DEGENERATIVE L4/5 DISC PROTRUSION

Hi

I've just had an l4/5 micro discectomy (24th june) and know how you feel. I tried everything. Have done for years but it got to the point I had to basically demand surgery. They didn't want to perform it due to me only being 27 and having 2 herniated discs and 2 rotting discs but I couldn't go on any longer.

I had nerve root blocks on 5/5/2015 and they lasted 6 days. I then didn't have an appointment until 8 weeks after so I called up and asked for it to be moved forward. I got in on 1/6/15 & told the surgeon that the operation was my last resort. I had my pre op assessment a week or so later then got a cancellation for the 24th June - so before what would have been my 8 week check up.

I am recovering quite well but due to other health problems (joint hypermobility syndrome ) I am a little slower than a normal person would recover. You are looking at 4-6 weeks if healthy.

Hope that helps.

I suggest you call for an earlier appointment

Hi if I ever had the chance not to have surgery I would definitely pass I have been destroyed by it carry on with alternative medicine please avoid the knife at all costs regards peter

Hi,

I'm 11 weeks tomorrow post op, I stayed in 1 night and can honestly say I've not had any painkillers since that day, I had instant relief, I was up and walking 3 hours after op with no leg/back or nerve pain.

Recovery is normally 4/6 weeks mine ended up being 6/8 because disc was completely removed as too badly damaged. As long as you take it easy and don't push yourself, no lifting, twisting or bending for a while you should be ok.

Good luck :-)

Hi I'm 7 weeks post operative following a two level PLIF and decompression. I had been receiving regular steroid injections and epidurals for 7 years, until last year when the orthopaedic surgeon decided that I needed the operation. 

I was only in for one night, woke up from the operation with no sciatic pain and within a week was mobilising without crutches and not needing any pain relief. 

i have just gone back to work and walk 5k-10k per day plus swim 3 times a week. I sleep well and still don't need any pain relief. 

I didn't have any after care and won't see my surgeon for another 3 weeks but I could see my GP if I needed to. 

It's the best feeling in the world to be pain free. 

When you see your surgeon next, ask for the operation. 

Hi i had a nerve root block under ct guidence 4 wks ago and luckly for me it seems to have worked I AM STILL ON ALL MEDICATION DUE TO GO TO CHRONICPAIN CLINIC ON MON TO REDUCE SOME as still on slow release morphine too,How long did urs last for.

sorry to hear you are in so much pain amd hope you get your surgery.

thanks Sue

Hi

I have had surgery (Laminectomy) to decompress spinal Cord due to bulging disc at T10-T11- middle part of the back( very unusuals disc to go) just under 3 weeks ago.

First night post operation in extreme pain could not move but thereafter recovery was rapid, left hospital after 2 days and have been totally mobile and walking with no issues (still have nerve sensations in legs as before op. but this can take weeks or months to improve- if at all). Was on pain medication for 2 weeks but eased off most of those now, so my recovery post op. has been fantastic - but I was relatively fit before the op. which helps.

If I was to give you one bit of advice do your homework on Surgeons - there are the good and then there is the "rest". 

Any other help you want and I can give I hapily will do so- I know you are in a scary and painful place the only way to progress things is to take contol and demand referral.