laminectony and discectomy

[dutch61]

I had a laminectomy and discectomy op on June 24th after severe pain which was diagnosed as acute sciatica.  I had two MRI scans which both showed 2 small bulges at level 4 and 5 and s1 discs. When they actually operated the lower bulge was actually a disc "hanging out" as the surgeon described it to me after the op.
How the MRI never showed it I don't know and neither could he understand but it explained why I was in so much pain.  Anyway after the op I had the initial pain as expected and after a few weeks it got better.  I am now nearly 3 months after surgery and am having sleepless nights because I can't get comfortable and always end up on my back (I have never been able to sleep on my back) If I lay on my left side which I always used to I end up in agonising pain from my hip to my knee.
My hips and knees day and night constantly ache.  I am 47 years old and feel like I think a 90 year old would.  I am on so much medication and still using morphine patches for pain.  I am just curious as to if this is what it is like after this surgery as it is getting me down now.  If you have any views or answers please get in touch.

[busymom336]

I have been in your same situation with a herniated L5 and L4,  My pain was from the second I would get out of bed til night.  I did get an injection done along with alot of PT.  Two weeks ago my PT said there is not much more I can do you most likely will have to have surgery.  I decided that was not going to happen, I had faith I would heal, as many publications have said.  You need to begin by strenthing your core muscles, the inner muscles in your lower stomach.  I also began stretching alot.  They tell you that is sometimes not the right move but my body told me different.  I would do PT 8 times a day.  Two weeks later I feel alomost better.  I started to walk with my back really straight and my stomach held in tight.  That actually took alot of Leg Pain away.  
Drink lots of water and concentrate on your core muscles.  I know it hurts and the pain takes over everything.  The other thing I did was when I actually found a comfortable spot, they I really focused on my PT.  Hope this help.  

[Sweetpotatoe57]

I have issues like you, except they keep telling me I don't need surgery!!  I can't lay on my back, sides or stomach.  Have no where to go.  They keep saying my disc bluge is small, but after reading this, I wonder.  Will have my 3rd set of MRI's tomorrow, and am at my wits end.  90 years old is how I feel to.  I have disc bulg at L5 S1, L3, and L4.  Plus stenosis from the disc.  I would get ahold of my Dr.  Do you have any hardware in.  A friend of my had fusion at L5 S1, and the hardware came lose, and tangled up in the nerves, and they just hold him, he has permanent nerve damage.  Call your DR.  Sweetpotatoe57