L1-L2 Herniation and Dr. says surgery too risky

[Cable50]

Has anyone out there had surgey at the L1-L2 area that solved the pain problems in the lower back and groin area. Its now been 14 months with NO RELIEF from Physical therapy and actually they quit therapy because the pain becomes inbearable,and now I feel a vibrating sensation that seems to be generated right about my belt line and down my lower extremities.It seems worst when i am sitting or laying down. Is there anyone with a similar problem or can direct me toward any solution.

[patriotic1]

I just had my fourth lumbar back surgery. My first ay L4-L5. That one was done on Jan 5, 1980 and it was a bummer. It was almost eight months before I could walk without crutches.  I was in the hospital for six months because I couldn't stand..., my legs just gave out during that period. Finally was able to ambulate when I was discharged, but it was with a walker and then crutches.  Unfortunately I fought the pain too long and before surgery I was only able to be on my feet for no more than three minutes. Any longer and I was on the floor.

The bottom line is that sometimes surgery cannot be avoided. I believe if it is put off for a long period of time and it keeps getting worse, not better using non-invasive techniques, you risk permanent damage. The answer about when to have a procedure should not be taken lightly, but it shouldn't be feared either.

I am post-op twelve days with an L1-L2 discectomy and I am recovering nicely. Six months ago I had an L2-L3 lamenectomy and that one went OK, but may have had something to do with the L1-L2.

I believe I am a bit of an anomaly because I was born with multiple foot, leg and back problems which made me I-Y (4-F) during the Vietnam era. Most normal people shouldn't have the problems I do as long as they keep their weight under control and are careful at work, or doing sports, etc.

If you have no other choice and you don;'t want to chance becoming addicted to painkillers, surgery may end up not only option, it can become a necessity. Make sure you find a top neurosurgeon and avid an orthopedic surgeon. That will make you to recover.

[Deb11151961]

I had a fusion & BAK cage at L1 & L2 we no success, 3 years later I am 100% worse, when the surgeon did the fusion he picked up the nerve bundles that go to the leg & I am now numb from the belly button to the knees with stabbing pains in my legs when the nerve fire up!  I would not recommend this surgery, I am not able to do anything & it has left my qatulity  of life terrible!  I now depend on 2 different pain pills, muscle rex. & a anti depressant.

[ravenouscrow]

careful with the position the gentleman above described...it is called the 'cobra' and can actually harm your disc....it's a good stretch but not in the acute phase ...and done
with caution and not outside of your comfort range

[izzy1961]

I had L 1 surgery in 2004 and being having pain on my toes since then does any one has a recomendation for the pain thanks

[dawberdoo]

Don't try to find a surgeon who will operate just because he will.If the other says it is too risky, believe him.I know a lot of people who regret the surgery.Some have come out fine but the majority regret it and the damage is permanent.You can get an epidural for the pain.

[Cable50]

I Havn't had a surgery yet. The doctors i have won't do the surgery because they feel the risk are greater than the benefits they feel I would get because in their experience they say I still have all of my functions. They can't guarantee i will still have them after the surgery. I am looking for anyone who has had surgery at L1-L2 and had any success, because that is the doctor i would like to see.

[kemosabi]

Hi,
In 2003 I had an L-2, L-3 decompressive lumbar laminectomy. My pain was in the lower middle back and in both legs including the knees. Was your surgery decompressive? After this much time and still in pain, have they done another mri? Sometimes, they don't get all the herniated disc cut away from the nerve, and you end up still having pain. I have heard of people who have had to have the 2nd surgery to correct this.

I have found that in physical therapy, their is at least 1 exercise that really helps. If you lay on your stomach (either on the floor or on a bed), then raise your upper part of your body off the bed/floor with your arms, being sure that you leave your lower half of your body on the bed/floor. Stay this way for at least 10 minutes.Longer if you can. You are trying to put that natural curve back in your back again. At first this is easier said than done, but after you have done it for awhile you will find it really helps. When you do this exercise, you might hear and feel poping sounds,it is your back coming back in alignment.

I hope that this helps..if you are still having problems..I would see your doctor again and insist on having another mri.Good Luck..Take care...Skeeter.