Sciatica/ Herniated Disk and Surgery

[csue]

Hello. I have posted mainly on the Ovarian Cancer website because I was having a thickened endometrium. I had a D&C done in March. I have been having pain and sciatica for about three months. I had a x-ray and MRI done. The MRI shows two herniated disks L-4 and L-5 that abuts the nerve. I went to the orthopaedic on Friday. He said that I have nerve damage in my big toe and part of my foot. He said I have two options they are epidural blocks or surgery. He said the epidural blocks may or may not work and if they do not then I would need surgery. My mom has had epidural blocks and she said they did not work for her and she gained about twenty pounds with them. The doctor seemed really confident that the surgery would take away all of my leg pain and that is what I want. I can not walk around a store or the park like I use to. I have decided to go ahead with the surgery. I was wondering if anyone had any experience with Laminotomy and Discectomy? Have you had to have another surgery? Any comments I would appreciate. Thanks.

[cugirl]

My mom just had emergency surgery on her back in January.  She had nerve damage down her right side (hip to toes) and then on her left side (toes and ankle).  After the surgery when she went to the doctor they were amazed because she could walk again, they didnt think she would ever walk since her nerve damage was so bad.  But definately have the surgery before the nerve damage gets worse.  Best of Luck!!

[corykis okay]

WOW..I KNOW WHAT YOU MEAN..I HAVE SCIATICA AND IT ACTS UP EVERY NOW AND THEN AND ITS PAINFUL..WORKING IN NURSING DOESNT HELP THE SITUATION WHILE LIFTING PATIENTS AND SUCH.I HOPE YOU FIND RESULTS THAT WORK FOR YOU..

[Cubana]

I had both the epidural injections & the Lamectomy (SP?). Not everyone has the same effects from the epi. I didn't gain any weight. I had them for 3 different issues, my neck & my lower back (L3 & 4) and for my tailbone. It worked 100% on my neck, so so on my L3/4 & not @ all on my tailbone. So I then had the Lamectomy on L3 & 4. That's been ok - 7 years later & the only thing there is some stiffness sometimes. My tailbone on the other hand is a WHOLE different story for another day.
I would give the Epi a try. I wasn't going to try it either but changed my mind @ the last minute & I'm glad I did or I would have had needless surgery on my neck.

[brenda999]

I have had these surgeries. The first one was in 1996, I had a ruptured disk and 2 herniated disks (lower back). I was back to work in 3 weeks. You feel 100% better right after the surgery all the leg pain is relieved you are just tight and sore. I had to have another surgery in 2001 for 2 herniated disks and scar tissue. The downfall of this surgery is the scar tissue. My neurosurgeon told me the scar tissue will return every 5-6 years and cause recurring problems.  And he seems to be right, because my back has been great since the last surgery but now is bothering me again.  The surgery does bring immediate relief, the only downfall is the scar tissue. I am not sure I would have another surgery if I can help it, right now the pain is tolerable. If you are in very bad pain I would recommend the surgery. My pain that has returned both times was never as bad as the first time. Before the first surgery I had gotten to the point that I could not even stand up straight. I hope this helps, there are pros and cons of surgery, just base it on how you feel. If your pain is unbearable and you arent able to function nornmally, I would have the surgery. Just ask your Dr. about scar tissue. GOOD LUCK!!!