Nerve issues after surgery

[BELIEVER]

I had a serious herniated disc (L4-L5)which after eight months of various exercises, physical therapy, stretching, water therapy, epidurals and an EMG, it was recommended and I choose to proceed with the surgery. I was told that the nerve was very flat and extremely bruised (purple) when the surgeon went in, however it returned to normal shape immediately during the surgery. I have been restricted to 8lbs, no housework, and only instructed to do water walking and a couple of stretches daily.  It has been a little over two months since the surgery and the syptoms which I had prior to surgery have now returned.  I have severe pain in the calf of my leg, pain in my right hip and backside.  I am having difficulty finding any postion: sitting, standing, laying where I can find comfort. Walking and sleeping have become very difficult. My doctor believes there is inflammation around the nerve and performed an epidural last week.  I still have no relief and in fact feel worse than before the epidural.  I have having great difficulties with normal activities such as getting dressed.  What other options do I have and is it possile that I may have permanent nerve and muscle damage?

[moheeb]

I would give it longer than two months before you decide how well the surgery worked.  It took me a year before my back healed to the point that I would call the "end result" of my surgery.  Don't give up hope yet.

[CCF-Neuro-M.D.-CS]

The main indication for performing a spine surgery in your case is to prevent further damage. Unfortunately, there is no guarantee that the surgery will reverse the already damaged nerves. It is not clear from your description if your symptoms remitted and then recurred. If this is the case then re-imaging the spine is appropriate. Also, obtaining a second opinion from a neurologist would be reasonable. They can review the films and then determine if another surgical opinion is appropriate. If surgery has failed and there are no other surgical options then treatment within a pain clinic is recommended. Good luck