Hi Mel,

I had this operation on 2 levels L3-4 & L4-5. Recovery is about 3-4 weeks,and the the spot that they went into is very sensetive. It took alot of much needed pressure off of me at the time, for about 2 years. Than it started acting up again. My cousin also had it done on 3 levels,and same thing with her. They don't seem to last forever. I mean I am sure some people find a lifetime of releif,but there are many of us that continue to have episodic flaring and issues.

The orthopedics don't seem to talk about us too often because nobody would have it done if there was an evident risk of re-herniation or continuing pain. Also scar tissue forms up in area, and now I have stiffness,& reduced mobility. I never want to discourage anyone form finding releif,but I thought I would share this with you nevertheless, because my orthopedic told me there was a 98% success ratio. There was never any mention of re-herniation or pressure on subsequent discs.