second L5-S1 herniation surgery

does anyone have any results on a second surgery to a disk that was operated on years ago(1987) L5-S1 is herniated again causing leg pain and complete numbness and weakness in my right foot and ankle.  I have also had a diskectomy on L4-L5 in 2002 and ruptured L3-L4 in 2008 which a chiropractor was able to save me from a 3rd surgery.  The pain is almost unbearable at times but i still cant believe i am considering a 3rd surgery, wish i never had the first one.  Seeing a chiropractor now but it is not working and he is recommending a neurosurgeon.  Getting depressed again and need to hear some stories for advice.

[bigsissie]

You and me both. If I knew before my surgery what I had to look forward to I would have had them fused. There are therapies that have worked. I am soon to start acupuncture and traction along with some others. You may want to ask your neuro. if any type of therapy would work for you. I herniated S1-L3 in 99. They caused permenant nerve damage. I had a the disk trimmed to get the pressure off of the nerves. In 01 I started having more back pain and found out that two of the original ones had herniated again but because there is so much scar tissue bone spurs ect they will not operate and I just have to live with it. I grin and bear the pain most days but that is not always possible. On the really bad days I have to take my pain meds. It may not be possible to regain feeling but you can exercise your leg and get the muscle control back. I have done it with only 22% of my feeling left. I may not run but I can walk !!! I would suggest id you have surgery you have a fusion so that the disk that you have left wont decide to come back out and greet your nerves again. I know of several people that have had the fusions done and they still have pain and stiffness but they have been able to lead a more normal life than I have so far. Good luck to you.

[helms25]

thanks for the advice.  Unfortunately i have now found out that L5-S1 is extruded meaning a part of the disk has broken off and is laying on the nerve in my spinal column.  Its a lovely thought since re-absorption is a possibility but so is permanent nerve damage or paralysis.  Would rather have some pain from a fusion than this.  Need to resume my career as a chef so walking instead of running is ok.
thanks again for anyones opinions or advice.

[bigsissie]

Sorry to hear about that. Hope you get some relief soon. Good luck

[chong248]

after your fusion are u able to work cause its hard for me to sit and stand for very long so i cant see what work a person cud do