Recovery from L5-S1 Microdiscectomy

[Tim]

hello,

I had an L5-S1 microdiscectomy 14 days ago.  The surgery seems to have really irritated the nerve root and my leg is actually more painful now than it was for some time before the surgery (although not as bad as the worst pain I experienced with the disc problem, which I had for about 15 months prior to surgery).  My doctor (orthopedic surgeon) seems unconcerned, but is not the most talkative guy in the world, and I am a chronic worrier!  I am up and around, and seeing some slow improvement, but I am really uncertain as to whether the procedure has worked (the disc is also degenerative and he has pointed out that I may have continuing back pain from the degenerative disc).  I am 41 and very fit and healthy otherwise and I am having a hard time figuring out how much I can do, how much rest I need, etc.  Dr.'s advice is lots of walking, but I don't know where to draw the line as far as "how much is too much".  Also have many other "life" things intruding into my recovery, three school-age kids, job, swim coaching--any advice or words of wisdom you can provide would be much appreciated!!!!

Thanks,

Tim

[Pat Gorman]

Good morning I had surgery on Oct 7 for a hurniated left and central S1L5 partial discectomy.At first I felt that the surgery had work but as I got moving around more the symtoms seem to come back nice a slowly.It has been 8 weeks and I am in the same pain that I was prior to surgery and even more so I think.Went for therapy as per the doctor request but the therapist would not do any type of program with me for she felt that I was in too mych pain for post surgery.I am now going for a mylogram again to see if it has herniated to the right side.My symtoms are numness in the bum leg and back and foot,pain the the back and leg and bum,my foot drops at times when I am walking,can't walk sit or stand for any amount of time,I get this strange type of pain \ in the back it feels like back labor then I get pressure on my bladder and bowels just like if it is going to explode,when I go down the stairs my legs shake like crazy!!! At times I can't even stand I feel like my knees will buckle they are so weak!!! Any
out put would be great I feel like I am loosing my mind my e-mail is ***@****

[Mona]

I too had surgery on the L5-S1 in May of 98.  My pain is worse.  I was tolld it would take time.  It has been more than 2 years and are still miserable.  I was sent to a pain specialist because the doctor said there was nothing more he could do.  I had a spinal cord stimulator implanted in Aug of 99.  It helps with the burning pain but increased the back pain.I am on narcotics, muscle relaxers, paxil, and prevacid.  I had to quit my job because of the severe pain.  I was injured on the job and my workers comp will not allow me to get another opinion.  I think there should be something out there to help with this pain.  I will be 40 this month and need to work to help support my three sons.  My symptoms are low back burning pain running all the way up my spine when I work with my hands.  Left leg burning pain to the knee in front. Weak right leg, no reflexes in right ankle, pain down back and side of right leg with foot getting numb if stood on more than a few minutes.  Always tripping because right foot does not seen to work right. I have had several sessions of physical therapy that always increases my pain.  Nothing seems to work.  I have had several blocks.
I asked my neurologist if the problem could be in the siactic area and he got insulted.  I am not seeing a neurologist at the time, only a Pain Center.  Do you think there is any help for me?

[Liz]

Mona,

I'm not at all familiar with workman's comp.  However, I do know that there are competent people out there who can help you.  I know that finances may be an issue, but can't you get a second opinion for yourself even if workmans' comp won't pay?  Will your other insurance pick it up??  I'm floored to think that just because workman's comp won't pay a second opinion is out of the question.  If it is, then I would suggest that you look into getting a good workman's comp attorney to help you find the medical care that will help you get better.  Good luck to you!  I hope you find a good doctor that is patient with questions, even the ones he may find offensive or unnecessary.  There are good ones out there!!  Best wishes.

Liz

[CCF Neuro[P] MD, RPS]

thank you for the comment.

CCF Neuro MD

[Bennet]

I had a disctectamy back fusion L1-L5 in 1988.I went through 3years of therapea and did not get better till i started walking at least 1to3 miles a day.It helps fite the muscle spasms and bone pain i feel in my back.I have 2 children that are groin up now , and they say it was worth giving up some of there time with me to see me doing better.Sence then we have been able to make up for lost time plus find a few arrowheads walking together,something I thouth would be impossible at one time. Plus you must keep the faith or find it

[CCF Neuro[P] MD, RPS]

Dear Bennet:

Thanks for the comments and encouragement.

CCF Neuro MD