Re: Anyone who has had herniated Lumbar discs, tell me what you did.

[Guest guest]

Hi Joe,

Very sorry you're in so much pain, I've had the same problem for.. well was 3

years last month, started in Feb of 2000 and I honestly thought I was

experiencing cramps for the first time in my life, so I put off seeing a doctor

till I was going into work crying.. was put on light duty at work in March, had

tests and finally my first MRI the first week of May and was ordered off work

the day after my daughters birthday, May 15, 2000. I started with an orthopedic

surgeon ....started with meds.. then pt (physical therapy)... then epidural

injections, then steroid injections... he decided he wanted to do surgery in

Nov. of 2000, I asked we wait till after the holidays... he said ok, see ya

January 2... then he decided we'd try everything all over... I decided I wanted

a second opinion from a Neurosurgeon (Yes I woke up!! LOL ) had my first surgery

and 2 weeks later the disk ruptured again, at the time that neurosurgeon didnt

want to put me thru another surgery so soon... I moved back home with my

daughter, knowing my idea of going back to work in a couple weeks wasnt going to

happen and I needed help with my daughter since I didn't know what was to come.

When I saw the neurosurgeon in this area (born and raised here, Toledo, OH) I

was lucky enough to find an excellent family doctor and she referred me to the

top neurosurgeon in this area, has very high credentials... anyhow, he saw me,

looked at my mri, and exact words were... " why the hell didn't he do surgery

right away??? " I was stunned to say the least, he explained to me in very good

detail, tho I know medical terms pretty well from working in a doctors office,

but he put in English that my daughter could understand (she was 7 at that

time). I had my second surgery and we found that unlike the first time when the

disk had buldged out the back and to the left, that this time it had gone out

the back, to the left and to the right a little. Anyhow, that surgery was in

October of 2001 and I'm still on disability and having problems.

Some people are lucky and are able to avoid surgery, or have a successful first

surgery. From what that doctor told me, after a second surgery it is more likely

to go downhill after that. In my case, I not only have disk problems still, but

with surgery in the same place twice, I have double the scar tissue. There is a

procedure that I wont go into detail about because it just is not one that is

pleasant, but they go in someplace and go to that point and scrape away the scar

tissue. The pain management doctor that told me about this was very honest in

telling me 1- its very very painful, you are numbed but awake so that if they

hit a nerve you can tell them (MAJOR OUCH!!), 2- the scar tissue can grow back

and 3- for the pain that you go thru he said it's really not worth it. Why he

gave me that option I'm not sure, prolly b/c he has to as a pain mgmt doc. I

still have what I call " Nerve pain " going down my left leg into my heel that

hurts like major hell, severe lower back pain. I'm on Neurontin 300mg, Percocet

5/325mg, and currently going off of the duragesic patch. I started that at 25,

went to 50, then 75... I hate taking meds so after realizing pain mgmt was not

working for me, I'm back with my wonderful family doc and she is helping me go

off the duragesic patch. I went from 75 to 50 a couple weeks ago and am feeling

more pain, but am dealing with it best I can. The reason I asked to go off the

duragesic is because I've been on it for so long that we don't really know

exactly where my pain level is at... is it real bad and the patch is helping or

when I go off the patch will it be the same? I need to know b/c if its the same,

no reason to be on the patch... if its worse, as it seems to be, then we'll know

and can try to see where we go next.

The last time I posted I was asking about a " friend " , well he's someone I met a

couple mos ago and he's having severe neck probs, still trying to find some info

for him as he's looking at neck surgery Never thought I'd meet someone who

would understand about me not being able to work, etc.. unfortunately he

understands pain all too well but we've connected on so many other levels, I had

given up on finding someone but now, future for that looks hopeful I've

never been married, was with my daughters dad for 12 years too long, finally got

up the guts to leave him and his drinking and abuse behind. Anyhow, sorry got

off track there... just for anyone out there, I'm still wondering what the

future holds, but never give up. I was about to give up so many times but the

thing, rather person, that kept me going was/is my daughter. Now I'm fighting

even harder b/c of my boyfriend, I get my strength from him and it all goes back

into trying to keep his spirits up. He's really got me worried, he's so down but

I just keep supporting him the best I can. His exgirlfriend left him after he

started having problems, in fact there's a chance he may also have MS, trying to

get things going for those tests also. He cant believe I'm wanting to be

involved with him.. I told him that I've never been married (neither has he) but

to me, whether you're dating or married, I take it the same.. very seriously,

you go thru the good times together as well as the bad.

