I've had lower back problems off and on for some 20 yrs. In 1993 had an MRI that said I had a bulging disk at L-5 S-1. Just had another MRI this week because I've had terrible pain in my right buttox and leg to the toes for 5 months now. It shows A Large Paracentric disc extrusion with disc material filling the right lateral recess of spinal canal at L-5 S-1. Rest and pain meRAB give me no relief. Can't stand or walk or bend without symptoms causing terrible sharp pain. Will see the neurosurgeon again tommorrow. Any suggestions? I tried cortizone shot 16 years ago but it made it worse. Most times I could get over my flareups with chiro. or therapy but nothing works and gives me great pain even trying basic moves. I've never had any kind of surgery. I'm thinking of a microsurgical discsectomy.
Off work with Bad Sciatica , Right Leg pain.. Help
- Thread starter Hopper
- Start date
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evarona28
Guest
Hi
I just got a double disk laminotomy/discectomy and so far so good. It is still too early be happy about it but after one year of chronic leg and back pain, multiple therapies, shots, fentanyl patches and other medications and depression I got tired and wwnt for surgery. The desision is never easy to make but when everything else fails, there is no other choice. The incision is about a quarter if an inch. I'm still chocked the NS was able to fix 2 disks on one little cut. Try Omega 3 fish oil to help with nerve inflammation. Fentanyl patch works well but in my case it irritated my skin and got a really bad reaction to it. Swimming also helps since you are in nearly zero gravity while strengthening your muscles. Ask for a TENS unit. It might give you some relief. Hope you feel better soon.
I just got a double disk laminotomy/discectomy and so far so good. It is still too early be happy about it but after one year of chronic leg and back pain, multiple therapies, shots, fentanyl patches and other medications and depression I got tired and wwnt for surgery. The desision is never easy to make but when everything else fails, there is no other choice. The incision is about a quarter if an inch. I'm still chocked the NS was able to fix 2 disks on one little cut. Try Omega 3 fish oil to help with nerve inflammation. Fentanyl patch works well but in my case it irritated my skin and got a really bad reaction to it. Swimming also helps since you are in nearly zero gravity while strengthening your muscles. Ask for a TENS unit. It might give you some relief. Hope you feel better soon.
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workman
Guest
:bouncing::bouncing::bouncing::wave:
SOMEOTHER "Takes" on this treatment. (THREE EXArabPLES)
Yes, once you are "out living your life", one does not follow up for the sake of others. I had my surgery (3) fusions last October after many years oF significant pain. After I investigated it, I scheduled it, and just put it out of my mind. I was told tHAT it would probably take at least a year to decide that it had been a good decision. In the beginning, and after I made the decision to have the surgery, my family physician said I probably would be in a wheel chair in 3 to 5 years had I not not done it, but that is not something they do not tell patients, particularly those who are afraid, or don't have any downtime coming, or who do not have insurance. My suggestion is to get several opinions when obtaining your surgeon (some are better in pain management). Mine was one of the best in the country but was a smart alec, and when he saw that his work was good, he had to interest in helping me with the pain for the healing process. I had two other frienRAB who had surgery at the same time, and compared their experience to mine. One had the same surgery as I did, with the same physician, but was released to her home because she had people to care for her. She did not do well, and went back into the hospital in 3 weeks because she had lost 18 lbs. She is still looking frail. The other friend went through basically the same thing, and was working in her garden in about a month. She had a female surgeon, and one that she found out was one of the best in the city. I had good insurance and Medicare, so I went to a high-end rehab for about a month. The high quality food, and the Physical Therapy kept my spirits up, and it was close to my home for my husband's sake. I had a lot of pain, but there was a lot laughing in between. I did not expect to have that much pain as i thought I could take a lot. I was on 4 different narcotics at the beginning as well as the electronic wave interruption thing - can't remeraber the exact name right now. They should have offered that in the beginning. After I had that, there was a huge difference. When I got home, I had to use a bone healing stimulater for awhile. Yes, after 9 months I am extremely happy I did it. There was nothing that was so painful that I did not have some control over it at the time. I hope this helps someone who may be considering the surgery.
