24th July 2003
Hi all, just thought I would let you know how my coblation nucleoplasty went last night and to answer some of the questions that you guys had (kennethhoff & gharari).
First, I have to say if you are going to have nucleoplasty, PLEASE find a doctor who does it with the coblation technique - not just regular nucleoplasty. When you read my story and then read others who have had regular nucleoplasty - our stories will be like night and day.
I had the procedure done about 7:00 p.m. last night. The procedure lasted about a total of 10 mins. I think I had the most mild sedation ever, because I remember every bit of it. I felt a bit of calmness, but that's about it. The doctor went in from one side (right) and made 6 passes through the disc. I felt him stick the initial needle in (Ouch!) but did not feel it when he was making the passes with the wand. If anyone had a discogram without any sedation, It felt exactly like it did when he doctor put the initial needles in for the discogram.
I was suppose to have 2 levles done yesterday (L3-4 & L4-5), but he decided to only do one level now and the other level in 2 weeks. He thought I would have a better chance at success this way because my herniations where pretty big.
After the procedure, I got dressed and put my brace on. I was given a prescription for oxycodone (pain) and cephalexin (antibiotic) - just to make sure I don't get an infection. I do not need to take the oxycodone. Immediately after the procedure I started getting pain down the front and back of my right leg, to the ankle (I have never had pain there before - it was always my left leg). The doctor said that they might have temporarly irritated something and to call them today. This morning the pain is gone.
I really have no restrictions after the procedure. I have to wear the brace for 2 weeks. Although I am taking it extremely easy for the next 4 day, I can do all my pre-procedure activities. It's hard to tell if the pain has gone away because I am still a little sore from where the needle was put in. In my situation, I have 2 herniations and a collapsed disc, each produce a specific type of pain, so it will be interesting to see if the pain from that disc has gone away. I was told it might be 2 days to 2 weeks before I might notice a difference.
I can honestly say that from reading other peoples postings about their experience after the procedure, that I am having none of those problems. I can easily walk around, shower, dress, make my meals, sit, everything. I am being very cautions about bending and twisting. But I feel absolutely fine. I am in no extra pain whatsoever.
As of now, I plan on returning to work on Monday. I am going to call the doctor today because between driving and my time at the job I sit for approximaly 9 hours a day. I want to make sure this does not irritate it. I will keep everyone informed of my condition and if I experience any changes.
I know a lot of people who read this may be shocked at the experience that I had with this. If you have any questions about it PLEASE write me and let me know. I would love to answer any of your questions. If you want my doctors name and # I can give you that also.
Thanks again for everyone's advice before my procedure.
- Kim
First, I have to say if you are going to have nucleoplasty, PLEASE find a doctor who does it with the coblation technique - not just regular nucleoplasty. When you read my story and then read others who have had regular nucleoplasty - our stories will be like night and day.
I had the procedure done about 7:00 p.m. last night. The procedure lasted about a total of 10 mins. I think I had the most mild sedation ever, because I remember every bit of it. I felt a bit of calmness, but that's about it. The doctor went in from one side (right) and made 6 passes through the disc. I felt him stick the initial needle in (Ouch!) but did not feel it when he was making the passes with the wand. If anyone had a discogram without any sedation, It felt exactly like it did when he doctor put the initial needles in for the discogram.
I was suppose to have 2 levles done yesterday (L3-4 & L4-5), but he decided to only do one level now and the other level in 2 weeks. He thought I would have a better chance at success this way because my herniations where pretty big.
After the procedure, I got dressed and put my brace on. I was given a prescription for oxycodone (pain) and cephalexin (antibiotic) - just to make sure I don't get an infection. I do not need to take the oxycodone. Immediately after the procedure I started getting pain down the front and back of my right leg, to the ankle (I have never had pain there before - it was always my left leg). The doctor said that they might have temporarly irritated something and to call them today. This morning the pain is gone.
I really have no restrictions after the procedure. I have to wear the brace for 2 weeks. Although I am taking it extremely easy for the next 4 day, I can do all my pre-procedure activities. It's hard to tell if the pain has gone away because I am still a little sore from where the needle was put in. In my situation, I have 2 herniations and a collapsed disc, each produce a specific type of pain, so it will be interesting to see if the pain from that disc has gone away. I was told it might be 2 days to 2 weeks before I might notice a difference.
I can honestly say that from reading other peoples postings about their experience after the procedure, that I am having none of those problems. I can easily walk around, shower, dress, make my meals, sit, everything. I am being very cautions about bending and twisting. But I feel absolutely fine. I am in no extra pain whatsoever.
As of now, I plan on returning to work on Monday. I am going to call the doctor today because between driving and my time at the job I sit for approximaly 9 hours a day. I want to make sure this does not irritate it. I will keep everyone informed of my condition and if I experience any changes.
I know a lot of people who read this may be shocked at the experience that I had with this. If you have any questions about it PLEASE write me and let me know. I would love to answer any of your questions. If you want my doctors name and # I can give you that also.
Thanks again for everyone's advice before my procedure.
- Kim