Anyhow, I'm really sorry this post got so long. I hope I can help give answers

best I can of my experience to anyone that needs help or just a " shoulder " . My

main problem is at L5-S1, but I have problems also at L3-4 and L4-5.

Keep your spirits up all, its not easy, I know... just try

Also, anyone fighting disability.... do not give up... I wanted to throw it all

in so many times.. all I can say is don't give up, it is Very hard to get it,

with the top atty in this area for fighting for disability for people, it still

took me 2+ years to get mine approved.

Have a great night everyone and again, I apologize for such a long post.

Connie

Anyone who has had herniated Lumbar discs,

tell me what you did.

> Guys,

>

> I learned how to scream like a girl today. My herniation is

> at L4/L5 and I'm about to go nuts every time that confounded

> thing reaches up and slaps the crap out of me.

>

> I just am wondering for those of you that have/had one, what

> you've done, either surgical or non surgical.

>

> joe (thanks in advance)

>

>

>

[Guest guest]

Hi Joe,

Very sorry you're in so much pain, I've had the same problem for.. well was 3

years last month, started in Feb of 2000 and I honestly thought I was

experiencing cramps for the first time in my life, so I put off seeing a doctor

till I was going into work crying.. was put on light duty at work in March, had

tests and finally my first MRI the first week of May and was ordered off work

the day after my daughters birthday, May 15, 2000. I started with an orthopedic

surgeon ....started with meds.. then pt (physical therapy)... then epidural

injections, then steroid injections... he decided he wanted to do surgery in

Nov. of 2000, I asked we wait till after the holidays... he said ok, see ya

January 2... then he decided we'd try everything all over... I decided I wanted

a second opinion from a Neurosurgeon (Yes I woke up!! LOL ) had my first surgery

and 2 weeks later the disk ruptured again, at the time that neurosurgeon didnt

want to put me thru another surgery so soon... I moved back home with my

daughter, knowing my idea of going back to work in a couple weeks wasnt going to

happen and I needed help with my daughter since I didn't know what was to come.

When I saw the neurosurgeon in this area (born and raised here, Toledo, OH) I

was lucky enough to find an excellent family doctor and she referred me to the

top neurosurgeon in this area, has very high credentials... anyhow, he saw me,

looked at my mri, and exact words were... " why the hell didn't he do surgery

right away??? " I was stunned to say the least, he explained to me in very good

detail, tho I know medical terms pretty well from working in a doctors office,

but he put in English that my daughter could understand (she was 7 at that

time). I had my second surgery and we found that unlike the first time when the

disk had buldged out the back and to the left, that this time it had gone out

the back, to the left and to the right a little. Anyhow, that surgery was in

October of 2001 and I'm still on disability and having problems.

Some people are lucky and are able to avoid surgery, or have a successful first

surgery. From what that doctor told me, after a second surgery it is more likely

to go downhill after that. In my case, I not only have disk problems still, but

with surgery in the same place twice, I have double the scar tissue. There is a

procedure that I wont go into detail about because it just is not one that is

pleasant, but they go in someplace and go to that point and scrape away the scar

tissue. The pain management doctor that told me about this was very honest in

telling me 1- its very very painful, you are numbed but awake so that if they

hit a nerve you can tell them (MAJOR OUCH!!), 2- the scar tissue can grow back

and 3- for the pain that you go thru he said it's really not worth it. Why he

gave me that option I'm not sure, prolly b/c he has to as a pain mgmt doc. I

still have what I call " Nerve pain " going down my left leg into my heel that

hurts like major hell, severe lower back pain. I'm on Neurontin 300mg, Percocet

5/325mg, and currently going off of the duragesic patch. I started that at 25,

went to 50, then 75... I hate taking meds so after realizing pain mgmt was not

working for me, I'm back with my wonderful family doc and she is helping me go

off the duragesic patch. I went from 75 to 50 a couple weeks ago and am feeling

more pain, but am dealing with it best I can. The reason I asked to go off the

duragesic is because I've been on it for so long that we don't really know

exactly where my pain level is at... is it real bad and the patch is helping or

when I go off the patch will it be the same? I need to know b/c if its the same,

no reason to be on the patch... if its worse, as it seems to be, then we'll know

and can try to see where we go next.