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rugmankc
Guest
Hopper,
Sorry about all your pain and back problems, hope your NS appt goes well. I struggled with my decision to have surgery, buit glad I had it. Did you try decompression therapy, some people get relief with that. But, in my opinion it may be time for you. If so, get 3 opinions and try to find out about the doctors. Don't have experience with micro surgeries, but I would expect 3-4 weeks of high pain then continued improvement. Depending on how bad the nerve is compressed, you may get immediate sciatica relief. But, chances are you will start to feel much better after a few weeks. There is a lot of people here to help and advise you, and read all you can. One thing to keep in mind is that most people on these forums are here because they have or still have problems. Most have the surgery and continue on.
Good luck,
Ken
Sorry about all your pain and back problems, hope your NS appt goes well. I struggled with my decision to have surgery, buit glad I had it. Did you try decompression therapy, some people get relief with that. But, in my opinion it may be time for you. If so, get 3 opinions and try to find out about the doctors. Don't have experience with micro surgeries, but I would expect 3-4 weeks of high pain then continued improvement. Depending on how bad the nerve is compressed, you may get immediate sciatica relief. But, chances are you will start to feel much better after a few weeks. There is a lot of people here to help and advise you, and read all you can. One thing to keep in mind is that most people on these forums are here because they have or still have problems. Most have the surgery and continue on.
Good luck,
Ken
Surgery date set for July 1st. Microsurgical discectomy at L5-S1. First time for back surgery. Love my neurosurgeon. I've heard good things about him and he has practiced for 20 years. There are 3 main hospitals in town and I am going to the smallest one . Should I be worrying about the hospital setting or just trust the doctor on this type of surgery. I'm sure they are set up fine but I think I just want to worry. And I sure don't want to worry about the quality of the doctor. Anyone one else have the worry wart syndrome before their discectomy?
So there are people out there who have L-5 S-1 discsectomy and get some long term success. Seems problems are coming back most times within 2 yrs. I would hope if I have a pretty successful surgery and take care of it during recovery and post recovery I could have some long term relief. Hopefully it's not just a dream!!
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cowboy steve
Guest
have the surgery I had mine in 93 but am having problems again but I had a few good years and it was worth it
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SpineAZ
Guest
Don't worry about the size of the hospital. If it's the one your doctor prefers for this procedure that's what is important.
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SpineAZ
Guest
I think that going with the local good surgeon who is confident in the chosen procedure is the right move. Much more important than seeking out newer procedures that aren't done locally. All too often people seek the smallest incision and then find that procedure doesn't give the right relief. Personally I don't care how large my incisions as long as the right procedure works.
Keep in mind that even with small incision type surgeries it's still significant spine surgery.
Another example is gal bladder removal. Years ago it was a huge incision but now 2-3 small incisions. But, the internal effects are the same and surgeons caution patients that although most gal bladder removal is laproscopic it still is major abdominal surgery and the patient has to treat it as such in recovery (limit lifting, etc) even though they ha far less post-op pain.
In back surgery even if the surgery doesn't involve much pain due to small incisions you have to be careful after to follow reasonable restrictions.
Keep in mind that even with small incision type surgeries it's still significant spine surgery.
Another example is gal bladder removal. Years ago it was a huge incision but now 2-3 small incisions. But, the internal effects are the same and surgeons caution patients that although most gal bladder removal is laproscopic it still is major abdominal surgery and the patient has to treat it as such in recovery (limit lifting, etc) even though they ha far less post-op pain.
In back surgery even if the surgery doesn't involve much pain due to small incisions you have to be careful after to follow reasonable restrictions.
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workman
Guest
Please don't stress right now. You'll need all your strength to heal.
3 days since l5-s1 discectomy and I still have pains down right leg and burning sensation at ankle. The leg pain is not as severe as before the surgery and I can walk much better but heres my question. I've been told walking is the best for post op. But should I walk if there is pain down the legs or rest. I don't want scar tissue to build up and also want the quickest healing possible... Help !
