UK new member, first post

[pablopicasso]

I'm currently awaiting an L4/5 lumbar M6L ADR with Mr Dare.

I've found this support site full of useful information which aided me in making my decision to have further surgery.

I look forward to making further posts following my surgery.

[Boxer78]

Hey man ur in the right place. Just make sure your diagnosis is perfect. Would you mind telling us about your cauda equina symptoms. I feel like I have partial cauda equina with burning in my privates urinary problems and a million other issues

[M.Frost]

Just wanted to say hi and pass on my experience with Mr Dare or (lord Dare as I call him)
I had L5/S1 disc replaced using the M6L in 2011. The operation has been a total success I've been totally pain free since the operation. In my opinion you have the best man for job! Oh and if you really lucky you'll have Dr Gareth Jones as your anaesthetist he is a really great guy.
I'm more than happy to answer any questions you may have.
Best wishes Mia

[pablopicasso]

Mia,

Thanks for your post, I'd read some of your previous post on here which were really helpful. I had already met Mr Dare years ago when I was in hospital and trust him completely.

What was the recovery like? How long until you could drive etc? I've had surgery before but never 'from the front' like this procedure.

Thanks,

P

[M.Frost]

Hi P
I took things easy for a few weeks, I was driving by three weeks with no problems at all although I have an automatic which defiantly made things easier. My tummy was a little uncomfortable for a week or so and also the muscles did give me some discomfort but I looked on it as healing pain. I was just so relived the back pain had gone, Still to this day I've had no back pain at all. I had physio at the spire for about a month and also hydrotherapy, which I'm sure helps in the healing proses but I really felt I never needed it. Once I left hospital I was taking paracetamol which horrified me at first but it did the job!
Hope this info is of some help just ask away if you have any mor questions, I'm more than happy to pm you my phone number if you want to chat.
Best wishes Mia
Ps when's your op?

[pablopicasso]

Mia,

Thamks a lot for replying, the recovery sounds as expected.

My op is in 2 days time but have had 2 ops before so at least I know what to expect. Still getting nervous now though!

P

[M.Frost]

Hi P
Just wanted to say I'll be thinking of you, I won't wish you luck because you won't need it but I do hope your recovery mirrors mine.
Best wishes Mia

[pablopicasso]

I'm 5 days post op now and am amazed at how much better I feel compared to after my fusion.

I'm sore at the front and still around the back but not really what you'd describe as serious pain. And so far all the previous pain seems to have alleviated although it's still early days.

Mr Dare and Gareth, the anaesthetist, were both brilliant as were all the nurses.

Start physio later this week and looking forward to getting the stitches removed. Was really impressed with the stich and glue repair to my stomach, so much better than staples as no dressings.

[Grover771]

Hi Pablopicasso,
Just wanted to stop by and say congratulations on making it to the other side. I agree with you, in that his community has been a Godsend for me too!

I am meeting with my surgeon here in the states next Monday. I wouldn't have been able to make it this far if it wasn't for all of you posting your concerns and recoveries.

Here's to continued recovery!
Deb