L5-S1 Post Laminectomy Patient

Hello,

I served 4 years with a SEAL unit where I performed a very high amount of high impact running and parachuting. I was diagnosed with sciatica in 2008 and then a severe herniated disc in 2009 (L5-S1). I was at the point where I could hardly sit down without severe pain, driving clutch was out the window too as the sciatica was very painful in my left leg. I had an L5-S1 Laminectomy October 16th, 2009. I am a 4.5 months post op now and months 2-3 I felt almost no pain. I am having pain now in my region of operation when doing bending or running. I only run once per week for 1-2 miles on soft dirt at the park and I barely lift my feet to minimize impact. I am 25 years old and curious if this will ever go away?

Secondly as my back felt better in bed my neck felt worse. I now feel the same feeling I felt before when I had the herniated disc in my lower back, it feels like something is lodged in my spine in my neck. Symptoms are minimal however my hands (both) tremble A LOT. Pain is minimal in my arms but I occasionally get it and in the shoulder blade. The most sever symptom I have is the hand trembling and minor loss of strength when using my arms occasionally. I have not gotten an MRI but I suspect the odds of a cervical herniated disc is high?

My questions are, what can I expect to see physically with my L5-S1 and what kind of damage could I cause if I "push myself too hard" and injure? Would I ever need another surgery or even a fusion in my lower back? Will I need neck surgery too if it's another disc?

Thanks

Ian

[ladymeg]

Thank-you for your service!  Sorry to hear you're having trouble with your neck.  I tore my S1 nerve root two yours ago as well as herniateing 3 discs all at the same time, I could'nt "run" 10 feet if someone was chasing me with a weapon. I do walk 3 miles at the park 4 days a week, and 2 years ago I could'nt walk 10 feet without crying!
You are very young so I imagine in a year or so you'll be doing much better with your surgery site pain.Should you have a follow-up MRI to see where your healing is at?
I hope your neck heals without medical intervention. I'm sure you should at least have another MRI on your neck, at least you could stop wondering about it.
I don't think I said anything of much help, but I do wish you the best in your recuperation.