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PEmom
Guest
Hopper
I have had micro discectomy of my L5S1. I was pain free(nerve pain gone) the minute I woke up from surgery. I went back to work 2 weeks after my surgery and was thankful to be pain free for about a year. My disc herniated several times more due to instability in the spine. I eventually decided to get a fusion this year. I am currently at 10 weeks post TLIF with hardware and am back to a normal routine but limited lifting and movement. Once I regain my strength I hope to be able to live a fully active life without fear of my disc herniating whenever it feels like it. I would count each of my surgeries successful. I would consult several doctors both orthopedic spine surgeons and neurosurgeons. I got 5 opinions before having my fusion. I fully trust the dr I chose for my procedure. I am glad to have had my surgeries and find them successful so add my case to your positive list for back surgery.
PeMom
3 Lamis L5S1
TLIF w/hardware L5S1 2010
I have had micro discectomy of my L5S1. I was pain free(nerve pain gone) the minute I woke up from surgery. I went back to work 2 weeks after my surgery and was thankful to be pain free for about a year. My disc herniated several times more due to instability in the spine. I eventually decided to get a fusion this year. I am currently at 10 weeks post TLIF with hardware and am back to a normal routine but limited lifting and movement. Once I regain my strength I hope to be able to live a fully active life without fear of my disc herniating whenever it feels like it. I would count each of my surgeries successful. I would consult several doctors both orthopedic spine surgeons and neurosurgeons. I got 5 opinions before having my fusion. I fully trust the dr I chose for my procedure. I am glad to have had my surgeries and find them successful so add my case to your positive list for back surgery.
PeMom
3 Lamis L5S1
TLIF w/hardware L5S1 2010
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SpineAZ
Guest
I agree with ibrake&pray. There are many many out there who have surgery and after 6-12 weeks are not here on the forums as they've improved so much. I stay here for a few reasons, one is I just have a bad spine and so things keep falling apart (but my situation is unique as I have very lax ligaments and tendons so I am an orthopedic nightmare). But I'm also here to hopefully try to help people. I can tell you that yes I've had a few spine surgeries but each was worth it. In each case the pain and incapacitation meant I was not enjoying life and was miserable. That was not the quality of life I could imagine staying with, so any time I've been given a surgical option I get a few other opinions and go with the procedure that seems to be the best for my situation. I'm very glad I've had every surgery. Before my surgery in February I was laying down all day every day (because my L3 vertebrae was moving forward). I knew I could not spend the rest of my life looking for a place to lay down. The surgery wasn't easy (not easy on me or my hubby) but now I am so glad I did it, they brought L3 back into line and while I still need to rest and have other problems, the problem I had has been significantly helped by the fusion.
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PEmom
Guest
Hopper
Go easy on the walking the scar tissue will not build up in such a short time. Allow your nerve some time to heal and calm down from the surgery. The nerve damage may take a few months to heal and hopefully go away. Walk when you can without pain, but a little nerve feeling may be present for several months. Consult your therapist and doctor and listen to your body. It will take time and patience do not overdo it, that may set you back.
PeMom
Go easy on the walking the scar tissue will not build up in such a short time. Allow your nerve some time to heal and calm down from the surgery. The nerve damage may take a few months to heal and hopefully go away. Walk when you can without pain, but a little nerve feeling may be present for several months. Consult your therapist and doctor and listen to your body. It will take time and patience do not overdo it, that may set you back.
PeMom
Thanks so much for taking time out of your lives to help me. I saw the neurosurgeon yesterday and after discussing my options I opted to have a microsurgical discectomy at l5 s1. My first back surgery. I am scared and worried. I have been very impressed with my neurosurgeons demeaner and have heard from several people that he is very good. He has 20 years experience and practices at 3 the 3 main hospitals in the quad city area here in IL/ Ia. He specializes in brain back neck surgery. I asked him how many times he's done a discectomy and he replied: " I do approx. 6 back surgeries a week so HundreRAB." I've also looked into places like microspine and north american spine who claim to do the same surgery less invasively but worry about having it done so far away from home. I will ask Dr. Purighalla today more specifically about his experience with the discectomy. Finally my question! Should I try to go to a place that does specializes in discectomies or relax and trust my neuro who obviously has a great reputation and track record with neck back and brain surgeries. Thanks again!