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L4-L5 Bulged disc right side and Micro-discectomy surgery

Ryan Barba · · Unknown Hometown · Joined Apr 2015 · Points: 0

It's good to note that even years after the surgery, you still have to be careful. Sounds like I should be sticking to the ropes instead of bouldering. Yoga would probably do wonders too.

I'd hate to give up climbing. I really appreciate all the insight!

BGreen · · Del Norte, CO · Joined Aug 2010 · Points: 0

How are you? I have waited to respond. I suggested not having this surgery. I hope the rehab is going well. If you feel pieces are still missing, I can suggest a practitioner in Denver to help.

Everyone, please ask this question….HOW DID I GET HERE? Heroic(allopathic) methods have their place. Traumatic acute injuries require equal balance in intervention(i.e. surgery)

So, if the answer is, I don't know how I got here,(some move I made over and over again, occupational hazards, repetitive patterns that we may be unaware of, etc)…it may need a more holistic, bringing back to balance type of therapy.

To break and enter our system is a big deal. Don't take it lightly!

-b

DanielleRamm · · Winnipeg, Manitoba · Joined Mar 2014 · Points: 0

Hey everyone.

It's been just over a year now since my last message on here.

Well, for the past year I've been playing the running around game with the doctors for my back. My disc bulges are now on to the next step. They are now disc protrusions. Also, I have a nice little chunk of a disc that is missing (degenerative disc disease progressed oh so lovely) and they still have refused to do anything. Again the only answer I was given was to "lose weight" well, I've heard that over the past 9 years and guess what? I lost weight... and it still managed to get worse!
They did however give me a spinal injection. That didn't help much. I'm at a loss here. I'm tired of running around, jumping through hoops, to have nothing done and no one who is willing to help or give any sort of direction in which we should take next.
The doctor basically told me that there is nothing they can, or will do. Unless of course I get so bad that I can no longer work, or be a mother to my child. Which mind you it's hard enough to do those now as it is. Being in constant pain has put a huge strain on my life, and I just am so tired of it all.

So, at this point - what do I do now? What's the next step? Has anyone had a meylogram? (think I may have spelt that wrong) If the doctors say my back isn't as bad as I am saying (well over a year it did get worse as they can see on the MRI's but apparently it's not enough for them to care or do anything)
My hope is down to very little, and I just... don't know what to do!
Help!

PeteV Vanek · · Unknown Hometown · Joined Jun 2015 · Points: 0

I had a L4/L5 buldged disc, with a lot of pain in my back, that then transitioned to intense pain down my leg, and then eventually weakness in my foot/leg, and numbness in my foot. The weakness and numbness is what made all the doctors I saw say I needed the surgery, with the concern that it can become permanent if not addressed, so I had the surgery.

After three weeks, I started PT, and did it every day religiously. After two months, I felt really good, and went mountain biking and kitesurfing. It think the kitesurfing is what really did a number on me. I felt fine during the activity, but the next day, I had considerably more pain in my back, and some pain down my leg. Nothing like I had before, but more than I had two days earlier. I feared that I had re-herniated the disc, and I'm really not sure if I did or did not. All folks I have talked to, surgeons, specialists, etc., think that I just aggravated the nerve. I am hoping that is the case. I have been on a program of a lot of rest since then, and advil to try to reduce the inflammation.

What I am finding really hard is knowing what I can do, and what I can't do. Since I typically don't experience any pain when I am doing my sports, it is hard to know if I am pushing too hard. I don't find out until the next day, and then the "damage is done".

Looking for some advice as to how to get back to my active lifestyle, without messing up my back. Any advice would be appreciated. I am still doing my programmed PT exercises and stretches every day. Some days it makes me feel better, others, not so much.

Hailey Hunt · · Unknown Hometown · Joined Feb 2016 · Points: 0

I'm only 17...
So when I was in 7th grade I had fallen and hit my head on a stop sign pole and a concrete curb and was put in a neck brace for a week. I am now in 11 grade and I've had a bunch of back issues. My doctor has only done so much I've gone through physical therapy and gotten MRIs and X-rays they only found a bulging disk in my L-4 L-5 area but that's the lower back. However I'm having a hard time sleeping and have a really chronic pain in the upper part of my back by my shoulder blades. Sometimes my arms loose feeling and like have a tingling sensation and I loose grip like I can't even make a fist. I've already got a EEG test and they said nothing is wrong with the nerves in my arms so I have no clue what is wrong and I don't know what to do because it really hurts and I hate loosing sleep and feeling in my arms. its 4:38 in the morning and I still haven't slept because I have a pain in my neck and upper back (arms have tingling sensation why I'm typing this) Help!?!