The last time I posted I was asking about a " friend " , well he's someone I met a

couple mos ago and he's having severe neck probs, still trying to find some info

for him as he's looking at neck surgery Never thought I'd meet someone who

would understand about me not being able to work, etc.. unfortunately he

understands pain all too well but we've connected on so many other levels, I had

given up on finding someone but now, future for that looks hopeful I've

never been married, was with my daughters dad for 12 years too long, finally got

up the guts to leave him and his drinking and abuse behind. Anyhow, sorry got

off track there... just for anyone out there, I'm still wondering what the

future holds, but never give up. I was about to give up so many times but the

thing, rather person, that kept me going was/is my daughter. Now I'm fighting

even harder b/c of my boyfriend, I get my strength from him and it all goes back

into trying to keep his spirits up. He's really got me worried, he's so down but

I just keep supporting him the best I can. His exgirlfriend left him after he

started having problems, in fact there's a chance he may also have MS, trying to

get things going for those tests also. He cant believe I'm wanting to be

involved with him.. I told him that I've never been married (neither has he) but

to me, whether you're dating or married, I take it the same.. very seriously,

you go thru the good times together as well as the bad.

Anyhow, I'm really sorry this post got so long. I hope I can help give answers

best I can of my experience to anyone that needs help or just a " shoulder " . My

main problem is at L5-S1, but I have problems also at L3-4 and L4-5.

Keep your spirits up all, its not easy, I know... just try

Also, anyone fighting disability.... do not give up... I wanted to throw it all

in so many times.. all I can say is don't give up, it is Very hard to get it,

with the top atty in this area for fighting for disability for people, it still

took me 2+ years to get mine approved.

Have a great night everyone and again, I apologize for such a long post.

Connie

Anyone who has had herniated Lumbar discs,

tell me what you did.

> Guys,

>

> I learned how to scream like a girl today. My herniation is

> at L4/L5 and I'm about to go nuts every time that confounded

> thing reaches up and slaps the crap out of me.

>

> I just am wondering for those of you that have/had one, what

> you've done, either surgical or non surgical.

>

> joe (thanks in advance)

>

>

>

[Guest guest]

Connie -

I really appreciated your post. I had a L3/L4 Laminectomy 2/2001 and

it went so smoothly. No fusion. I was walking 4 hours afer surgery and

left the hospital 26 hours after surgery. The month off was strange. I

wasn't used to not working. But Jerry Springer and I are now pretty

good friends, and Oprah, you go girl!!

Just recently I had 2 herniations in my neck C5/6/7. The surgery was

murder. I was sick and depressed because my dad was dying at the

same time I was getting cut open.

Now L4/L5 is rearing it's ugly head. About the procedure you had

that you won't describe, please e-mail me with the details if you don't

mind. maxwellj@... is the address.

It is really tough to keep up an act at work. It's tough to walk without

limping. I'm meeting my back doctor tomorrow and going to tell him

that I just want to get cut open again. I want to find a minimally invasive

procedure that will let me heal more quickly.

As a matter of fact, I may invite all you ladies down here for a pre-surgery

party. You may not want to go back to your husbands. Ha, I can get

way with that, I can blame it on the Vicodin. I'm going to ask my doc

for the Sams supersize bucket of them tomorrow.

joe

[Guest guest]

Connie -

I really appreciated your post. I had a L3/L4 Laminectomy 2/2001 and

it went so smoothly. No fusion. I was walking 4 hours afer surgery and

left the hospital 26 hours after surgery. The month off was strange. I

wasn't used to not working. But Jerry Springer and I are now pretty

good friends, and Oprah, you go girl!!

Just recently I had 2 herniations in my neck C5/6/7. The surgery was

murder. I was sick and depressed because my dad was dying at the

same time I was getting cut open.

Now L4/L5 is rearing it's ugly head. About the procedure you had

that you won't describe, please e-mail me with the details if you don't

mind. maxwellj@... is the address.

It is really tough to keep up an act at work. It's tough to walk without

limping. I'm meeting my back doctor tomorrow and going to tell him

that I just want to get cut open again. I want to find a minimally invasive

procedure that will let me heal more quickly.

