Patient Story; My Journey to Recovery Following Lumbar Disc Surgery and Pseudomeningocele Complication
MRI scans of Tristans scans of his lumbar spine. The top image is a side-on view and the bottom one is a cross-section of the large collection of cerebrospinal fluid which is what a pseudomeningocele is. Think of it like a cyst of spinal fluid that wouldn’t normally be there.
Introduction
Recovering from lumbar disc surgery can be an arduous journey, especially when complications arise. One of my patients, Tristan, has graciously shared his personal story to shed light on the challenges and triumphs encountered along the way. His experience with sciatica, surgery, and the rare complication of pseudomeningocele offers invaluable insights for anyone facing similar issues. I hope his story provides clarity, comfort, and inspiration to those navigating their own paths to recovery.
A Patient's Story: From Sciatica to Surgery
Early Struggles and Diagnosis
Like many in their early thirties, I began to experience the dreaded back pain and general aches. I continued training as if I were still 21, which eventually led to bouts of sciatica. The pain would start around my lower back and backside, radiating down my leg. One day, while on a work trip, the pain set in and worsened throughout the day. That night, I was jolted awake by severe pain, unable to feel my backside or right leg. It was a nerve-racking and painful experience that drove me to spend a small fortune on chiropractic, osteopathic, and sports massage therapies.
Seeking Professional Help
As the pain persisted, I sought help from my doctor, who diagnosed me with sciatica and drop foot of the L5 S1 nerve. This led to 12 weeks of physiotherapy through the NHS and, after much insistence on my part, an MRI that confirmed a disc prolapse at the L5 S1 route on the right side. Surgery was recommended, especially since I was about to start a new career with the fire service and had led a very active lifestyle before the sciatica.
Surgical Complications
Unfortunately, during surgery, a rare complication occurred: the surgeon caused a large dural tear, which required immediate repair. I was supposed to have a one-night hospital stay, but this incident kept me on flat bed rest for four days. The last time I had been in a hospital was when my mum passed away, so this brought up a lot of emotions. Once discharged, I was told to take it easy for the next few weeks. According to the recovery guide, I was expected to be back to normal by the 6-7 week mark. However, after two weeks, I developed swelling at the wound site. This caused significant worry and led to several diagnoses from GPs, ultimately requiring a wound aspiration at my local surgery.
Discovering a Rare Complication: Pseudomeningocele
A New Challenge
During this time, I found Quay Kinetics Physio online while researching my back problems and ended up talking to Jen about my situation. Jen emphatically advised me to contact the hospital and seek treatment from orthopaedics instead of having the wound aspirated. Thank God I did. An MRI revealed a pseudomeningocele, a rare complication where cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) collects due to a leak from the dural tear site. This led to further anxiety and hospitalisation with plans for exploratory surgery to repair the damage. However, the surgeon warned that additional surgery carried greater risks and could cause more damage to the dura. This filled me with dread and fear.
A Path to Recovery
The surgeon who had performed the initial surgery expressed concerns, so it was decided that I would undergo strict flat bed rest for 10 days to see if the swelling reduced. Thankfully, it did, and I was discharged with minimal guidance. I continued the flat bed rest at home with little movement.
The Road to Rehabilitation
Rebuilding Strength
In comes Jen! I organised a first session with her, and due to the deconditioning from nearly 8 weeks in bed, I tentatively tried a squat and almost passed out. This was quite the comedown for someone who used to run ultras and do CrossFit 3 times a week. It was an uphill battle both psychologically and physically to start walking and moving again. Now, 12 months later, I am delighted to say that I’m back to swimming, doing yoga, and working out at the gym, slowly getting back into running!
A Heartfelt Thank You
Gratitude and Acknowledgment
What I want to highlight in my story is how fantastic and awesome Jen has been. This is not a sales pitch. Her knowledge, expertise, and experience gave me so much confidence and comfort as we worked together and continue to do so through my recovery. She has been my physio, my therapist, and at times, someone I could turn to when I felt particularly vulnerable after a new activity.
Jen, truly, thank you for everything you have done in my life and for helping me regain trust and confidence in physical activity. This journey has tested me far more than I ever imagined, and your support, understanding, and professionalism have been paramount in my ongoing recovery.
Pseudomeningocele is a medical term that might sound quite complicated, but let's break it down into simple terms.
What is Pseudomeningocele?
In essence, pseudomeningocele refers to a condition where there is a leak of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) from the membranes (called meninges) that surround the spinal cord and brain. This fluid normally acts as a cushion, protecting the brain and spinal cord. When this fluid leaks out, it can form a collection or pocket outside of these membranes, creating a sort of bubble filled with CSF.
How Does It Happen?
Pseudomeningocele usually occurs as a result of surgery or trauma. For example, during spinal surgery, if the membrane that holds this fluid is accidentally torn, the fluid can start leaking out. Instead of staying inside where it belongs, the fluid accumulates in the surrounding tissues, leading to a pseudomeningocele.
I’m so grateful to our patients who share their stories so that other people who may be experiencing the same thing can feel supported. Although Tristan’s surgical complication is incredibly rare, I think what is so important to highlight is his tenacity and continued hope that things will improve. From the first time I met him when I asked him to show me a squat and he nearly passed out from fear, to now lifting weights with the team at Quay Fitness, I’m so proud of his hard work and transformation! Amazing amazing amazing!