Hi,
I'm looking for advice regarding herniated l5 s1 disc. Im early 30's fit and energetic not over weight. It started in mid december 2011 and is still an issue to today 28 jan 2012. I got a cortisone injection on the 18th that wasn't fully
effective. It took 5 days to reduce the sciatia and cramp and i still have pain after waking up in the morning and sciatia intermittently. Bending backwards is still painful with more pronounced sciatica but varies by how much i have my legs apart while standing - closer = pain wider =no pain?
I was referred to a nuero surgeon after a mri showing herniated l5 s1 and bulging l4. He opted for the injection and said i wasn't a neurological case for surgery. The 2nd meeting with him 8 days after the injection. He said he was willing to operate based on my degree of pain but again i wasn't a neurological case. He said he'd scedual surgery less than 1 week after the meeting.The following day i met with my GP who has extensive experience
in back injuries to get a second opinion and view of the nuerosurgeons advice and the speed at which he was engaging me for surgery. The GP did a further detailed examination and agreed neurologically i wasn't quiet there yet but based on the sharp pain while leaning back still being present that surgery was inevitable at some stage. He went through my options medication wise and exercises etc as one route but said in all honesty he believed i'd be back into him with my work commitments being the way the are within 3 months.
So here i am. I'm 6wks with a herniated disc. Ive gone from agony to the feeling of being back to wk 1-2 of pain levels after injection no.1. Ive been out of work 4wks with my wage
being the only wage that covers my wife and 2 kids. My gut says surgery is coming down the line but its just so soon. My body gives me flashes of no pain but is that the injection. Then in the same day i get twinges cramps and nerve shocks. They range from soft to stop you in your tracks. I can manage if my life stays as is, ... as in not working and taking
it easy. The reality is, i need to be able to get up and go to work - don't get paid if i don't work!!- its 3hrs commute and 8hrs sitting.
What do i do here? Try and solve it asap in the most effective way with 6-8wks turn around and get back into the gym and try pilates etc after. Or see how it goes by dosing upand working and when the injection wears off consider my options then?
I really really need help and advice here because it impacts my family, ability to pay the mortgage and put food on the table. My head is completely destroyed..
Im due to commit to a yes or no for surgery on monday to be in theatre on wed. 1st feb.
Hi Ricky
I dont know if you read this forum anymore but I hope you recovered from your issues -we both had surgery at the same time in early 2012 and it was good to talk and get through it together!.. I guess however this post may be lost in cyber space.
I had my second micro D last October (2013) after the first reherniated and it appears the second has now reherniated 😡
The second op seemed easier after what we went through but the next step is an MRI scan.
Surgery is truely the last resort and I think its led me down the path to regretting ever seeing a surgeon.
Anyone reading this - dont do it
Hey Doog,
A shit Doog sorry mate I'm 10 months late replying to this!
Apologies i got an email the other day about a reply to a post i had on here and it all came back again!! Bizarre re-reading that dark place i had found myself in.
I'm sorry to hear your still struggling. I really am. By the sounds of it your looking at a fusion?! Jesus, i can only imagine how difficult it is to keep the head straight and stay positive since jan 2012
I'm doing ok myself. Still have a devil on my shoulder to make sure i take care and not push my luck too far. Its constant keeping an eye on it and walking, moving and not sitting to much to be honest my life is the same pre any back issue - i still commute, sit for a living etc and nothing i can do about it.
I have issue on the left side which is L4 bulging and the clutch doesn't help!!! Ive also been rear ended twice in the last 4 months so Im back in physio for my neck!
But in the grand scheme of things i don't think i can complain much.
I hope the last 10 months has offered some alternative to you and you have a better situation in hand.
Good to talk to you again Doog. Keep the head up, chest out and fight the f*cker to the last.
6 yrs on and going strong.
🙂
No regrets for having decided to go for surgery..