1. Community
  2. Brain and nerves
  3. Spinal Problems

Lumbar decompression

Posted , 3 users are following.

ann2402
ann2402

hi, I had a decompression at L4/5 8 weeks ago, I was having pain and numbness in my right leg, and pain in lower back.  My surgeon advised decompression ans fusion.  After much thought, and discussion, and doing Pilates I decided that I would go ahead with the decompression but not the fusion.  My surgeon said it was my decision, although advised the fusion.  However we went ahead, I was five days in hospital.  I still have pain in the leg, although that comes and goes and it's not as bad, but I have more pain in my back than before, especially around the sacroiliac joints.  So worried, is this normal, really don't want to have further surgery... Heat and lying down helps, is it normal to feel like this, 8 weeks after surgery? 

0 likes, 6 replies

6 Replies

  • Catty2
    Catty2 ann2402

    Posted

    I am sorry to hear you still have back pain. Can I ask why your surgeon advised fusion - was this because of worn or herniated discs? Presumably you had an MRI scan so your surgeon wouldn't have suggested a fusion unless he/she though it was necessary. I had a spinal fusion at L4/5 plus decompression for stenosis in 2000. It worked very well, although I had a 6 month recovery period because of both procedures. I was pain free until 2 years ago, apart from a slight residual foot pain. Unfortunately, I have now got a return of the stenosis and a disc bulge at S1 causing me leg pain and back pain when sitting. I have no idea whether the initial procedures all those years ago have now worn out and caused my present problems. My current surgeon ( previous one has now retired) advised a nerve block, but this hasn't worked. I also have spinal arthritis too with facet joint pain, so my issues are probably more complex than yours. 

    Are you in the UK? If so, then there are centres of excellence which you could explore where the surgical procedures are very successful. Let me know as I may be able to offer some advice on where to go if you're not happy with your current surgeon.

    Take care and best wishes for a speedy return to health,

    Catty2

    • ann2402
      ann2402 Catty2

      Posted

      Hi Catty2

      thsnks for your reply, yes I have spinal Arthritus with facet joint pain, it sounds like we have the same thing.  My surgeon is very good, it was me that decided against the fusion, he said I needed it as the facet joints were degenerating and the decompression, has obviously made things more

      unstable...all the things that you have said has happened seems to happen to everybody! I feel now very sceptical about any spinal surgery, I

      feel that my back is not going to heel, maybe it's early days but pain and

      discomfort is there all the time.  I am not convinced the fusion is the

      answer as it weakens the joints above and below, a never ending story.

      i am in London UK.  

      I wish you all the best too!  

      ann2402

  • JeremySt
    JeremySt ann2402

    Posted

    Hi Ann, I first had decompression at L4/5. No pain for three weeks then the excruciating pains returned down my right calf. In 2.5 months following the decompression I had two double spine injections and lots of PT. Nothing worked the pain continued. I then decided to take my surgeon's advice and have the fusion (TLIF L4/5).

    So, 5 months and 10 days after my decompression I had the TLIF. The calf pains disappeared instantly. That was a great feeling! I was in hospital for three days. I am now 12 weeks post fusion. The only discomfort I have is discomfort/ache/mini back pain when I get up from lying down. This is diminishing but ever so slowly!

    The strange thing in my case is that I was instructed NOT to start PT until week 14 post fusion. So have done no PT to date!!! I am hoping that when I start PT next week it will get rid of the back mini pains. Another thing, pre either op I never had back pain (but did have unbearable right calf pain as I said).

    That's my story (as far as the spine is concerned anyway).

    Would I recommend fusion? Yes, definitely. I was in hospital for three days, out and about after 10 days and started driving again after 4 weeks.

    Please feel free to ask any questions on my fusion experience.

    One other thought re my back mini pain: it may well be that my bad left hip [which will be sorted next month - this is another story!] is causing it.

    If you decide to have the fusion and you don't have hip problems then it may very well be that after your fusion you may end up completely pain free. I'll drink to that, good luck! Jeremy

    PS if you have the fusion and if, as happened in my case, you are asked not to do any PT until after week 13 post op, then I would seek a second opinion on the PT front

    • ann2402
      ann2402 JeremySt

      Posted

      Thanks Jeremy,

      I also went to see my surgeon last week, he is doing the injections on Wednesday, funnily enough, over the weekend the pain has recuced a bit, but it may just enable me to walk without discomfort so aid in the strengthening of the core muscles... I.ll give it a try.  He then said after two months we will review, and possibly do the fusion.

      Great to hear how well your surgery went well, and that your virtually pain free, I do feel i should of had the fusion with the decompression, as the surgeon suggested, I just had a terrible fear of the rods/cages/ etc.  but as he said to me last week, if id of had an accident and damaged my spine there wouldnt of been a choice! its great to hear some successful stories

      Annie

  • myc1
    myc1 ann2402

    Posted

    Hi Ann,

    If there is one thing I have learnt it is that there is no such thing as 'normal' after any sort of spinal injury or treatment. I had fusion surgery five months ago and it was a complete success and I've been pain free ever since. But I think I must be in the minority from the number of people I've read about who got little to no relief after fusion surgery. I think the skill of the surgeon is probably the overriding factor.  

    I'm unsure what decompression surgery entails (I will Google it) but if you are still in pain you might want to consider fusion. Those lower vertabrae aren't really involved in bending so when they are fused, it doesn't take away your flexibility. I can still touch my toes!   

    I never did have pain in my lower back - it started deep in my left butt muscle (the Minnie Mouse one) and went all the way down my leg to my big toe. I wonder if your lower back pain is from the surgery, causing the muscles to spasm? If heat and lying down helps, try lying down, bending your leg at the knee, then holding the knee as you pull it gently towards your same side shoulder. Don't bounce, just hold that stretch for 30 seconds and repeat on your other leg. Do that three times and see how the pain level feels afterwards. If it helps, you can add things like pelvic tilts which should help speed up your recovery.

    Good luck, Ann. We are all rooting for you.

    myc

    • ann2402
      ann2402 myc1

      Posted

      Hi

      Thanks so much for your reply, went to see my surgeon last week, he has suggested a couple of injections, he said that would enable to carry on with the recovery without pain, and be able to walk, to build up muscles and core.  We will then review in a couple of months, if its still the same, i think I will be having the fusion.

      so pleased to hear about your fusion and your flexibility, and how quick your recovery was! its good to hear a 'good news' story.

      I am doing those stretches, along with the pelvic tilts, so feel i am getting a little stronger, and they really do help 

      Thanks for your support, really appreciate,

      Ann

Back to top

Report or request deletion

Thanks for your help!

We want the community to be a useful resource for our users but it is important to remember that the community are not moderated or reviewed by doctors and so you should not rely on opinions or advice given by other users in respect of any healthcare matters. Always speak to your doctor before acting and in cases of emergency seek appropriate medical assistance immediately. Use of the community is subject to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy and steps will be taken to remove posts identified as being in breach of those terms.