Prolapsed Disc
Well, further to the previous kerfuffle about the NSAID's and flying, it's all come down to an L5/S1 prolapse, aka your common or garden slipped disc. Two months in the horizontal plane coupled with Physio and the course of drugs means that I'm now in the position of having been direct pain free last 10 days or so, though still mild anaesthesia and deep calf pain in one leg, and a stone-in-shoe type pain in foot... none of which are requiring pain killers to control.
Problem is this. Surgeon will operate, or epidural, but recommends a period of waiting, and I'm not keen on either of the first two options with no direct pain. Only way to see how this will stabilise is to get back in the saddle. But the recertification process will place me fully fit (ie fit to operate a full roster) where all concerned reckon that it would be best to ease back in for a period.
How to go about that is my current dilemma. I feel fit to operate for sure now (though would like 10 or so more pain-free days just to be absolutely certain), but do not wish to launch into an intensive series of shorthaul rotations straight away. It feels like a Catch 22 situation right now, but I realise I am too close to the process to have relevant perspective.
Would appreciate some thoughts, input and experience from all with some knowledge of either the condition or it's impact.. Also anyone who has had a discectomy or epidural procedure and returned to flying, would be very keen on your experience of managing the process.
Thanks a lot in advance, theres some great gen to be had in this little part of the site.
Plan 10