Anyone who has had discectomy, or ruptured disc w/ sciatic damage...?
Question:
I did start taking Methadone about 5mos ago, for pain, would that have anything to do with it? I asked my pain doc about it and he just looked at me, obviously didn't know what to say.
HELP please.
Answers:
One of the first things they did when I went to the ER with loss of bowel control was a rectal exam to check for sensation there. (TMI part: They put on a glove, KY, then press around in there and ask if you can feel it.) I was able to feel sensation there, but had the incontinence. (Pooped all over the doc's hand, it was hilarious at the time :P )
Loss of sensation is usually (when they know disks are involved) cauda equina syndrome. The bowel/bladder control nerves are around S2/3/4 but the nerve ROOT is @ L4/L5. As people's anatomies vary slightly damage in that general area can cause problems. ~Usually~ you have what they call 'saddle area' numbness (the parts that would touch a saddle were you sitting on one) with cauda equina, but not necessarily. For me they're calling it cauda equina, but I only have the incontinence (only?!?!) but not loss of sensation. It's serious to have a change like that. I don't think methadone would do that. Better check w/your doc!
Good luck.
pain medication plays havoc with your intestinal system. constipation is one of the biggest problems from pain pills . You're going to have to start normalizing the intestines. I recommend you take Metamucil powder 1tsp. (Do not use the capsules as they don't work as well) first thing in the morning with a large glass of water in last thing at night. Add a capsule of Acidophlis with the metamucil. It's going to take time but if you do this every day you will be able to start having regular bowel movements.
start eating brown rice, yogurt, oatmeal, fresh and dried fruits every day to get the intestines working normally again.
If you have any further questions please let me know.
Best wishes,
Billie77
The nerves that were affected with your sciatica also go to your lower digestive tract. When you have a discectomy, the vertebra above and below compensate by adding motion to those joints. This can cause those discs to wear out at a much higher rate. If the nerves to your bowels are being pinched, you may lose that sense of "urgency" when it's time to go. I would suggest talking to your neurosurgeon or orthopedist (whomever did the surgery) and possibly get an MRI to confirm if there are disc issues above or below your previous surgery. You know what it's like to wait too long, so don't hesitate to talk to someone. But, before you consider surgery again, talk to your physical therapist, and yes, get a consult from a good chiropractor. You'd be surprised what we can do for people, especially after they've had a spinal surgery.
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