On And Off Pain After L4/L5 Microdiscectomy And Laminectomy
Jul 13, 2015
I had L4/L5 microdiscectomy and laminectomy about 4 months ago. I had on and off low back pain for 6-7 years but it became unbearable couple of years back. Prior to surgery I had buttock pain and I couldn't walk or stand without pain. I am recovering pretty slowly. I am off pain meds and I walk 45 mins a day and do gentle back stretches as advised by the surgeon. The surgeon said that I had a big herniation and he removed about 60-70% of the disc. Is it common to have that much removed?. Will I be able to recover fully or will i need more surgery like fusion in the future. I am just 27 yrs old and I don't want to live in pain.
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I am just past the 7 week status of my Laminectomy, and am still uncomfortable. K can walk around my house all right,but as soon as I went out to walk down my street ,I can't walk it hurts.I do have an appointment with a hip specialist in a few weeks, but the pain in my groin area is non stop and I am wondering if.
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Does nerve pain on the feet and calves go away after spinal surgery? I've been suffering from burning nerve pain since my back surgery. I had a laminectomy and fusion at t22 l1.
What can I do to help. Other imaging?
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I had a microdiscectomy back in December 21, 2015 right before my 18th birthday ( today marks the 4 month post surgery mark ). I still have pain running down my right leg ( upper glut and sometimes in my calf muscle ). Before the surgery I have had the disc pinching on my nerve for nearly 10 months.... It ruined my summer and I couldn't do what most of my friends were doing... My parents were too scared that something would go wrong with the surgery, so we tried Physical Therapy for about 2-3 months. My pain was getting worse and worse. After a lot of convincing I got my parents to allow me to get the surgery ( No regrets at all ). I would rate my pain before my surgery as 9/10 and now after my surgery I rate it as 5-7/10. I can't even remember how it feels to have no pain... It is constant and doesn't go away ( I feel better when I lie down on my back or stomach ).. I feel better when I sleep on the ground rather than on my, what used to be comfortable, bed.... I am starting to lose hope on ever feeling better... Everytime I walk I have pain in my upper right glut ( every time I extend my right foot ) and sometimes it goes down my right leg to my calf.... I still can't bend down without a massive amount of pain running down my right leg... I can't even sit down for longer than 30 minutes because I start to have a lot of pain in my calf, which makes going to school really hard.. Are there any patients that have had this type of surgery and felt better in more than 6 months?
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I am early on after my discectomy (day 3), but I am concerned. I see many people have immediate pain reduction, I woke up and still had my preop pain. Now it's just pain deep in my thigh and the surgical pain. I am also worried because I still can't stand up straight! I haven't been able to stand straight for two months following a car accident that reherniated my l5s1. The original injury was resolved to an acceptable level without surgery. It was interesting that the car accident immediately stopped all nerve pain in my right leg that I learned to live with, but it moved to the left leg!
I am just getting concerned since I see so many posts where people wake up painless and can walk freely. I can walk for maybe 2 minutes then i am in really bad pain, and i'm hunched over while walking. Should I be concerned? Any insights from people with less than storybook recoveries?
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I had a microdiscectomy almost 4 weeks do to the disc pinching my sciatic nerve. The pain before the surgery went from my left butt cheek down to my foot, and felt like someone was sticking a knife in my hip and calf. Since the Surgery I have had severe nerve pain in my left foot in the ball of my foot to my toes. I am currently on gabapentin pills and gabapentin cream. I was just looking to see if anyone had any ideas what could help get me off the recliner. Or any ideas whether this would go away or how long this usually lasts.
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I'm 5 months post op, Is they any light at the end of the tunnel for me?
I'm still in pain especially my right calf, feels like constant cramping.
I can walk ok, as soon as I stop I can't stand up straight due to my right leg feeling very tight.
It was a herniated disc at l5, s1 nerve.
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Week 5 post microdiscectomy on L5/S1. Numbness and pain on my leg and toes is gone BUT currently experiencing numbness and sharp shooting pain on my left testicle making it difficult to have an erection.
