Can Anyone Help me?

Robinson14 · #1 12-11-2010, 02:15 AM

It has almost been a month after my posterior lumbar microdiscectomy. The first couple of weeks after surgery I had tolerable pain, however I felt much better than before. Last Friday I developed a severe onset of pain which starts out in my low back and shoots down my leg and into my foot. I've not been able to sleep over 3 hours per night and it's really became a concern. I called my surgeon up and asked him what was going on and he told me that it could be inflammation, but it may be something serious. He prescribed me neurontin and medrol and told me to see him in a week if it hadn't helped.

I visited his PA on Thursday in which he examined me and asked some questions. My ankle reflex in the leg that is affected is diminished. I have extreme weakness and muscle loss. He also did some kind of straight leg test and it hurt really bad. The guy told me that about 1 in 10 people reherniate the disc and he thinks I might be one of them. I go for an MRI next week then return to see how everything looks. Has anyone that has had a microdiscectomy had this same type of pain post surgery? Will I have to have another surgery? Any advice would be greatly appreciated! Thanks.

jss · #2 12-11-2010, 10:27 AM

Robinson,

Many condolences on the lack of improvement. I'm afraid that I can't address any of your questions. I have seen that lumbar patients often require many months to recover. Here's hoping that such is the case for you rather than needing more surgery.

Good luck, Jeff

Harrison · #3 12-11-2010, 12:52 PM

I would definitely seek out a pain management doctor, and ask about the different classes of anti-inflammatories which may help. Skipping right to a powerful drug is "cheating," and may not help, so try to get a referral asap. An over the counter NSAID such as ibuprofen may help in the meantime.

Keep us posted!

Robinson14 · #4 12-12-2010, 02:13 AM

I will definately ask my doctor this week about pain management options. I'm crossing my fingers and hoping I don't have to have another surgery. Thank you guys for your help!

Robinson14 · #5 12-22-2010, 10:14 PM

Well everyone, it turns out that I have herniated the disc again. My surgeons PA told me that 1 in 10 people reherniate after the microdiscectomy and I am one of them. I have to go for revision surgery on Jan. 3rd. I have no idea how it happened,thePA said it wasn't anything I did, it just happens because of the weakness in the disc already. He told me if it were to happen again, we would talk about a fusion. Hopefully it will go better this time. If anybody has any advice I would appreciate it greatly!

jss · #6 12-23-2010, 08:51 AM

Well fiddlesticks!

Did they diagnosed this from your symptoms or an MRI? You will be having the same surgery again? I don't suppose that you're getting around any better?

Here's wishing you better luck this time around.

Jeff