Anyone had Lumbar discectomy

cruyff73

I've got a recurring herniated disc which has caused sever sciatica over the summer (unable to walk). The surgeon recommends I have it but Physios say not to. I've heard some good stories and some horrific ones. Really confused at the moment as to what I should do.

mr_rush

orthopedic surgeons try and avoid operating on backs whenever they can. Its used as a last resort really. all surgeons would recommend pain killers and physiotherapy repeatedly before the prospect of surgery is even brought up.

Katykat

Cruyf, i had this done in 1999 after 20 odd yrs of acute episodes which culminated in the final one when it didn't get better with physio, NSAIDS or rest. It was actually done as an emergency because I had neurological complications. Result? -- as soon as I woke up my pain was gone. After initial post op recovery I became pain free for the first time in years. 8 yrs on I did develop some leg & hip pain which has not eased, but its not stopping me doing most things, I carry on working as a nurse, so theres no need to have further surgery. That may be an option if it becomes worse, but I am thankful that I had 8 completely pain free years. Until you become pain free, you dont realize just how incapacitaed you have been.
Nobody can advise you whether you should have the op or not, as eveyones symptoms are different, but you need to asses how much your pain is affecting your life. Dont forget, any op can go wrong, or even make things worse. it worked for me though.

cruyff73

Am currently having another go with traction which has helped in the past but not doing much this time round, not so far anyway. Keeping fingers crossed it will.

mr_rush

A physiotherapist is not qualified to give you professional advice as to whether you should have surgery or not.

Katykat

Mr rush, I disagree. My most recent appointment ( last week) was with the Specialist Back Physio. I got more advice and encouragemnt from her than I have ever had from the consultant. She knew exactly how to interpret the MRI scans and showed me as she explained.She didn't advise me not to have more surgery, but she did explain all the implications and said she'd see me in 6 months when I will have made a decision. I left the hospital, feeling more positve than when I got there. Physically, i'm in the same position, but now i feel that I can manage with what I've got.

littlereddevil

I had really bad back problems a few years ago which physio did nothing for, I was in hospital twice traction etc no difference. The surgeon wanted to operate but I said no. 2 years later the pain was gone only coming back occasionally. I have never known this op be a success for anyone. My friends husband had it done this year and he is much worse than he was before. But of course everyone is different.

Jorell00

I had this done two years ago. I wish I hadn't . I still can't walk properly. The After care I got was shocking. Currently I take 6 different types of painkillers (26 tablets a day)
I have just started going to a private chiropractor ( costing a fortune) and I am noticing an improvement. As with anything you will hear good and bad stories. I unfortunatly am one of the bad. you may have success ( hope you do). I would suggest surgery only as a last result. But only you can make the decision . Good luck

mr_rush

She knew exactly how to interpret the MRI scans
I doubt it very much. Even at Stanmore, the national orthopaedic hospital, the physios could not interpret MRIs

Talltree_2

I had this done several years ago now .... I had a bady herniated disk which had clearly ruptured at L4 - L5 and was pressing on the sciatic nerve. I could hardly walk for quite a period of time and was in severe pain all the time.

The best option would have been the knowledge that I now have about " Back Hygene" given by my excellent physio to avoid the problem in the first place... however ...

While I wouldnt say .. it was the best thing ever ... it has certainly worked for me, it wasnt a 100% cure .. that doesnt exist for back problems, I do still get episodes of back pain sometimes (it is unfortunatly very common) I have been able to go back to my normal life, can do everything I want to do including Sport, motorcycling etc which I couldnt do before.

It is not something to take lightly however IF (as in my case) the MRI scans were very clear, it is a valid option to consider although there are risks and the recovery time is long.

If possible see if if a neurosurgeon will take you on
... they are much more delicate and far better than the normal ortho surgeon IMHO.

littlereddevil

That was exactly where mine was and also ruptured. I couldn't walk for 9 months but as I said in previous post it did get better after 2 years and now very rarely comes back and never severe.