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I'm a long time sufferer of low back pain (20 years, I'm 42). I believe I've given my diagnosis & previous treatment rundown on a previous post, but I'll post it here again, hopefully short and sweet:
Last MRI (Feb. 2012)
Bulging L4-L5, Herniated L5-S1 (Central Annular Tear, 6mm protrusion)
Previous MRI in 2008 showed basically the same as above.
I have tried most therapies & treatments, including but not exclusively:
Acupuncture, TENS, PT, ESI in 2008 & 2012, Prolotherapy, Mackenzie Stretching, Chiro, Massage.
Some of my main activities that I've had to scale back to, and serve as productive exercise:
Walking everyday, inversion table, swimming, Mackenzie stretching.
I used to do martial arts and grappling and have not done so in a couple years now.
I have a hard time now with doing things that I HAVE to do, like working around the house or sitting in my car to drive to work as a couple examples. I cannot do any type of sports that have ANY kind of flexion movement. (I'm able to swim because my back is in extension position)
I've been reading some posts regarding folks who've had the microdiscectomy procedure done, and I've met with many neuro and ortho surgeons during my long journey. I've also begun to research BMSC treatment as well, as this is proving to be very promising, but is still in the very early stages of acceptance and use in the States. I've always opted to not have an invasive procedure because of fear of it not helping and possibly making things worse.
However, I'm just tired of the conservative approach not working and I'm tired of not being able to fully live my life.
Believe me, I understand there are many that are worse off than me and I wish I could help you because I know how bad chronic pain is and what is does to you physically AND mentally.
All the doctors I've ever seen look at me (at 5'9, 150 lbs, lean and "looking" healthy), and I pass all the "strength" tests they give me. They tell me to go conservative, which I fully respect. However, just because I look healthy and can pass them pushing on my legs and feet while I resist, and I'm not losing bladder or bowel control doesn't mean that the slightest move or overdoing it won't put me down again.
Case in point, (After 2 years since my last episode and the walking and my conservative exercising not giving me the progress I'm expecting after 2 years), I decided to, (at the recommendation of a sports med doctor), to go see a well respected and very highly recommended, (by friends), PT Strength and Conditioning coach. He put me through an initial PT type evaluation and I had my first session last night. Well, about half-way through, something wasn't feeling right. We scaled down the workout, (which was pretty conservative already), to just stretching at that point. Long story short, I'm now back to stabbing pain, radiating leg pain and tingling, and standing crooked and not being able to sit down.
I'm really beginning to seriously consider surgery, or possibly explore BMSC treatment for the disc(s). I'm sure since it's been 2 years from my last one, I'll need another MRI before doing anything.
My question is, what would you do if you were in my shoes?
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I have had a lumbar L5S1 mico on feb 14 of this year. Now I am having sharp pain in my back under my right shoulder blade by the T7. Plus this makes my back tighten up and spasm. Any thoughts out there. I know it has to do with the injury but does anyone know what this is... btw not the gallbladder I don't have one anymore. This pain is at its worst when I am lying down and if I rotate to the right side the pain will be so sharp it stops me in my tracks...any help would be great. I also got my S! nerve checked and it is relieved from the surgery but I am left with the numbness in the foot, calf, and upper thigh and also told this might be permanent.
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I've had horrible back pain for over a year now due to a herniated disc at L5/S1 and a bulge at L4/L5. It's gotten better at various times during the interim, but I've never been able to bodybuilder/workout again. I usually do not have sciatica (only severe back pain) but every time I re-aggravate it I do get sciatica that shoots into my right heel. I visited my neurosurgeon and he told me he does not think I would be a candidate for a microdiscectomy because my primary symptom is not sciatica - but I want some second opinions. Did a microdiscectomy help your back pain from the herniation and not just the sciatica?
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After being diagnosed with lumbar spinal stenosis in 1992 and undergoing several other treatment options that were not successful, I had back surgery, a laminectomy w/bone fusion. I then developed urinary incontinence, which is still a problem for me. and also lost my mobility. I am now spending most of the time in a wheelchair, although I am able to use a walker for very limited distance walking. I still suffer from back pain but do get some relief from a prescription pain med. I just wondered if anyone else had developed urinary incontinence after having back surgery?
