Having Second Thoughts

[Guest guest]

About a month ago, I found out that I have a very large herniated disk

(L5-S1). It’s pressing against my sciatic nerve. I was in a lot of pain from my

sciatic nerve. I actually was able to find the herniated disk on my MRI films.

It wasn’t hard to find. I’ve got the pain under control with meds. My

Orthopedic doctor/surgeon said I needed surgery (microdiscectomy) to remove the

herniated part. He said it would relieve the sciatic nerve pain, but not the

lower back pain. And that I’d probably develop arthritis in my lower back. The

past few weeks, I no longer have the pain going down my leg. I still have some

lower back pain between my spine and my hip joint. I’m supposed to have the

microdiscectomy at the end of Jan. But I’ve been re-thinking about having

surgery since I don’t have the pain going down my leg. My hubby suggested

getting a second opinion. My Orthopedic doctor/surgeon is one of the best in his

field and is the only one who does the micro-surgery at the

hospital. If I were to get a second opinion, who would I go see since he’s the

only who does this type of surgery? Any suggestions or advice? I’m not nervous

about the surgery – it’s the 6 weeks of recovery that has me stressed out.

Cyndi in Michigan

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