L5 S1 Herniated disc

[sme1985]

I've been diagnosed with a L5 S1 herniated disc, I've had it now for almost 2 years. I was told that my enzymes would eat away at the protruded disc, if that was true why do I still have pain? I also have weakness in my legs, mostly the left leg, and I often have sharp pains in my lower back. I have trouble sleeping at night because if I stay on my feet for too long I get massive leg aches!.... I was wonder what I could do, or what can be done to help my situation out? The hernaited disc was caused by a car accident, and the Saaq does not recommend any type of surgery nor do I need any other types of treatment!

[Jeremiahfish24]

Yes you need surgery! Get another opinion or 3 or5 there are doctors out there that aren't about the money I had 5 laminectomy and haven't paid a dime!!

[Jeremiahfish24]

Yes you need surgery! Get another opinion or 3 or5 there are doctors out there that aren't about the money I had 5 laminectomy and haven't paid a dime!!

[bmdad]

I don't understand what you mean by Saaq. Is that a type of work comp or something? If the doctor you are seeing wont refer you for another mri, go find a doctor that will. Make sure you don't settle until you get to the bottom of all of your pain issues. They may be trying to settle fast and then you will be stuck with whatever bills or other symptoms that may come up a little later down the road. Don't fall to their tricks or head games. They will try and scare you in to settling for a very low dollar amount. I wouldn't settle for anything until I found out what the outcome of my health problems were.
Even though there is nothing else hitting your sciatic nerve doesn't mean there is nothing else wrong. You could have other issues going on back there. Are they making you see their doctors? If so, I would stop and go to my own doctor. They can not make you get treated by a doctor that they recommend. Even if it comes down to it, I would pay out of pocket to get a 2nd opinion just in case they are trying to pull a fast one on you.

[sme1985]

unfortunetly, I am unable to request another MRI, I've asked for a 2nd MRI after the first 6 months and was refused! I went through a EMG to see if there was nerve damage. The doctor who performed the test said that nothing was touching my sciatic nerve?! So I asked him why my hips and legs hurt, he didnt even answer my question!  I also did physio therapy for about 16 months before I told the saaq that it was causing me more pain then if I were to stay at home and do nothing. The Saaq has offered me money for "my permanent damage and loss of enjoyment of life". I am appealing the amount because I think my suffering is worth more!  I heard that without an operation, as the years go on I will develope a type of arthritis.. is this true?? oh by the way I am 24 years old.

[bmdad]

I also had a herniated disc at the same level. I tried the conservative route and went through physical therapy, epidural steroid injections, and medications. My neurosurgeon also said that sometimes the disc can dissolve in to the body. This did not happen though. A year later I still ended up getting the surgery. Have you had another mri lately? I would recommend getting a 2nd opinion. I know the pain you are in as I went through it also. If you are having sharp pains and weakness in the legs your disc is probably putting pressure on your sciatic nerve. If you go too long with the pressure on your nerve it can cause  more problems. My nerve ended up so damaged I had foot drop. When I walked my right foot would just flop to the ground. If i tried to walk on my heels I couldn't keep my right foot up in the air. Luckily over the course of a year i regained strength and no longer have foot drop. My leg is still not right though. I get a weird cramping feeling in my shin and also some weakness. I would get in for a 2nd opinion as soon as you can. If you are feeling pain, something isn't right. Best of luck and keep us informed!
Brian