Jonny d · · Unknown Hometown · Joined Jan 2011 · Points: 40

All,
Back in 2014, I posted a cautionary note re surgery here. I am now 2 days post L5/S1 discectomy. I've been fooling with low back pain for 2 1/2 years. Rest. PT. Etc. 5 days ago, the pain took over my life and confined me to the fetal position. Miraculous intervention got me in to an MRI and a trusted neurosurgeon with a very conservative outlook. Massive rupture identified on MRI. Discectomy the next day. Went from 9.5 pain level to 0.5 over night. Walking a lot already with plan to increase walking to an hour a day within two weeks. Otherwise, just trying to avoid compressive activity. Will keep you posted on my progression.
Jonny d

Ajpaton · · Unknown Hometown · Joined Jun 2016 · Points: 0

Hello, I am 21 years old and the Friday just gone I had surgery performed discectomy on L4 and L5 just a quick question has anyone after surgery felt a slight pulling like the stitches are healing? Also how
Long has it taken for you to be doing things again ?

christopher adams · · Unknown Hometown · Joined Apr 2006 · Points: 0
Dustin Drake wrote:I have an L5/S1 herniated disc causing sciatica. Most of my pain is from sitting with extreme pain occurring when I initially stand up but will go away after walking around for a bit. Fortunately for me, my symptoms have diminished over the past 3 months by doing a combination of stretching, NSAIDs, walking/running and NOT sitting. I have a desk job and I just don't sit anymore. Converted my desk into a standing station and just make due. I'm either standing or laying on my back. I would at least try the epidural injections before even considering surgery. 90% of people with disc issues can recover from them without surgery. Surgery is dangerous and a really big crap shoot as far as success goes. Whatever you do, don't take it lightly. Get a 2nd and 3rd opinion before going the surgery route. I've attached a pic of my MRI just so you can get an idea of what I was dealing with initially.
How are your symptoms now?
Kingsmountain · · Unknown Hometown · Joined Feb 2014 · Points: 0

ajpatton, I didn't have stitches, but had staples. From what I can remember (2 1/2 years ago), the incision area felt tight. I felt much better once the staples were removed. I started walking within a couple of days. From what I learned, it's important to keep walking to keep scar tissue from forming and attaching to the nerve. It was probably within a month that I did self PT at the gym going very light.

Ajpaton · · Unknown Hometown · Joined Jun 2016 · Points: 0

Hello I went down surgery route as my symptoms got worse and now I haven't got the sciatic pain just pain where the surgery was performed :) just in abit of discomfort with the stitches I think

DanielleRamm · · Winnipeg, Manitoba · Joined Mar 2014 · Points: 0

Another year has gone by since my last comment. Since then, nothing has changed except I've lost my job, my home, and my vehicle. My anxiety went through the roof. The pain seems to be getting more prominent.

My next MRI isn't until August. I've been waiting quite some time. 2 disc protrusions and a sliver for my disc missing from the degenerative. Sciatic is in full force. The pain is terrible and it seems to be more sharp now than ever. Rarely ever past the knee which I'm thankful for but every now and again it makes its way down there.

I don't know how people live with this pain. It seems to now spread across my lower back into my hips. I call it a flare up as it's the only thing I can describe it as. Likeep everything is so inflamed and painful to the touch. Even the slightest touch to my hips or lower back could take my breath away. The limited days I do get where I'm feeling somewhat ok, I tend to over do it by trying to get all the chores done. But that only hurts me. When I get to the finish my back starts to seize and the pain from over doing it is horrible. I'm usually bed ridden after those days.

I'm now 26, my son 4. I feel as though I'm going to have some form of mental break down. I've been patronized and belittled by doctors, who are condescending towards me because they believe I'm 'drug seeking' and that I can't possibly be in that much pain because a person they know had this and they didn't feel it. I'm sorry, but I believe everyone feels pain differently. That's why there are different people who react differently to different things.

