Recurrent disc herniation.

Hi

I had decompression & discectomy surgery in Oct 2020. At the time I was unable to walk & was in severe pain. I was also losing sensation in my rear. This was the L4/5.

24hrs later I had the same surgery on the L3/4, as this had developed the same issue within 24hrs. It had looked normal on the MRI done 48hrs earlier.

Having completed rehab, in Sept 2021 I developed similar pain again. This was diagnosed as more disc coming out from L4/5. I had the same surgery again. This resolved the pain but left me with a dropped foot, & numbness in my lower leg.

3wks into my rehab from this, I began to experience a sharp buttock pain. Over time this pain has reduced but is still sharp on standing & walking initially. I've only been able to start physio in the last couple of weeks owing to the pain.

I am not currently working so am not particularly active, not that I'm really able to be.

An MRI scan has now determined that the buttock pain is due to a small piece of disc from L4/5 again.

My consultant says surgery is available, however this is my decision!

Any thoughts please?

The buttock pain is bearable at the moment but I'm not exactly leading a "normal" life. My concern is if I start working somewhere again, could the increase in standing, walking, moving etc, make the pain worse & mean surgery anyway?

Should I take a few weeks, try increasing activity & see how that impacts things?

Should I just go ahead with the surgery as this would at least sort the pain?! The surgery is not without risks operating on the same disc for the third time & my lower back in general for the fourth.

My other concern is why has this suddenly started happening repeatedly?! My surgeon says it's wear & tear & could happen to anyone

I'm a 45yr old male. Yes I carry too much weight but before this used to exercise 4-5 times a week in the gym & completed Couch to 5k so was generally fit & well.

My surgeon wants my decision in 48hrs!

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