Name:             

Mike Gibson

Age:                

56

Occupation:    

Most of working life spent in an office environment – although not desk bound.

Pursuits:

Golf, walking the dogs, DIY, gardening, holidays and wine.

Symptoms:

I have suffered back problems off and on for over 30 years.  This started with sciatica where I had severe pains in buttocks and down legs – mainly the right buttock and leg.  This pain lasted continually for two years. There have been occasional repeat bouts since then.

Gradual development of pain over a few years across lower back and down legs.  Visited chiropractor during this time - initially for treatment for a neck problem.  But spent more time trying to resolve back problem. 

Back condition worsened.  Severe pain across backs and down both legs.  Also to top of right foot.  Pain worse when sitting and during the night when trying to sleep.  Developed into difficulty walking for more than 30 minutes – a major problem when I have always been so active despite the problems.

Painkillers and anti-inflammatory tablets did not help.

Diagnosis

The visits to the chiropractor were not easing my back problem so I had an MRI scan which confirmed disc problems at L4/5 and L5/S1.  Referred to Mr Krishna where agreed that I would have an operation (Posterior Lumber Interbody Fusion) to correct the problems related to these two discs.

Attended physiotherapy to build up muscles, etc in preparation for the operation.  Also attended the Spinal Support Group (very helpful).

Operation

Took place at 13.30 on Thursday 3 April 2003 at Woodlands Hospital.      Woke in High Dependency Unit at 18.00 with many tubes attached.  My wife visited me shortly after and I enjoyed a cup of tea – I had not had anything to eat or drink since an early breakfast!!

On Friday morning I walked to my bedroom and in the afternoon I walked to the X-Ray Unit.  On Saturday I was discharged from hospital – but had to return during the following week for changes of the dressing.

Post operation

Initial reaction following the operation was euphoria.  Apart from aching of the muscles in my back (relating to the operation) I was feeling absolutely brilliant.  But after a few days I developed aches and pains in my right hip and down into my right foot.  This started a roller coaster ride of highs and lows.  But we have treated this as part of the recovery process – nerves and muscles gradually recovering after many years of problems.

Attended regular physiotherapy sessions to help the recovery process and to learn the essential exercises to reduce the risk of other back problems.

Support

Support during the build up to the operation and during the recovery period is essential.  Attending the Spinal Support Unit has been very helpful – it is useful to talk to other people who have had similar operations.  But my wife has played the most important part in helping me through the decision making process, the operation itself and, perhaps most important of all, during the highs and lows after the operation.

It is important to remember that this does impact upon the partner and they can suffer stress through this time.

Current position

The operation has been an undoubted success although I am still experiencing some aches and pain.  I would estimate that the pain has reduced by a staggering 95%.  I am able to do most things again – with a little care.  I am walking normally and taking my dogs for nice long walks. I have started playing golf again although not yet doing the full swing.  And I have been doing some gardening.   I can even touch my toes!!   Overall I am feeling very positive about the future.