Last year I got 6 spinal injection which to my understanding were the epidural ones with the steroid and anti-inflammatory in it. Today I found out it wasn't that. It was the nerve blocking one. Well it didn't work so we never went ahead and continued with that. But finally had my appt today with the pain clinic. I've only been waiting for this appointment for almost a year. He tells me that we've exhausted all options possible and that there are only 2 others and NOTHING ELSE, repeated to me that if these 2 options do not help there is nothing more they can do for me. One - spinal injection of the epidural/sterold. Two- a very expensive muscle relaxant called celibrix. Well, go figure I've tried that pill. Didn't help. So he sent in a referral for me for that.... but really? That's ALL that there is left?? So you're telling me the past 10 years of a disgusting amount of muscle and nerve pills and anti depressants that supposedly help with back pain, all the physio, chiropractic and numerous other therapy we've tried are the only options?

In the past year I've been so stressed that my health just gave up. I've lost 70 pounds. Funny how at the beginning of this they told me it was pain due to being over weight. Well now according the the BMI chart I'm only 6 pounds over what my weight should be. And what do you know, the pain hasn't subsided at all.

He also sent out a referral for me to go to CBT to teach me how to cope with the pain since in going to suffer from it for the remainder of my life. Sorry... what life is that? Because if I'm going to have to be in this much pain, irritability , and hopelessness, this is not living. I'm just existing right now.

So... I'm sort of at a loss. Feeling pretty down.

sphillips257 · · Unknown Hometown · Joined Oct 2016 · Points: 0

I had surgery about 5 years ago. I was trying to avoid it so I did a lot of physical therapy, but it was not getting better so surgery was the best option. I had congenital fusion of c3-4. This is the procedure that worked best for me, intlspine.com/treatments/la…. I remember the recovery being hard for the first two years. I had to slowly work back into my routine with work and traveling, but it’s been better for some time now. Hope that helps!

Jonny d · · Unknown Hometown · Joined Jan 2011 · Points: 40

It's been just about a year since my surgery. I took 6 months off from activity other than walking. Last August, I began 10 weeks of PT and then started back into a TFTNA routine. After a full cycle, I'm now in an aerobic maintenance mode-- each week hauling a pack uphill for 1 1/2 hours and running twice for 1 1/2 hours. No problems running. I'm not fully recovered, but I'm active. The main nerve in my left leg feels tight, and the calf tends to cramp up despite stretching. PT encourages me "not to accept that" and continue to stretch. I'm climbing harder than I ever have, but I also have lost some flexibility in my hip flexors and can't highstep nearly like I used to (sometimes, I have to reach down and lift my foot into position on a high step). Still very thankful that I had the surgery and that it's given me a new lease on being active.

Sean B · · Unknown Hometown · Joined May 2017 · Points: 0

I have a L4-L5 disc herniation which caused severe low back pain for about 3 weeks before it went away & I could actually get out of a chair w/out much pain/stiffness. (Initially Dr thought it was just a pulled muscle though the pain was excruciating. Finally after about 20-21 days another Dr got me an X-ray & an MRI, which showed the herniated disc. Around day 20-21 when my back pain subsided, I developed sciatica symptoms, bad enough where I could not sit & drive my vehicle for more than 5 min, at best. The day of my X-Ray & also the day I started on Prednisone (steroid) I was able to drive a 2 1/2 hour trip w/out much discomfort at all. Did the steroids work that quickly or did the discomfort subside on its own after a week? Anyway, I saw a neurologist & he strongly recommends surgery, like right away, to remove the herniated disc portion. The thing is, I have no pain (been off the steroid for about a week now) but just some discomfort in my hip/hamstring & lower leg. My big toe & my instep are numb & tingly...feels like I have a cotton ball under my toe when I walk. I also have foot drop....can't walk on my heel on the affected leg at all. Dr said the muscle weakness can get worse & more likely to be permanent if I wait any longer for surgery (it's been about 6 weeks since hurting my back & about 3 weeks since the sciatica symptoms set in). He doesn't guarantee the numbness in my foot will go away or even the foot drop going away with surgery. So why should I do the surgery & not give a few weeks of PT a try first? I'm not in severe pain...wouldn't even really call it pain...more of a discomfort. I've actually resumed working out with weights, cycling etc, but I'm just being careful not to overdo it. My back did get a little more sore after lying on a bench doing dumbbell presses last night. I did some leg curls the night before & I think I'm paying the price for those with some cramping in my hamstrings today. However, due to my foot drop, I am walking a little funny & people do notice. My wife said my affected lower leg/calf is significantly skinnier than the other leg too...not sure if that's even related though. I feel like I'm being pressured into having surgery ASAP. Can anyone tell me, based on what I typed above, if I'm risking anything by postponing surgery at least a couple of more weeks? Any feedback is greatly appreciated.

