Operation or Not

[Maryshaye]

Hi all

Had first discetomy 12yrs ago, aged 16 and have once again after the pain (i'm sure u are all aware of) have been diagnosed with a prolasped disc at the same level L4/L5 (i think)

I am booked in for a discetomy in 2 weeks time. However since my appointments with the consultant the pain level has dropped considerably and the weakness in my foot improved. Things still arent right, as am still experience all the same symptons (ankle pain, pins and needles in foot when standing and back soreness) as before just much less painful. Although not at work i am now coping with everyday life and am trying to sit for many hours to prepare for going back to my desk bound job.

On that note above - i rang the consultant to ask for another appointment to discuss my improvements - however he still thinks it is worth operating on.
I am stressing out BIG time now, because i am not sure if having the op is worth it and than stressing thinking if i dont have it, will the problem just rear its ugly head some months down the line. Work have been great this time round but am not so sure they will if it happens again. On the other hand having an op for the sake of it also seems crazy. Everyone keeps saying have the op and get it over and done with but its not that simply is it.

Any ideas??

Thanks all

 

[Munduhiric]

to me having a back op is the last resort,when I was working I saw so many people who did not improve after an op, so when my consultant said he could guarantee I would benefit from an op, he said it could also make it worse. my opinion is if you can do without ,try.

 

[Tacobender]

Thanks Crytal Rose

Have taken ur advice and delayed the operation for now. We have decided to revisit my options in another months time. The dr is concerned about the length of time i have had my symptons, but respects i want more time to see if the body is doing its own thing to correct itself - lets hope

Thanks again

 

[Stupid]

Hi

Similar to you I had an operation 7 years ago for a prolapse disc at L5/S1 and experienced great relief afterwards.

In June of last year the same symptoms returned and I was off work for 6 months. After eventually being given an MRI scan it was determined that I had another prolapse, this time at L4/L5, and it seemed that I would need another op.

My symptoms have gradually settled down of their own accord and I have returned to work. I will always have to be careful with my movements etc, but it is a blessing to be able to get up and be able to move around at all.

I would only consider an operation when their is no relief from the pain and life is seriously impaired because of it.

You may want to look at the thread "Discectomy - After the Operation" which has lots of feedback from people with the same problems.

Good luck x

 

[whizzer 360.]

Hi Mad Maz - (love the tag)

Have your symptons settled down completely now? I still have some leg pains, weak(ish) ankle and pins and needles when standing up from sitting.
I've got another appointment with surgeon in 3 wks to make my final decision so in the meantime i am going to try and get back to "normal" I'm going back to work on tuesday just to see how it goes - bit nervous.
Do you think having some physio within the next 3 weeks mite be benifical? Have never been offered this as an option by doctor, so will pay to see one i have used before.

Take good care xx

 

[Mercii Williams]

Hello Snake bite.

I Have had 24 operations,non on my back about the only place so far, i had my last op in november for a decompression operation on my arm,
it was a physio that i went to diagnosed it, i found her to be very good, im having physio now after the op, but by different physios but not as good,
a friend of mine refuses to have any op without discusing it with her chiroprector first, you could ask them for a second opinion it cant hurt can it?.

take care

 

[rxzaewsz]

Hey Blackcrow - wow u have been through the wars - sounds terrible. Hope ur currently in good health

You are so right about the second opinion - went to see the physio today and she said she was happy to see me for a few sessions and see if i am improving like i think i am. Its nice, as you say to have that opinion from someone else, and more importantly someone who would normally be biased against surgery (unless it is absoluty necessary). Hopefullly this way I can make a much more informed decision.

Thanks for you post x

 

[wahhelathfg]

have had accupuncture,heat/cold therapy and massage wich makes the pain worse and this has been since sept 08,should i have the op? all the best and keep us posted.

 

[the tot]

For many people massage combined with core strenthening exercises (pilates), stretching/yoga and Alexander technique works well. I think an operation should always be the very last resort, as a lot of people actually get worse afterwards!

 

[mastercasi]

Pre or post op I would strongly suggest Pilates - as a dedicated fan and teacher of Pilates I will say the body likes to move, that's what we were designed to do. Sitting for long periods in prep for the 9-5 desk job is not ideal. Prepare the body by stretching out tension and strengthening weak muscles and improve your posture. Weak muscles will vary from person to person but most people can benefit from strengthening their tummy's and back to support their spine.


