should I go for microdiscectomy??

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tofa2day

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I had a very small herniation in L5-S1 and a moderate herniation in L4-L5 pain was not that much and my life was almost normal. however 2 month ago the L5-S1 herniation became worst and was diagnosed as big herniation. I had some bad days however in 2 months now it's much better. Many doctors say I should go for a Microdiscectomy
Currently the pain is not severe and I can go to work, walk, sit down, and stand up with little pain. The problem is that sometimes I get bad days and find it hard to get out of bed and walk in the morning (though I get better in an hour or 2) and that might affect my work. Now my question is should I go for the operation though I am not in severe like other people who go for the surgery? and after the operation will I be able to go back to my normal activities knowing that I sit for around 10 hours everyday and move a lot for the rest of the day????
 
I wrestled with the same decision for many months. I herniated my L5-S1 splitting firewood. Didn't know it at the time, just thought I threw my back out. I got better after a few weeks but it seems like every 4 mos. or so I would re-injure it. Sometimes I would be laid up on the floor for a several days then make a slow recovery. Other times it would just be a very uncomfortable back ache. I tried chrios, PT, injections but nothing helped. In the end, I decided to go for the surgery (partial discectomy, laminectomy) in the hopes of regaining somewhat of a normal life back. That was last Dec. The recovery wasn't easy - more painful, and took more time than I expected. Definitely some setbacks along the way. But after 4-6 mos. things have been better and I've been pretty much pain free for last few months. That's not to say I don't have days with an aggravating back ache or some sciatic pain but at least I'm not laid out on the floor. I wouldn't say I have my old life back. I used to be extremely active outdoors but I've had to curtail many of my activities. It's a tough decision. Best of luck.
 
tofa2day,
My situation is similar with you. I had big L5-S1 disc herniated 2 and half year ago, right now I almost has no back pain but has moderate right leg pain ( pain scale about 4-5) Many doctors who I saw said I should go to surgery or just live with it. now I am looking for endorscopy spine instead of Microdiscectomy. I understand this is very difficult decision. It dependent on if you can live with this kind pain or not. I think if your pain scale is below 3 like just 1 or 2, you don't need to concern surgery because who can guarantee you don't have this level pain after surgery? If your pain is above 4, You can concern.
Go ahead to find a good surgeon, he should very care about patient's situation not just want to do business. He will tell you how many % you will get pain free and how many % you will have same pain. but a lot of surgeons don't like to tell you this and just said
"surgery should can help........".

Thanks!
 
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