems to think that the nerve simple broke free from where it was attached to the disc…. He likened it to a tree that has been cut and sap comes out.. same with the disc.. and the sap basically goes like glue, the nerve is right there, it sticks, and stops moving. You get the nerve trying to move over the disc, it can’t, it irritates it, and gets inflammed. The inflammation has no where to go because it’s all compacted in with the ejected disc material.
So, one day, I bent funny, or moved, the nerve came free. It took a few months to get 99.9%, but within the first week it was 80% better, which is amazing considering it completely ruined my life for 18 months, and in a snap it was better. I’m very thankful.
Most people who are going to getter better without surgery do so within the 3 month timeline. Less at 12 months, and very few at 18 months…. but I’m glad I waited… although at 18 months I was ready to have the operation.. Infact in the last few posts I can’t remember if I said that I had actually thrown the towel in. I had seen the surgeon, and been sent for 1 more MRI to form the basis of the operation. It was between having the MRI and going back to see the surgeon to book the surgery that it came good… How lucky was that!
I’ll keep posting, but less regularly.
Best of luck.
I do get notifications of comments, and I do still reply to all emails, so keep on commenting, and emailing me.. Happy to discuss. matt@mylifemytravel.com
Cheers
Matt
Hi Matt,
It is always interesting to hear and read ones journey about herniated discs.
Not sure whether you are aware of a speciality of physiotherapy called the McKenzie Method. You have included McKenzie’s books “Treat Your Own Back” on your blog.
I have a McKenzie clinic in Sydney.
Cheers
Sandra McFaul
McKenzie Physiotherapist
Matt,
Thanks for your blog. When I read your story I thought I was reading my own. I also have a herniated disc on L4 and L5 and a ruptured disc on L5 and S1. The pain was the most excruciation pain I have ever experienced in my life and I was ready to do surgery because I couldn’t take the pain.
Many people encouraged me to try as many alternatives as possible before surgery. I am only in the first two months of the process. I am trying steroid injections to reduce the inflammation and pain. They have reduced the pain from a 10 to a 1, and I am no longer on any medication at the moment and will hopefully be able to make a full recovery without surgery.
Although you are in Australia, Check out the Palomar Pain Management Center http://www.painassociates.com/PhysiciansStaff.asp for more information on this process.
Thanks for giving me some encouragement.
cr
I really feel for you.. i know too well the pain, and the mental fight of do I or don’t I have the surgery.
Best of luck, and thanks for the link.. I’ll have a read and might post something about it.
Great work on getting of the meds… it’s one of the hardest things I’ve ever had to do.
Keep us posted on your progress.
Cheers
Matt
Matt,
Seems like it’s been a while since your last post. Just wanted to write and let you know I enjoyed your post and am so happy you found resolution of your disc symptoms. Also want to add that one of the major things we train resolving disc patients in is ‘neutral spine mechanics’. The website below has images of functional exercises including the squat and lunge, you’ll notice that the back is always in a ‘neutral’ position. Should you have questions please feel free to email me.
Jason Brown, DC
Neutral spine exercises