Recent Microdisketomies were Ineffective

  Sir/Ma'am;  I am currently serving in the US Air Force and about a month ago I had a dual microdiskectomy on L4/L5 and L5/C1. The Naval Neurosurgeon stated the disks were very large. I am still having the same pain I had prior to the surgery.  I realize that it's difficult to reply w/o seeing the films, however, the doctor recommends another MRI, and potentially another surgery.  Should I risk this second surgery, or is there an alternative?
  I am really losing faith in the military doctors and seek help.  I have had chronic lower back pain throughout my 13 year career (pulled muscles, etc) could this have an effect on the sciatica symptoms I'm experiencing?  Has the "take two motrin and call me in the morning" possibly masked years of sciatic nerve trouble?  Is there a patient outreach group that you know of? Thank you in advance.
  Steve
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Dear Steve,
Patients may have some 'reminders' of the old pain after having successful disc surgery.  The pain is usually improved and tolerable, and gets better over the course of a few weeks to a month or so.  If the pain is the same and to the same degree as before surgery, and it isn't getting better, a MRI may be warranted.  Occasionally there will be some retained disc pressing on a nerve root or some more disc can push out and compress the nerve root at that level.  
If this is indeed your situation with the same pain that isn't improving, then get the MRI and see what it shows.  When retained disc is seen on such films, repeat surgery is usually the best option.
Your low back pain will likely not be improved after all this is done.  Many patients have such pain and the surgery you had was primarily to help the leg pain.  After your present troubles are sorted out you may wish to get a good physical therapist.  They can teach you proper exercises to strengthen the lower back and help alleviate some pain.
Good luck.