back operation in a few days

[spearmintzum]

Hi, Im going to be operated on in a few days.
but just a week ago I feel a bit better and I dont know wether to cancell the long awaited for op or not ( I live in Spain and on the social security system it can be a long wait) . 5 years ago I had a disc protrusion L4-L5 which caused sciatica but got better after a few months, then last summer had a hernia in the same place , this really hurt for months  couldnt stand up for long or walk far without getting severe sciatica ,and after three months of trying exercise, swimming, massage etc, no improvement , so went to see a nuerosurgeon who suggested surgery , remove hernia and fusion , ( I also have stenosis). Now a few days before the op I feel better , I still have some sciatica , but the pain now doesnt grow to be unbearable . Is this just a short respite . Should I cancell the op

[Ladiehawke]

I have read so many of everyone's comments on their lumbar fusions and if anyone if is scheduled for one, DON'T DO IT WITH HARDWARE!!! Try everything else in the world before you do it.  I have the lumbar fusion on L3 thru L5 and S1 seven weeks ago.  Two weeks after the surgery, I got the Sciatica back and it is so bad that I can't stand up or sit for more than 10 minutes.  Try the lazer surgery. The down time is only a few days.    None of the meds that the doctor is giving me is working on the pain.  I am now in the process of Acupunture right now and am praying that it will work.  I wish I had never done the surgery.  After all my research, I have found that doing the surgery with the hardware, you are inevidebly going to have to have another surgery.  I made a BIG mistake having the surgery with the hardware.  I will definetly have the lazer surgery next time. As it is now, I can't hardly do my job at work, can't go anywhere because it involves walking, and if I do I have to use a motorized scooter.  Being the active person that I was, it has really mentally effected me.  

Good luck to all!

[Constipated_Monkey]

I felt the exact same way a few days before my microdisectomy. The pain in my back went away....but the numbness in my leg was still there so I decided to go through with it.

If you are taking painkillers after your surgery (I was on oxycontin)....be sure to drink lots of fluids and perhaps take some stool softeners as soon as you get home. After 4 days, I had severe constipation and the pain in my stomach was worse than the pain from the surgery.

[caregiver222]

I would cancel the back operation if you are feeling better.

If you don't strain yourself and keep well hydrated, these injuries can sometimes resolve themselves.

Give it another couple of months.

[aircareman]

I had 360 fusion at L5/S1 6 weeks ago and am having a very hard time - not trying to talk you out of it, and i hope that in a few months i would reccomend this surgery, but as of now i question my decision. I have to go next week to be put back under and the hardware sit anestised, this is to tell wehter its hardware pain or something else - The first week for me was near unbearable, but is better now. My surgeon told me some people have very little pain and some have much more - my surgery they went thru abdomen and then two incisions on back about 4 inches each - surgery sites didnt hurt much at all - mine was all deep aching pain in lower back and both buttocks - whatever your decision, good luck and hope you heal well

[Cindee56]

I'm not sure what you're having done, but as I understand the fusion operation can fail or have complications.  I have back problems, and I am trying to avoid surgery.  

I'm not saying the surgery will not help you, but I know there are risks.