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Back in 2012 after 2 years of severe sciatica that was treated with painkillers, I finally got an MRI which showed disc herniation at L5/S1, I had a microdiscectomy & the surgeon said it was a difficult procedure as the disc had calcified. I did however have some relief & a huge reduction in pain.
After about a year the pain had increased to the point my mobility was affected & I was referred back to my neuro, he carried out MRI & another micro discectomy & unfortunately this actually left me immediately in more pain.
So I had another MRI which showed again more herniated disc trapping my nerves, this was only 6 weeks after my 2nd op, my surgeon said he could do no more for me but he then referred me onto a colleague for a TLIF fusion of L5/S1.
Which was done, but again no significant improvements so after 12 weeks my neuro sent me for more MRI & CT scans, this showed halo's around my fusion screws, crowding at L5/s1 & a post op collection around the incision site, he prescribed 6 weeks antibiotic course & re-did the scans.
There was no change to the collection & he then decided he would need to operate again in case of infection.
When he operated he found no infection inside but there was 'bugs' in the fluid collection in my back.
He said the fluid was seroma & he was confused as seroma fluid never has bugs in it?
Whilst he was in my back he did yet another discectomy & laminectomy, he said he did not check the fusion itself as it meant disturbing scar tissue.
At this point he said nothing more can be done for me.
This is heartbreaking to me, I'm 39 yrs old, I have a physical job as an electrician & I don't want to be sat about or lose my job.
My pain is still extreme in my right leg & hip, my buttock still feel numb & my calf feels tight & achy.
My last op was only a week ago but after 4 surgeries on one small place, I still feel in excruciating pain & it feels like there is no light at the end of the tunnel, my back around the incision site is still swollen like it was before this surgery & I'm worried the fluid is coming back, the build up of that fluid had caused problems on my left side & had not got any smaller in the 5 months between the surgeries.
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I am a 65 year old female soon to have a L4/L5 Laminectomy with resection of Synovial Cyst (L4/L5) I need more information about the surgery, and what to expect as far as recovery time, etc.
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In January 2013 I started having left leg pains and started taking ibuprofens or store brand pain killers. Over the last 3 months the pain has become chronic, numbness in my big toe and foot, tingling, and pain in my buttock. This is only happening in my left leg. To make a LONG story short. The MRI showed a cyst pressing against my spine causing the pain. Initially my chiropractor thought is was a disc issue causing my sciatic nerve issues. My neurologist suggested a laminectomy Surgery however his concern was if I need fusion. I had an x-ray done that indicated there is some slipping. The neurologist gave me his best guestimation of how long that area of my back would last without the fusion. If he could have given me a high % that the fusion is necessary I would be at peace with it. Decisions, decisions. I was told the recovery is about 4 -6 weeks and longer with the fusion Do you have any knowledge on either procedure?
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Hello,
I'm new on this board. On October 1st 2015 I had decompression surgery (L2-L4), a laminectomy and removal of a synovial cyst that was very high up on the spine (L2)- it was compressing the cauda equina in a bad way. Since then I have had a lot of nerve pain in my groin (both sides), hamstrings, plus sciatica down my right leg from the hip to the toes (according to the neurosurgeon, this is a 'small hernia' due to stenosis and a trapped nerve on S1/L5/L4 that he will operate on when the pain gets too much for me). Not sure if the sciatica is related to the cauda equina syndrome, but imo the cause of both is spinal stenosis. The nerve pain got less throughout the months (except for the sciatica) but the last weeks it's returning again more, on both sides. I had an MRI done two months ago for the sciatic pain and the doctor saw 'something' on the L2 facet joint that could be a new synovial cyst, or else it's scar tissue, he wasn't sure. My gut feeling is that the cyst is growing back and pressing on the cauda equina again- or could it be that i'm still recovering from the first surgery (now 6 months ago)? I sure hope it's the latter, as it was a big operation and the surgeon said that fusion may be next, as the facet joints move too much and in this way the liquid will keep forming new cysts. Ugh. Mid August I will have a new MRI to see whether the synovial cyst is back or not.