As a matter of fact, I may invite all you ladies down here for a pre-surgery

party. You may not want to go back to your husbands. Ha, I can get

way with that, I can blame it on the Vicodin. I'm going to ask my doc

for the Sams supersize bucket of them tomorrow.

joe

[Guest guest]

> I just am wondering for those of you that have/had one, what you've done,

either surgical or non surgical. <

I am wondering also about the lumbar herniations...what my choices will be when

I go back to the doc in a few weeks. Can't find a whole lot on the net what my

discogram results said...treatment wise. (L3/4-linear tear, L4/5-radial tear &

herniation, L5/S1-vacuum disc phenomonen & compression)

How did you " scream like a girl " ? Are you okay?

[Guest guest]

> I just am wondering for those of you that have/had one, what you've done,

either surgical or non surgical. <

I am wondering also about the lumbar herniations...what my choices will be when

I go back to the doc in a few weeks. Can't find a whole lot on the net what my

discogram results said...treatment wise. (L3/4-linear tear, L4/5-radial tear &

herniation, L5/S1-vacuum disc phenomonen & compression)

How did you " scream like a girl " ? Are you okay?

[Guest guest]

Connie...

You say you had the surgerys and procedure...what are the surgerys and procedure

called? I don't want the one where they scrape the disc while you are awake...I

am so tired of people hurting me. But would like to go in knowing the names of

everything when I next talk to my doc so I can be prepared.

Thanks!

[Guest guest]

Connie...

You say you had the surgerys and procedure...what are the surgerys and procedure

called? I don't want the one where they scrape the disc while you are awake...I

am so tired of people hurting me. But would like to go in knowing the names of

everything when I next talk to my doc so I can be prepared.

Thanks!

[Guest guest]

>

> Joe,

>

> So you are only inviting the married women to your pre-surgery party?

LOL...... dang I wanted a vacation to NC again. I know you are hurting a

lot and it is starting to limit your lifestyle. I hope you find the answers

you are seeking soon and are able to return to a full life with no pain.

Hang in there!!

>

>

I've had my best luck with married women. Actually, my back

doctor doesn't want me to have surgery yet. When he heard I

had to wait until the 18th for an Epidural Steriod Injection, he pulled

some strings and I got my first treatment today. It's supposed to

take effect in 1 or 2 days.

And, when I mentioned Topomax, my doctor switched me from

Neurontin.

joe

[Guest guest]

>

> Joe,

>

> So you are only inviting the married women to your pre-surgery party?

LOL...... dang I wanted a vacation to NC again. I know you are hurting a

lot and it is starting to limit your lifestyle. I hope you find the answers

you are seeking soon and are able to return to a full life with no pain.

Hang in there!!

>

>

I've had my best luck with married women. Actually, my back

doctor doesn't want me to have surgery yet. When he heard I

had to wait until the 18th for an Epidural Steriod Injection, he pulled

some strings and I got my first treatment today. It's supposed to

take effect in 1 or 2 days.

And, when I mentioned Topomax, my doctor switched me from

Neurontin.

joe

[Guest guest]

> > I just am wondering for those of you that have/had one, what you've

done, either surgical or non surgical. <

>

> I am wondering also about the lumbar herniations...what my choices will be

when I go back to the doc in a few weeks. Can't find a whole lot on the net

what my discogram results said...treatment wise. (L3/4-linear tear,

L4/5-radial tear & herniation, L5/S1-vacuum disc phenomonen & compression)

> How did you " scream like a girl " ? Are you okay?

>

Well, the effect of my L4/5 herination are that my leg from my

knee down to the bottom of my foot tingle and I also mimic

sciatica, and the screamer, it feels like someone has taken

a meat cleaver and buried it in my left calf. Sometimes it's

so bad I can barely keep my eyes open. I've just had

an epidural steroid injection and hope that will help. I'm

researching surgeries right now, but my doctor says not

to worry for now.

joe

[Guest guest]

> > I just am wondering for those of you that have/had one, what you've

done, either surgical or non surgical. <

>

> I am wondering also about the lumbar herniations...what my choices will be

when I go back to the doc in a few weeks. Can't find a whole lot on the net

what my discogram results said...treatment wise. (L3/4-linear tear,

L4/5-radial tear & herniation, L5/S1-vacuum disc phenomonen & compression)

> How did you " scream like a girl " ? Are you okay?

>

Well, the effect of my L4/5 herination are that my leg from my

knee down to the bottom of my foot tingle and I also mimic

sciatica, and the screamer, it feels like someone has taken

a meat cleaver and buried it in my left calf. Sometimes it's

so bad I can barely keep my eyes open. I've just had

an epidural steroid injection and hope that will help. I'm

researching surgeries right now, but my doctor says not

to worry for now.

joe