[Let me know how the neurologist goes. I am glad you are going for the evaluation. If you can bring someone with you. The docs tend to take it more seriously when you have witness to what you are going through. I kept a pain journal, with complete discription of the pain with me also. That way I didn't forget anything. I sure will be thinking of you.

Also to all other back sufferers, I hope that you can find some good help so you can get back in the swing of life. Though mine was cervial in nature, I do not regret for one minute doing the surgery I did. ginnie

Joe

I hurt it really bad around the 1st week of March(5-6 weeks before that it hurt ony when i bent..but it wasnt bad). Started PT begining of April. Was able to to calf raises only towards the end of the 3rd week of PT which was last week.

The place I'm going to is kind of small. I'm thinking he doesnt have the equipment you use.

Rad

---GOOD NEWS------ CALF IS BACK BABY!!!

It isn't 100% yet but I am walking normal and both neurosurgeons say I have no major weakness, someone was really looking out for me. I still have leg and hip pain and I am borderline abusing narcotics to get around during the day, but I am functional. Neurosurgeon has recommended surgery due to the large size of my herniation. The Neurosurgeon believes that the herniation is too large to heal on it's own accord and the Micro D is the best choice for me due to my career, my age and my good health. I feel very positive abut it, especially considering I am taking drugs to function day to day.

1. I dropped my Physical Therapist but not my physical therapy. I do the excersises that don't hurt me and make me feel like I am making progress, pre surgery now and I intend on doing PT, lots of elliptical cardio and swimming everyday with breaks on sunday.

2. I am continuing with my spinal decompression and massage routine up until I have my surgery. My Chiro has agreed that surgery is my best choice at this point, injury to today has been over 3 months.

I am flying to a military hospital in Texas to have the surgery, this NS is very experienced and there have been very little complications for Micro D's from this department. I am praying that this pain goes away from the surgery.

I had my microdiscectomy on Tuesday the 28th of May. A large herniation at L3 / L4 with severe femoral nerve pain running from my groin down the front of my leg to my shin.

From the moment I was wheeled out of the surgery room I have been pain free. even my surgeon told me when he was pulling the disc material out of my back he said "ladies and gentleman the pain has left the building". Since my surgery I have had 0% pain from my groin, hip or shins. I even have no pain at all on my incision site. I have completley stopped taking all meds, no neurontin, oxycodone or even motrin.

I admit the recovery is the hardest part and that I have a long road to recovery. I thank god that I am out of pain and for all of the support I have recived through friends and family.

I have been walking about 1 mile, 3 times daily. I will increase my walking distances every week but I have no plan on doing any working out, excersises or stretches for at least a month and a half.

I consider myslef to be one of the lucky few who has had no post op pain or neuropathy. I will keep you guys updated on my progress.

Hi! I too, was experiencing the same problems you were having. I had a severe disc herniation with nerve root compression on my L5/S1. I also had a discetomy/lamintectomy but it was open rather than micro surgery. I too was completely pain free afterwards but as time has gone on it has become disabling. Went 12 years in Law Enforcement to now disabled. Anyway, I just wanted to say that I am glad your surgery went so well and to not over do it even though you feel so much better. Also, treat your back real nice. Even though you feel good it will not be back to 100 percent mechanically wise. No bend and twists! Glad you are doing great!

Pendora,

How did it become disabling? Did you end up going back to work after the operation? Was Surgery non another option? I'm still taking it easy almost to the 2 week mark. Not out of the woods yet.. I will keep posting my progress.

Hey JoeP, Well like your surgery, I was completely pain free right after and it did last for about 3 years. I went back to work after 12 weeks. I had 2 weeks of doing nothing then the rest of the time I had PT 3 times a week. I walked also. I had no problems at all but as time went on the arthritis set in and now I have a large disc bulge in the same level and the one above and moderate to severe facet arthritis and DDD. At the time, I couldn't walk and I basically was told I was going to have surgery. I did have to do a lot of bending,twisting, and carry heavy things at work so I think that took it's toll. I now can't stand, sit , or lay down for very long before I have to move and am in constant pain. I am doing the PT and have a fusion surgery looming it's ugly head at me. Surgery will be my last resort. Anyway, my point was I just don't want you to overdo things because I know how you feel so much better. Build your strength back slowly. I think you are going to do good. My surgery was also an open rather than micro so that might make a difference. I am cheering you on! I think things will go well for you.

I am having spinal decompression and laminectomy next friday. I have sever S1 weakness(can't do a single Bilateral calf raise) and numbness in both heels. No Achilles Reflex S1. My quads are getting week. I have been a practicing Chiropractor for 32 years seen 45,000 new patients. My Mri demonstrates sever spinal stenosis. L4/5 both anteriorly and Posteriorly I will try and add image. The worst I have ever seen. Walking is a chore and can't play any sports. Have a Experienced Surgeon 25+ years of doing this lumbar procedure, University Prof. Says statistics say 65% chance of very favorable outcome.
Was looking for some post-surgical posts, but I will post to his site in a few weeks and let you all know how it turns. out. A good chiro would not adjust the lumbar spine. I adjust the Sij all the time with lumbar problems. Adjusting the Sij will free up the lumbar spine with minor stenosis. I do it all the time, but when the stenosis is sever with + mri, + neuro symptoms, and sever weakness, Surgery is necessary. Keep ya posted.

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Good luck!