has anyone had success w/discectomy?

[sfmcfar]

Hi,

I'm still on the fence regarding my finally-approved ADR. As I've mentioned before, my back pain, although consistent, hasn't been too bad the past few months - probably a 3-6, depending on activity level. I can work full-time, can play golf (although not for two days in a row), I can drive a car. My sciatica, though, is slightly worse - when it flares up (a couple of time a week) it's a 6-7.

Does anyone think that discectomy might be a reasonable next step instead of taking the "big leap" to ADR?

Also, my fear is that since I'm in relatively good shape, would ADR be less effective for me than for someone much worse off? In other words, if someone who's a 8-9 on the pain scale is reduced to a 3-4 (which I'm already at), am I risking too much by choosing ADR?

[David]

If you don't mind me asking....:

How long have you had DDD / herniation?

What other less invasive procedures have you tried, and when?

What % of your pain is low back pain / leg pain / buttock pain?

Do you have any numbess in your legs?

Thanks.

David

there are those that are much more educated than I here and have a more 'sensible' way to answer this, but my discectomy did not last. It is being approached correctly by the questions asked by David because each individual is unique and there are many nerves and problems associated with lower back pain. I did not know this and did not even research anything as well as some of yuo here on this web..., when they decided that I had a bulge and told me that I would get relief from this surgery that I now know was a minimal procedure - I feel screwed because the LNI/ WC company is calling it quits on me and are saying that I had my chance to get better and that is it. My MRI is now showing that exact same bulge back again within 2 years and I have foraminal narrowing down to 6 mm and all sorts of associated nerve ended troubles where they heated up the fiber to get into the disc _ BUT, but but but, not all discectomy patients have failed procedures and I did not want to scare anyone by this JUST wanted to share mine with you all.

I was told the procedure took an hour to hour half and was wheeled out of there 2.5 later and people were talking behind my back when I came out, my 14 year old told me 3 weeks later that he thought something went wrong when I was complaining of 3rd degree burns all over my legs and then the surgeon tried to hide it by injecting me (4 times) afterwards saying I should not be limping after this surgery....

I did not mean to steal this thread, but this is my experience.

Just be careful, study this out in your mind and heart about what you are doing next, I hope that there are ways to fight the pain that we all are trying to get thru, Good luck Stan

[sfmcfar]

David,

I injured my back moving a freezer in 1998. I now have 80% disk collapse at L5-S1 as well as a fairly large herniation.

I've tried:

physical therapy;
two series of epidural steroid injections;
acpuncture w/electrostimulation;
high doses of Vioxx.

The back pain is constant, the leg pain flares up a couple of times a week and lasts for a half-hour or so.

I have constant numbness on the back of my left calf, and on the bottom and outside of my foot, corresponding exactly with the S1 nerve. It's been this way ever since I injured it.

David, I just looked at your MRIs - your L5-S1 looks almost identical to mine, except I have a little more collapse of the space than you do.

[David]

Keeping in mind that I am not a doctor, from what you say, a discectomy *might* alleviate your leg pain / numbess for a period of time (maybe a couple of years).

My *personal* philosopy (again, *opinion*) is that a discectomy is only a stop-gap measure. Generally, with a discectomy, it might alleviate your pain for awhile, but eventually, you will probably require surgical intervention (fusion or ADR).

That being said, I was basically faced with your type of decision a few months ago. Due to the fact that I have 0 leg pain / numbness, I decided that a discectomy was not in my best interest.

To put it a different way, if I wanted to play golf (which I have no interest in), I can't. I refrain from any physical activities that don't involve me going to or being at work (desk job).

If you are thinking about potentially pursuing a discectomy, I would at least suggest you look here:

Dr. Yeung's SED procedure

I considered it, but decided against it. Ultimately, as much information as you gather, only you can make the final decision as to what to do.

While we are on the subject, if you are DDD @ L5-S1, then I also might suggest you don't completely write off fusion over ADR. From what I hear, fusion at L5-S1 doesn't really limit one's range of motion as opposed to fusion at higher lumbar levels...

Edit: If you are at 80% disk collapse at L5-S1, then (again, in my opinion), you should probably do something sooner than later (if you want to go down the ADR route). If the disk height gets bad enough, most surgeons won't recommend ADR at that level.

David

[ans]

My sense is if you have back pain, then you might need a discogram to rule out "discogenic" pain. This would indicate imo either a fusion or ADR. But bear in mind that there are other pain generators that might be involved but this is beyond my ken.

Good luck, ans

[Dale S]

Stan,
When I ruptured S1/L5 and L4/L5 in 1994, I was not given any options other than discectomies. Though the surgery was considered successful, 100% had a different meaning. Some movements always caused pain and I now had scar tissue that doesn't like to stretch.

In 2001 I reherniated not only at the same two levels, but also at L3/L4. I reherniated again before even healing from my second surgery. My DDD has advanced to L2/L3 - 4 bad levels.

Given what I know now, I wouldn't have a discectomy unless absolutely necessary. Failed back surgery syndrome has a name because it is all too common.

I wish you luck whatever your decision.
Dale

[Harrison]

Stan, your question is perfectly framed! Dale offers exactly my feelings -- that "partial" solutions, though sounding benign and safer -- are only a temporary solution. I can only say this after talking to many folks through the years, but many here on this board have shared this observation...

[djscal]

Stan,

I had 95% back pain 5% leg pain and my discectomy at L5-S1 was a complete failure. No relief at all. My take is that is that a discectomy can help if you have mainly leg pain, but if you have discogenic back pain it is not likely to help.

Dan

[Alastair]

if someone who's a 8-9 on the pain scale is reduced to a 3-4 (which I'm already at), am I risking too much by choosing ADR?
Yes I think you are, just because a disc has collaped then it is not always a "Pain generator" from what you say a discectomy could be a first step and take it from there - -- ADR is VERY major surgery and I think we talk bout it a bit too lightly here sometimes.

The back pain is constant, the leg pain flares up a couple of times a week and lasts for a half-hour or so.
That really is nothing for a normal week.
I have constant numbness on the back of my left calf, and on the bottom and outside of my foot, corresponding exactly with the S1 nerve. It's been this way ever since I injured it.

Well a discectomy might just fix that and its an endoscopic proceedure which is a very minor surgery -- - home in 3 hours -- - we have lots of success with this in the UK
Take care
Best
Alastair