severe pain after L-5 S-1 diskectomy

[Guest guest]

hi there, i am a new member. i was diagnosed with a severe ruptured

lower disc with some back pain. i kept working for 10 months before i

pursued going to the drs.

i tried therapy with no relief. i rolled over in bed one night and had severe

pain in my right leg. i had a diskectomy with relief of the pain in my leg but

now have severe back pain.

i tried pilates, therapy again but no relief. i had a spinal epidural which i

thought helped but now i believe i have more pain. i am now on a fentynal pain

patch of 50mgs.

is there anyone out there with similar problems like mine? i have lost my job,

house etc. i am pretty much confined to the house now.

i do daily exercises to strengthen my muscles which helps temporarily. i have

tried a TENS unit which also gives temporary relief. have i missed trying

something? thanks.

[Guest guest]

Connie,

I'm Terry from South Carolina. Did they fuse two at the same time they did

the diskectomy ? How long ago has your surgery been.

After I had my disc removed from L5 to S1 they didnt fuse it and it did cause

pain from it also scar tissue will cause a lot of pain.

I am now fused from L3 to S1 and have a spinal stimulator implanted in my spine.

Its like a tens unit inside your body but you get better stimulation and

stronger too.

I have found walking helps me more then anything else so I walk a lot and no

matter how bad the pain is I make sure to keep moving.

Terry

[Guest guest]

kparkerdunn20

How would you like to be addressed?

Just a word on the epidural injections. After I had my first one

about 4 months ago for sciatica from stenosis in the lower spine, the

neurosurgeon told me I could have another if it didn't work, which it

did. Apparently, for some, it takes more than one injection to get

relief. You might want to ask about getting another one.

Sue

[Guest guest]

I also herniated L2-3 and L4-5. I waited for almost a year and then

had surgery (not fusion). That was five years ago and I still have

the same incapacitating pain now.

I have tried everything after the surgery, including physio, tens

machine, acupuncture, 36 prolotherapy injections (ouch), daily

muscle strengthening exercises including aqua therapy, walking 2

miles a day. I wear an orthothic back brace all the time but nothing

has helped the pain. I take painkillers and have tried Fentanyl

patch and pure liquid morphine, nothing helps. I too have lost

everything, I was a dance teacher and now I can't dance, also my

husband left me as a result.

I have degenerative disc disease so maybe that is the problem. I

don't know anymore and can't get a straight answer from anyone. They

just write me another prescription. How about you?

Good luck with your pain. I really hope you find something that will

help.