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disc surgery dilemma

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louisa66844
louisa66844

I have prolapsed disc l5s1 with radiculopathy and left lumbar sprain, just under two weeks till spinal fusion surgery. I also had problems with urinating, had retention ( wouldn't go all day then realized that's why i had a sore stomach),had bowel,bladder repair 4 years sgo.i injured my back over 10 years ago,was severe,crawling around etc but then it improved as inflammation went down, went to chiro. Which made it worse being disc injury,didn't take anti inflam. Tabs(big mistake),bout yr ago lost feeling in legs and pain was extreme, i have been walking few kms few times a week and my back feels alot better

There is still pain lower back pelvis and my right ankle,behind knee and calf pulls often,i am not sure whether the risks of surgery and post surgery degeneration outweigh the benefits of possible pain reduction?

0 likes, 4 replies

4 Replies

  • STD
    STD louisa66844

    Posted

    I don't claim to know a great deal about spinal fusion surgery, but it does seem like a major step. Personally, I would want specific confirmation that:

    a.) There were no other less radical treatments available (although I note that you seem to have suffered for quite some time);

    b.) Most importantly, is the surgeon using a minimally invasive method regarding the spinal fusion surgery. They don't have to leave a massive surgical scar down your back these days. The benefit of a more modern approach is, apart from the cosmetic benefits, it requires less recovery time and also means cutting into the body tissues and muscle less. Internal operative scarring can cause pain issues all of its own over time. I would want to check that the surgeon was using the best methods.

    I suspect that you will need to research this matter yourself. My own experience of the NHS is that they will fob you off with any old method unless you actively seek out information and ask the relevant questions.

     

    • louisa66844
      louisa66844 STD

      Posted

      Thanks for your thoughts, it got me asking those questions i needed to so i could mske a more informed decision. I don't know about uk but nz dosn't seem to use laproscopic procedures with fusions as the rate of error is high, there are so many structures there.so though i would like laproscopic i understand the need to identify and protect all main organs,arteries etc.i am having it done privately and one if the best spinal surgeons in wellington doing the op so i trust i'm in good hands.

  • terrielou
    terrielou louisa66844

    Posted

    Hi louisa66844 I had a discectomy on l5s1 just over 3 weeks ago and I can honestly say today at this moment it was worth it.I had all the leg back pelvic pain also that is gone now now just the surgery pain is all i have left and that seems to be improving every day .I had urinary retention also that went straight away after the op ,be prepared the pain in the first week or 2 is like notthing you have now .But it will get better .Im so glad I had the op even just to get rid of the leg pain and shocks in my foot made it all worthwhile .Hope you get sorted soon !
    • louisa66844
      louisa66844 terrielou

      Posted

      Great to hear your on the mend! I decided to bite the bullet, or brave the knife and have the procedure, i think the benefits outweigh the small % of risks and i know time will heal as well as zinc tabs and vitamin e cream lol. Alot of pain now for a life with reduced ir no pain and proper allignment is a good trade off i reckon, for me anyway. Rest up and keep moving!did you have a fusion with your procedure and did the surgeon place a spacer to restore your height where old disc was or is it preserving what you still have?
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