Advice on L5-S1 Rupture

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CoastieOS1

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Hey everyone, this is my 1st post but I've been reading a lot of great advice so I figured I would get someone's perspective that may be or has been in my situation.


I'm 24 yrs old. I started getting leg painwhen I was 21 after heavy lifting. It got worse and worse and I kept getting the same response from all the Coast Guard doctors. I must have pulled a muscle. I guess they figured there was no way a 21 yr old could have a ruptured disk.

Anyways, after it got still worse a doctor finally ordered an MRI and he said it showed I had a bulging disk and to start physical therapy along with scheduling an appointment with a neuro surgeon for further treatment/diagnosis. As soon as he saw my MRI he said :Yep, it's ruptured". Since that day more than a year ago I've had 4 epidurals at 3 month increments and they seemed to work. I thought I was good to go since I haven't had an injection since May.

This week I've been getting acute aching pain where my L5 is and also both legs are now hurting and the only way I could relieve it is to lie down and take 3 ultrams (prescribed to me fir the chronic pain). But I was still functioning and staying active. tonight I did something extremely stupid. I went bowling:eek: I felt the worst back pain I had ever felt. Im not a wuss, I have tats, been through lots of pain. Point is I'm not really a crier. But man, this almost got me teared up.

It subsided after 10 minutes and now my chronic dull ache is a chronic acute pain. My next option would be surgery. I'm assuming the Microsectomy or whatever it's called. My question is after the surgery will I be back to the way I was prior to the rupture or at least more so than now? How long is the recuperation after the surgery? Will I be sedated for the surgery? What kind of medication will they give me after the surgery? Cause the Ultrams just aint cutting it anymore LOL. How much pain do you have post surgery at the site of the surgery etc.. Basically I want a rundown on the whole process from start to finish as experienced by you. I've already done tons of research online but I want a regular persons experience vice a doctors exoerience.

Thanks in advance for your replies, I hope one of you can help me cause this sucks bad!:(

Kevin
 
hi and welcome to the board......

It depenRAB on what type surgery your doctor does as to what your recuperation time is. And also on the pain meRAB. Some docs give strongers meRAB thaN others.All people recoop differently and also need more pain meRAB than others. Again...it depenRAB on what type of surgery you have done as far as sedation but I would think on most all back and neck surgeries there is sedation. General anethesia mostly. The pain after surgery just depenRAB on each individual. Everyone is different. Myself.....after a 2 level fusion I came home taking percocets and flerils. Had a set back and now taking oxycontin, oxycodone, flexerils and lyrica. Before the set back, the percocets and flexerils was ok for my pain. It just depenRAB on what type of surgery you get and how you how handle pain ect.....good luck to you and if you have more questions just please ask.....its always best to ask really. Do lots of research on back surgeries and educate your self so you will have a good understanding on what is going to be done to you.
 
Thanks for the quick reply. I think my doctor told me it would probably be a microscopic discectomy. Thoughts? Also anyone else to comment on my previous post?
 
I haven't had my surgery yet, but I wanted to respond to you. I am also young like you, I am 27. I am also really thin, so weight is not contributing to my problem. For months I was told I just had a strained muscle, like you. I actually had to demand an MRI and refer myself to an orthopedic. As it turns out, I have many problems: Herniated L5-S1 disc, disc disease with annular tear and bulge at L4-L5, and Grade 1 Spondylolisthesis of L5 on S1. I will be having a 2 level spinal fusion surgery. I have no idea how this happened, other than maybe I did it lifting my little girl. The injections never did anything for me, I have tried 2. PT hasn't helped me either. I also tried Ultram which did nothing. I am now on 6 vicodin a day (I take 2 three x a day) and a muscle relaxer at night, and I have been placed on disability from work. Just ask for something stronger than Ultram. There is also a medication called nuerontin which helps with nerve pain. After your surgery you will be given something stronger, I promise, because you will have lots of pain. Like Lynn said, the med you are given and the length of time you are given it will totally depend on the individual. You will have restrictions after surgery, like you wont be able to drive for 2 weeks. A friend of mine had that surgery last Thursday, so I am going by what she is telling me. You have to walk as much as you feel comfortable afterwarRAB, and that is the only activity you can do for awhile. Hopefully this surgery will help you get back to your old self. Good luck!
 
The only thing is I'm in the military and they don't like giving military merabers narcotics for a sustained amount of time. I was on 5mg Hydrocodone for over 2 months and became highly dependant on them at 30 a every 10 days. They worked fantastic but I had severe withdrawals. Worst experience of my life. I'm thinking I may try them again but try and taper off more effectively when that time comes.

I'm sorry to hear you have so many back problems. I guess I should consider myself lucky since I only have one rupture , so far anyways. The 3rd injection actually worked for a good 7 months but I know the cortisone is actually bad for you so it's a short term fix to a long term problem.I'm going to go and get a 2nd opinion this month and see what they say and then I'll prob op for the surgery. I'm sick of feeling like a cripple. I use to be so active; Weights, Running, Soccer etc..Now I can't do any of those without concentrating on the pain I feel.
 
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