Herniated Disk Surgery?

Question

Has anyone out there had successful herniated disk surgery to there lumbar spine? I have 3 herniated disks, one bulging, one dehydrated, of the 5 disks of the lumbar. I have spinal stenosis, osteoporosis, osteo arthritis, and scoliosis in my spine also. Tell me your stories? What do you think I should do? Who was was your doctor or what was your treatment. Please help. This pain is terrible. I'm afraid to get surgery.

Answer 1

Surgery is probably the only thing that will treat your pain.

You shouldn't reject a well-respected treatment (surgery) just because one (and only one; that's a pretty small sample size) person didn't have the success she wanted.  Everyone is different and each case of back problems is different.  I doubt that you can validly compare her case with yours.

So my vote is for the surgery.

You could see a pain management doctor, and you still might want to in order to get you through to the surgery date, but meds are not a good solution.  (Sometimes meds are necessary because an operation doesn't always work as well as you'd like, but that's different than the situation you're in.)

Answer 2

I know your are afraid but different people have different reactions.  

Answer 3

I am a neuro ICU RN... I have seen HPN surgery plenty of times! USUALLY the surgery goes quite well! You should get a NeuroSurgeon to do the surgery and no one else. The surgery is a Lumbar Laminectomy. The pain should be alleviated once you get the surgery (well shortly after) But of course everyone is different. I had 2 uncles receive this surgery and they both recovered differently...  but they are both doing great today. I would definitely GO AHEAD with the surgery, i think the benefits out weigh the risks (if that makes sense!)

Good Luck!! =)

Answer 4

~ Hi ~! I'm so sorry about your health issues. I do completely understand the pain and frustration of lumbar spine issues.

I actually had a a very large herniated disc which required a Microdiscectomy. I had severe hip pain that radiated from my spine and severe leg pain (I could hardly walk). By the time I had the surgery, I was literally limping when I checked into the hospital prior to surgery. I expected to still be limping or be in MORE pain when I left the hospital, but to my amazement I was walking better the day after surgery! I didn't even need to take pain medication (which I was having to take prior to surgery.) The pain in my leg from the disc herniation was completely gone (I'm guessing the herniation was causing compression that lead to the leg pain). I was so happy to finally be able to walk without limping.  

I lasted for 4 years completely pain free and it wasn't until a stupid move of my own (bending down WRONG and attempting to lift a big of soil that was was WAY to heavy for me to lift, we were doing yard work). I knew right when I did it, I had completely injured my back, it was like I felt something move and I couldn't even walk. A subsequent X-Ray revealed a completely collapsed disc. L4/L5 level and a fusion was necessary. =( I won't get into the specifics of that surgery, but my recovery went well - just not as quick and PT was required Post surgery.

A Neurosurgeon performed the Microdiscectomy and a Orthopedic Spinal Specialist performed the Fusion. Both, surgeons were wonderful with excellent follow-up and great communication.

I think you do need to consider that everyone responds differently to surgery and since you do have other health issues you're managing, you might consider that in your healing time. And be patient with your healing time.

Important things to consider:

- Communication with your Doctor and his staff his key. Ask for as close to specifics as he can answer, what kind of pain relief you can expect from this procedure?

- Ask if there are any accommodations you should have to your home for post-surgery, eg; raised toilet seat, etc., If you get this all handled prior to surgery it will make the recovery time much easier on it.

- Once your home from the hospital, if you notice any intense pain (other than normal healing pain), that comes on all of sudden, contact your Doctor's staff.

You are in my thoughts. Best of luck with your surgery. =)

Answer 5

Well, my dad has the surgery done and he said it was a major relief and speed bump for him to cross. He told me the surgery was fine, since you would get enough anesthetic to ease the pain, while in surgery I advise you to continue to ask the doctors for more anesthetic depending on how you feel. My dad said it was well worth it, since he has no longer felt much pain in his back, I hope you go through with the surgery and I pray that you will heal quickly and safely.