Rigggs24 · · Denver, CO · Joined Oct 2009 · Points: 45

Sean, I have had fusion surgery on my l4-l5.  However, I explored all options before going to surgery.  That being said, all backs are different and it sounds like your herniation might be causing additional problems.  If it were me, I would go to at least one more doctor and see what they say.  I used Denver Spine Surgeons for my surgery.  In particular, Dr. Gary Ghiselli was my surgeon.  Surgery is a tough road but can be worth it.  im way better off now than what i was before surgery but it took me nearly a year to get back to full go.  Good luck.  

Brian in SLC · · Sandy, Utah · Joined Oct 2003 · Points: 21,711
Sean B wrote:

My big toe & my instep are numb & tingly...feels like I have a cotton ball under my toe when I walk. I also have foot drop....can't walk on my heel on the affected leg at all. Dr said the muscle weakness can get worse & more likely to be permanent if I wait any longer for surgery (it's been about 6 weeks since hurting my back & about 3 weeks since the sciatica symptoms set in). He doesn't guarantee the numbness in my foot will go away or even the foot drop going away with surgery. So why should I do the surgery & not give a few weeks of PT a try first? I'm not in severe pain...wouldn't even really call it pain...more of a discomfort. I've actually resumed working out with weights, cycling etc, but I'm just being careful not to overdo it. My back did get a little more sore after lying on a bench doing dumbbell presses last night. I did some leg curls the night before & I think I'm paying the price for those with some cramping in my hamstrings today. However, due to my foot drop, I am walking a little funny & people do notice. My wife said my affected lower leg/calf is significantly skinnier than the other leg too...not sure if that's even related though. I feel like I'm being pressured into having surgery ASAP. Can anyone tell me, based on what I typed above, if I'm risking anything by postponing surgery at least a couple of more weeks? Any feedback is greatly appreciated.

Interesting.  You have pretty similar symptoms to me, except I never had an issue with sitting (actually feels good to sit down).

I had foot drop too, but, it came back pretty quickly.  Have you tried some PT to get it back?

I'm going on around 3 years and didn't have surgery.  There I days I wonder...  But, I sleep well and function ok.  Can ski and climb.  Visited another doctor recently for a second opinion and he thought not having surgery worked out ok for me, but, I'll probably always have some numbness in my big toe.

I do get some whacky foot cramps...  I think if you've gone six weeks...you could go another couple at least.  I'd try another doctor?  

Andrew Rice · · Los Angeles, CA · Joined Jan 2016 · Points: 11

I highly recommend reading Dr. John Sarno's book Healing Back Pain before going under the knife. I suffered terrible back pain at one point in my life and the concepts that book explores really helped me to conquer it. Hope you find relief ASAP.

Pogie · · Breckenridge, CO · Joined Nov 2015 · Points: 45
based on what I typed above, if I'm risking anything by postponing surgery at least a couple of more weeks? Any feedback is greatly appreciated.

Yes you are risking permanent nerve damage the longer you let it go.  Have you heard the kinked hose analogy?  I tried the pt route for too long and now have permanent nerve damage now affecting my calf  

Jonny d · · Unknown Hometown · Joined Jan 2011 · Points: 40

Purely anecdotal from my own experience, but I tend to agree with Pogie.  I also continue to be plagued with nerve issues in my calf and foot.

Wes C · · Cleveland, oh · Joined Apr 2017 · Points: 146
Pogie wrote:

Yes you are risking permanent nerve damage the longer you let it go.  Have you heard the kinked hose analogy?  I tried the pt route for too long and now have permanent nerve damage now affecting my calf  

I put mine off way longer then I should have.  Even after surgery I had a lot of nerve pain.  It took a long time for it to settle down.  Even now (5 years later) I will get that feeling back if I'm not careful, and the fear it causes is awful.  I really wish I had done mine sooner.

Guideline #1: Don't be a jerk.

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