2weeks Post op sciatic pain has returned

Good day everyone.

I was pleased to find this site/discussion and it has helped to see others input.

In any event, here's my story...

I originally hurt myself 12 years ago and had a l4/l5 laminectomy after 2years of absolute torture, excruciating pain, physical therapy, cortisone shots and doctors basically telling me they were unsure what the issue was. Finally they ordered an MRI with contrast which showed my injury. I opted for the surgery, as I had absolutely no quality of life whatsoever! I couldn't stand, sit, lie down, get into any position that was comfortable. It was explained to me by the neurosurgeon, that my body was in constant spasms due to the discs pushing against my spinal cord and the nerves. Needless to say, I had the surgery, awoke to literally no pain other than a bit around the incision. This to me was amazing, especially considering the fact that I was experiencing non stop pain from my low back all the way down my left leg, to my ankle. I never looked back, surgery was a complete success. Two years post op, I was experiencing some pain, had another MRI, was told I had another slightly herniated disc, Dr stated we should try cortisone shots, which I did and it did not resolve the issue, however the pain went away on its own. Occasionally through the years, my back and sciatica would "act up" about once per year and would put me through a bit of torture so to speak, however it would only last about 6 weeks during weather changes and it would be over. This year that was not the case. My back pain and sciatica began and was not going away, had another MRI with and without contrast, come to find out, that disc that was slightly herniated years back, was now extremely herniated and as both my gp and ns stated, was extremely bad. The ns, whom is never one to recommend surgery, recommended it.

It is 10 years to the date of my first laminectomy, and yes, I opted again for the surgery. When I awoke, I had severe leg pain, same as when I went in, so needless to say, I was not experiencing the same results as the first surgery and was very discouraged. The Dr and nurses assured me all surgeries are different and to give it time. Also the fact that this is my second surgery, I need to take that into consideration. Once home, I noticed the sciatic pain was all but gone, I was very pleased. I've been walking and resting per Dr's orders. I am now two days shy of two weeks post op and for the past few days my sciatic left leg pain has returned. I'm really trying to stay positive, as I'm generally a very positive person and I'm also a person with an extremely high tolerance for pain,however, it's difficult to be positive when you're in fear that this will be your life so to speak. I feel good when walking so far, sitting is difficult and of course I have a desk job... I'm sorry for having such a lengthy post, just wanted to give you all the entire story and see if anyone else has experienced something similar. I'm seeing my ns in 3 days for my post op and will see what he has to say, however I feel people that have been through it can offer better advice.

Also, my first surgery I was 30, I am now 40, in great health otherwise and at the normal weight for my height. BMI is also in the normal range, just to also give you all a better understanding. Thank you ahead of time to any and everyone who takes the time to read and reply to me

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