I have just found out that i will be having this operation done on my L4/L5 nerve root. I have previously had a microdiscectomy on L5/S1 and i am trying to find out what exactly this other op is? Does anyone know or had it done?
Thank you, Emma.
Dear Emma,
It is a very serious operation, with all respect you really should go back to the surgeon and ask more about it and why you are now having it as with all common sense I feel that there will be more going on than just one thing as the problem seems to have moved from s1 L5 to L5 L4 now.
Please find out all you can before you commit because when you say you have just found out, that is very worrying, this shouldn't be a surprise suddenly found out, it should be discussed in great detail with you first.
Have you googled it at all?
I have googled it, i found it hard to find out a lot of information on it.
Well i can only go by what he says as hes the specialist. My pain is awful so something needs to be done...... he said the facet joint is pressing on the nerve....
Yep and so they remove a piece of bone and then sometimes have to stabilise the spine, usually with screws and bolts.
Try these but they are pretty in depth so not for the squeamish. [url]Medscape: Medscape Access[/url] and
I have seen those websites. I don't think it will involve nuts and bolts - i'm sure a back specialist would have mentioned if they would be putting metal inside me.