Disc herniation/foot numbness

[Mrm1404]

First time poster here -

I had an MRI taken in mid-October 2015 which revealed herniated discs at L4/5 and L5/SI. The L5/S1 is compressing on a nerve root, causing sciatica symptoms in my right leg and foot. I walk with a limp and my right foot is numb. I can barley do a right calf raise, as I am unable to push up with my right foot. I have been taking anti inflammatory and tramadol for pain for approximately 6 weeks.  I also got a lumbar epidural injection approximately 3 weeks ago and have been doing physical therapy for the past 3 weeks as well. The medications/shot and physical therapy all seem to be helping with the pain, however I've seen very little improvement with my foot numbness, limp and ability to do a calf raise. I saw an orthopedic surgeon, who recommended surgery. I also saw a neurosurgeon who said do not get surgery. Has anyone has similar symptoms? If so, what has and hasn't worked for you. Any advice is much appreciated.  Thanks.

[Tuckamore]

I'm glad you're still around!

I'll repeat what I said initially. I think you really need a third opinion. You have two conflicting opinions. A third one will agree with one or the other - and hopefully be able to provide more prospective. Again I encourage you to consult one that is associated with a large teaching facility. I would chose another neurosurgeon. The numbness and/or lose of feeling is associated with nerves - and not bone. A neurosurgeon makes more sense.

Continue to do just what you are doing here - research your condition and ask questions. Educate yourself on the structures involved - so you'll have a better understanding of what you are being told - or what is being recommended. It's the only way you can make an educated decision. Ask, ask, ask - and read, read, read.

I too walk with a limp due to sciatica - but as you know sciatica is only a SX (symptom). My sciatica is due to a dysfunctional SIJ (Sacroiliac Joint). So though our SX are similar, our conditions are not - nor are the treatments. Our pain is very similar and I feel for you. There are days I would just like to cut that leg off. :0)  I know it'll do no good - but some days you'll consider almost anything for pain relief.

I am not an expert in anything! That said it would appear that your pain and dysfunction is due to that compressed nerve. Ask the reason that nerve decompression is not an option at this point.

Has your medical provider suggested Lyrica? It can be very effective in treating nerve pain. Obviously it isn't effective for everyone. It does help me and many others. There is a similar medication called Gabepentin. It's less expensive but often requires larger doses to reach a therapeutic level. Larger doses often brings on troublesome side effects - and the side effects can be worse than the benefit. That said, it is effective for some ppl. I encourage you to discuss this with your medical provider.

I don't have foot drop nor constant numbness in my foot - again our conditions are different. I do have a close friend that was in a MVA and had foot drop for several years. He underwent surgery correct it and reduce the pain a few years ago. The surgery did decrease his pain significantly - sadly it did nothing to change the foot drop. He  was told that he waited too long for surgery. He goes to the Mayo Clinic.

I assume you know the structure of your lower spine and understand your condition. I won't go into that for those reasons - other than to say when a nerve is compressed you should know why - or what exactly is compressing it - and how it can be treated.  

I don't know your age or your general health - but please if you are not improving the current treatments seek alternative solutions.

I wish you well and hope to hear from you again soon.

Take Care,
~Tuck

[Tuckamore]

Please excuse my tardy welcome. Our usual member that monitors and responds to threads on this forum has been absent for awhile. I apologize.

I'm sorry to hear about your medical situation. Are you still monitoring this site? If so let me know and I'll attempt to respond to your questions in more detail.

I will say that it's obvious to me that you need a third opinion. Find someone associated with a large teaching facility. You'll than have another yes or no to surgical intervention - and possibly more suggestions.

I'll look forward to hearing more from you.

Take Care,
~Tuck

[Mrm1404]

Tuck - thanks for the response.  I am still monitoring and seeking any input.  Thanks.