Post L5 S1 Microdiscectomy problems

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Jsnow

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Hello everyone.

I had L5 S1 Microdiscectomy six weeks ago in an attempt to relieve my symptoms of a constant weakness in my right foot/ankle and at times the entire right leg. I've had these symptoms for around ten years and somehow learned to live with them. When I finally got an MRI several months ago and learned what was causing my discomfort, I consulted with my surgeon (friend of the family) and decided on the surgery.

Now that it is six weeks later, I am sad to say that I do not feel much of a difference. To make matters worse, I have nurabness in my foot, calf and thigh and my muscles in my calf do not work very well. However, these problems are getting better and are not my biggest concerns. I'm more worried about the weakness that I still feel in my foot and ankle which is why I had the surgery in the first place.

Do I need to give it more time??
Are there possible drugs I can take that will help with my weakness??
Has anyone else had any similar experiences?

I have to admit that I am a bit depressed that I have not been able to get rid of my initial problem that's been around for 10 years:dizzy:

Any advice would be much appreciated!!!
 
I'm sorry that you are still feeling weakness, BUT you are only 6 weeks out from surgery, which is very early. It takes time for these things to heal and I wouldn't expect to see too much improvement at 6 weeks. The nerves and muscles are still irritated and inflamed from being moved during the surgery so it will take time for them to settle down and heal.

Did your surgeon mention that you may not regain full use of your foot? If you have had this problem for 10 years, there is a good chance that you have done permanent damage to the area and it may not recover fully. I let my back issues go on for several years and did permanent damage to the nerves in my legs by letting it go untreated.....

You need to give yourself time to heal. And when you start physical therapy, do all the things that they suggest to help get all of your range of motion back. It's the best you can do... I don't know of any drugs that would rush the pace of healing.. Pan meRAB, yes...speed healing, no. good luck and keep posting.
 
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