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Neurology (Expert Forum)

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DISC PROBLEM

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DISC PROBLEM

by NIKOLAI, Mar 02, 2003 12:00AM

Tags: spine, Neurology, pain, years

HELLO.I AM A WOMAN,29 YEARS OLD AND HAVE A QUITE BIG SPINAL PROBLEM.I VE HAD A CT EXAM THAT SHOWED THAT THE DISK O5-I1 SLIDED TO THE RIGHT,CAUSING SEVERE PAIN TO MY RIGHT LEG.I VISITED MANY DOCTORS,WHO ALL SUGGESTED SURGURY,BUT I AM AFRAID OF THE RISKS.I AM NOW VISITING A RHYSIOTHERAPIST,WHO TOOK ME OFF ALL MEDECATION,AND HAS ME DO ALL KINDS OF EXERCISES,TO STRENGHTEN MY MUSCLES.MY CONDITION HAS NOT DETERIORATED,I HAVE SEEN SOME PROGRESS,BUT ITS VERY SLOW.I CAN NOW WALK SLOW AND CAREFUL,SIT WHILE SUPPORTING MY BACK,BUT NOT FOR MORE THAN 5 MINUTES.I STILL HAVE THE PAIN IN MY HIP,BUT NOT SO STRONG.I HAVE BEEN IN BED FOR ALMOST 2 MONTHS NOW.THE QUESTION IS WILL I BE OK EVENTUALLY?WILL I BE ABLE TO BENT,SIT,RUN,SWIM?WHAT HAPPENS IF I GET PREGNANT?PLEASE ANWSER ME ,I AM IN DRSPAIR. YOURS , NIKOLAI

Doctor's Answer

by CCF-Neuro-M.D.-JT, Mar 02, 2003 12:00AM

FIrst of all, I'm assuming that you mean there's a problem at the L5-S1 level as I've never heard of ??05-I1. Usually, when we see patients with disc problems that are causing pain and weakness we give them about 6-8 weeks with conservative therapy to see how they do. Of course if the MRI looks pretty severe, we do consider surgery sooner if not urgently. If the patients don't get any better or worsen with significant pain and weakness, then we recommend surgical options.

Surgery can be scary and I can certainly understand your concerns about the risks. But the longer you wait and the longer the disc is pushing on that nerve (especially if it's severe and you're getting worse or not that much better) then you're risking permanent damage to that nerve. If it goes on too long, the surgery may only prevent further damage rather than reversing what's already happened. The fact that your doctors have all recommended surgery and that you're still in bed after 2 months is a bit concerning that the disc isn't all that better. Talk to your doctors again. Let them examine you and make recommendations based on your current condition after two months of bedrest and physical therapy. You're 29 years old and if you're otherwise healthy (no diabetes, bleeding or heart condition, etc...) then your chances of doing well are pretty good. Best of luck.

Member Comments (8)

by nurse12hr, Mar 03, 2003 12:00AM

I had the same disc problem L5-S1 and did have the surgery after 4 months of conservative treatment did nothing.

Because I waited so long, it did take longer for my eventual complete recovery. But I am happy to report that by about 6 months post op, I am 95% symptom free. The surgery I had was a microsurgical lumbar discectomy, and was done on an outpatient basis. I was back to light duty at my job in 3 days, full duty in 2 weeks (though by choice i did no heavy lifting). Now I lift anything (using proper body mechanics).