Hope this helps and good luck.

 

[ASuttShiff]

As another Pilates teacher I totally agree with seren100 about the importance of doing Pilates both pre and post op. Make sure you find a teacher who has that extra knowledge of your condition and can give you the more specific exercises to help you.
Good luck to you,
Fitbird
x

 

[Dominic M]

I have been having sciatic pain since april of this year, which when it first started was unbearable. I have now had an mri and have been advised that i have stenosis of the spinal canal and the bottom left disc is bulging. I have now seen a surgeon who has advised me that my only option is to be operated on. Im not even sure what operation im having, he said it was to shave the bone but when i spoke with his secretary she said it was a dysectomy. The pain has eased off considerably, even to the point of some days I dont even need pain releif but even when i do its only paracetomol. Im really scared to have this opeartion, but im unsure of what will happen if i dont have it. I have a few problems walking, its not painful, my gait is just off balance. Is there anyone who can give me some advise, im only 36 and feel a bit young to be having these problems.

 

[grhmutum]

I'm not a doctor nor have I had any serious disc/spine problems myself, but from what I've heard, surgery should really be your very last option. The success rate is fairly low: many people continue to have the same symptoms, or much worse, after this type of surgery. So if you can manage it with things like massage, pilates, stretching/yoga and some tailor-made orthotics, then I would definitely avoid surgery...

 

[starfrappe]

Hi NicolaHodgskin,

I would not have an operation unless you absolutely have to.
I have had a L5 S1 discectomy on 29th April 2009 and am currently recovering having gone back to work after 8.5 weeks although I could have gone back after 6 weeks.
It sounds like the sciatica is not that bad as paracetomol is nothing strong to take to get rid of the pain.
As others have said, pilates is a fantastic way of building up core strength.
The sooner you can join a class, the better.
I am surprised you have been told you need an operation if the sciatica is going over a period of time.
A book suggested by a number of members on this forum is called the Back Sufferers bible. Having read it, I can only state the same. I understand my back so much more know.
Physiotherapists and chiropractors can help you with sciatica problems.
I would always say to see the physiotherapist first although this is only from personal experience.
My final piece of advice is you need to find the root of the cause.
I have also got a slight L4/L5 disc bulge although if I manage it, it should be OK.
My back problems have developed due to heavy lifting, playing sports and not warming up or cooling down as well as suffering injuries and not letting them heal fully.
Ask yourself or a good physiotherapist why you are suffering this problem?
I found out what I had done wrong by going to a good physio.
Finally, I am 37. People younger than 36 suffer with sciatica.
One of my swimmimg instructors in her early twenties told me she suffered with a pain in her left buttock when we were talking about sciatica and back problems.
I told her it was due to not warming up and cooling down which she confirmed she did not do.
Hope some of this advice helps.

Best wishes

dalep115

 

[Jred]

Just a quick pointer, do your research with anyone and everyone in the back treatment game get as much info as possible.
If you are thinking of surgery, then Google, minimally invasive spine surgery and endoscopic laser surgery in the world wide mode.

It's your back, your decision!

Happy hunting and yes, it will take time!

SPINELF

 

[HoomelizAmbib]

Hi all

Thanks all for your responses. After a good few months agonizing over my decision to have or not to have revision l4/l5 surgery - i finally went for it. I was coping quite well however there was never a "clear" painfree day and my dr advised it would plague me until i had something done - at 28 I had in my eyes, to hedge my bets - so went for it.
Well I'm a week post op now and thankfully am feeling fantastic. No more leg pain, some muscle spasm and of course a slighty bruised feeling wound - other than that am up and about doing as much as possible without going over board of course (dont wanna be back there any time soon).
I know many of you guys have not been so fortunate and are still suffering and my heart really does go out to you.
I do however want to share my positive story and wish you all the very best and hope your finding as much comfort in reading these posts as I did, when nearly pulling my hair out in pain and confusion.

 

[heyhono2000]

That's great news Snakebite, I'm glad you're feeling good and it all went well!

 

[10-T3]

I'm glad you have found relief, go easy on the rehab.

Best wishes

SPINELF.