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I am a 50 year old female who had lumbar laminectomy at L3/4 eight weeks ago for lumbar stenosis and spondylolisthesis. The surgeon also performed a dynamic stabilisation at this level. As I understand it, this involves the insertion of a flexible and rod and screws, similar to fusion but allowing more flexion at this level while at the same time preventing the vertebra from slipping. Prior to surgery, I was unable to walk or stand for more than 5 - 10 minutes without becoming uncomfortable because of weakness in my legs and a tight cramping sensation in my buttocks. Surgery has relieved me of these symptoms, but I now have aching in my lower back, groins and hips when standing or walking for more than 5 - 10 minutes. I wasn't given any physio follow-up after discharge from hospital, but have had a couple of sessions with a private physiotherapist. She seems to think that these pains are due to the ligaments and muscles having to stretch as my spine as been realigned and my pelvis is now tilted forwards instead of backwards as it was before. Has anyone else experienced similar pains and if so, how long did it take for them to resolve? I am also very stiff first thing in the morning and when getting up from a sitting position. I do not have any pain when sitting or lying down.
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i am having a posterior lumbar 4-5 laminectomy with synovial cyst removal on August 27,2015. I have a 5 day trip to Germany planned 6 &1/2 weeks later.
I now know the recovery to be longer than the one week I had thought. I know it is at least 6 weeks, after my pre surgery intake with the wonderful nurse I have. Does anyone have feedback about a 8 hour plane ride to Europe with only 6 weeks recovery time? Thanks
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I had L5S1 bulge removed 4 weeks ago, recovery has generally been good. Since the operation I have been having leg spasms when I turn onto my back and straighten my legs during the night? I am booked in for another MRI scan next week, the surgeon said there maybe now a problem higher up my back? Never had this before the operation?
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I'm 28 years old and am about 4 months out of surgery for my herniated disc now and have had no issues since, recently ran out of the Pain meds they had me on (Norco 10-325). I was off work for 2 months and have been working at my automobile factory for 2 months without any issues. The past two days I have had severe restless legs, while getting up and walking around helps, it gets bad even while at work. I haven't been able to sleep and just feel plain discomfort. Like my back needs to be 'cracked' and severe pain also. I guess my question is, is this more than likely caused from my lack of pain meds or could it have been there since surgery and I haven't noticed because of the meds? Doctor cut me off them and said I need to find a new job, but I think it can be fixed or handled so I can at least be comfortable. Also on the mri that showed the herniation there was a bulging disc. Could that have herniated as well? I am also on celexa lisinopril and adderall ( which I haven't taken since getting on the narcotics except for the lisinopril ) any advice is helpful to find out more. Have an appointment with a new doctor on the 14th would like to know what to say. I know people abuse narcotics and I don't want my doctor to get the wrong impression.
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I am a RN and I have had years of low back pain with a history of herniated
discs from L3-S1. These symptoms would aggravate me from time to time but, being a nurse, with a
familial history of arthritis I thought it was just par for the course. Until three months ago when i
developed sciatica pain down my left leg and it was present every day, and it ruined my summer.
I couldn't walk without pain, bend without pain and basically was bedridden and depressed all
summer. I am healthy, took NO meds up to this point and I was always a pretty active person. I finally
decided to have the surgery. On Monday 09/30/13 I had a microdiscectomy and was pleasantly
surprised with how easy it was to go home the next day. My pain was minimal, honestly, I do not
think I even needed the Oxycodone, it wasn't that bad. However, I did need the Valium, I noticed
the incision was sore in the am and was happy to have the Valium. By day 3 post op, I was off all
of the narcotic meds and only taking ibuprofen and tylenol (valium at night). Day 5, I was walking, no numbness, no tingling, doing fine... Until I coughed. I literally re herniated from a cough and ended
up back in the hospital undergoing a second round of emergency surgery to remove the extruded
disc. I now have numbness in my left foot and toes that I am so sad about. I have read and read on
line and all that I have heard is that it very rarely goes away, yet the surgeon says it will? Who do I
believe? And how long does it take? I just want my life back (much like everyone here) so, any
information you can provide me with would be very much appreciated. I'm still not having any pain to speak of so, for those of you worried about post op pain, it's really really not bad at all!
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