I had a neurosurgeon do the surgery, although orthopedic surgeons perform it also.

by NIKOLAI, Mar 07, 2003 12:00AM

To: CHRISTIE

THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR TAKING THE TIME TO WRITE ABOUT YOUR STORY.I AM SOMEWHAT RELIEVED.I AM SCEDULED FOR SURGERY ON THUESDAY,AND I WAS RETRIFIED OF IT,BUT ITS GREAT TO HEAR YOU ARE DOING BAEUTIFYLLY.A NEUROSURGENT IS PERFORMING THE OPPERATION ON ME AS WELL..I AM FROM GREECE,THAT IS WHY MY ENGLISH IS A BIT STRANGE.THANK YOU AGAIN AND HOPE TO COME BACK WITH GOOD NEWS.GOOD HEALTH TO YOU... NIKOLAI

by NIKOLAI, Mar 07, 2003 12:00AM

THAKN YOU SO VERY MUCH FOR THE REPLEY.MY ENGLISH AS YOU CAN UNDESTAND IS NOT THAT GOOD.I WILL HAVE THE SURGURY ON THE 12TH OF MARCH BY A NEUROSURGENT.BUT...WHAT DID YOU MEAN THAT MY CHANCES FOR RECOVERING ARE PRETTY GOOD?WILL I STILL HAVE THEESE PAINS? THANK YOU AGAIN...

by shagz, Mar 09, 2003 12:00AM

I will be moving to watertown ny here soon, I belive they do not have surgical units in the area and will be going to walter reed army hopsital in washington dc to get my surgery for my back if I am able to. I have had my disk problem for about 5 or 6 months now and it is not as bad as it used to be due to pain medication, but I am going to try and get the surgery, how long does it normally take to be able to fly again after reciving the surgery?

by Flatfender, Mar 12, 2003 12:00AM

I hurt my back in april of 2002. By December 13 which was a friday I was in for a microdiscectomy L5 S1. I had been taking a very strong narcotic (Diludid) for about a month prior to surgery. After surgery I was a little better. I pretty much stayed in a recliner in the living room for about a week and a half. Then tried going to work i work 4 to six hours a day at a desk. I wasn't getting better thugh. I had another MRI and it showed the disc was still buldging. I go in tomorrow 3/13/03 for a cortisone shot. The Surgon says this mat cause the disc swelling to go down and back in on its own. I hope this works cause I'm not to excited about it. The exercise books and the PT and Doc. seem to have different opinions on what exercizes are good or bad. Well good luck to you.

by ES2003, Mar 14, 2003 12:00AM

I had my first injury (herniated disc) 5 onths ago, thought that was it. Then two and half weeks ago it happeneed once again from no where. Less than a week later I bent over half way and it hurt like heck! I have been out of work for two weeks and will return on March 17. I only had one toe go numb. But pain from the center, then to the right side all the way down to my ankle. Felt as if I had twisted my ankle in some way. Not to mention the horrible pain in my lower back. Sitting straight up is the worse position to be in. I am doing much better and I am still taking medications to help me along. My concern is: Will this happen again from no where since I have had three episodes? I had an MRI done that confirmed it was a herinated disc. Like I said, I am doing alot! better. I am just in fear it will happen once again without notice. Has anyone else experienced just one small area of numbing and pain from the center of the back contuing to the right buttocks and pelvic region? Honestly, will it heal and not come back with learning to properly lift and bend? I want my old self back.

Thanks You,

ES :)

by mama2, Mar 21, 2003 12:00AM

To: es2003

hiya...I started having back pain about 20 years ago, slipped disk, herniated disk, ruptured disk, sprained/pulled muscles..whatever they call it all meant the same thing to me PAIN!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Any way after years of conservative tx (PT, bed rest, meds) I had a microdiscetomy (L4-L5) in 7/02. I waited so long because yes the pain would subside and normalcy would return but the pain would come on just like that...no warning. I would be picking up the phone, or sneeze and BAM. I also had 3 kids during this time period OUCH. Alot of family support over the years. Anyway I finally had the surgery due to losing complete feeling in my right foot and leg. I had been in bed for 2 months!!!! I am doing ok but do have alot of permenant nerve damage and scar tissue is now wrapping and influencing bad things on my left side. I have visions of more "drama" in my future. I also had a heart "event" during the surgery so no one is very anxious for me to go under anestisia again. But I am back to work 40 hours and hanging in there...good luck to you, get several opinions, and remember it is your body and be careful when moving.

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