:confused:
7 weeks into L4 /L5 herniation ...at the end of the day I look like a comma.
, does anyone else have this problem or recovered from it?

Treatment so far chiropractic (failure) ongoing-physical therapy, two epidural shots so far, currently looking into Vax- D. :rolleyes:


Thanks :D

does your job require you to be on your feet a lot or lifting? I remember when I thought, well, knew i had done something new to my back since the surgery I had a year before b/c I couldn't stand up straight when I'd leave work. I didn't have ins then though-so we didn't have any tests done until July of this year (re-injured Dec-ish of 2002)(surgery Micro-d feb 2002). The only thing that even helped a little was quitting my job! Anyway, I am sorry you are having this too, it is so not fun.

Sounds like you have thrown a lot at it in an attempt to recover. You dont mention resting at all. Has your Dr explored a more conservative approach. I recently was diagnosed with a bulge at L3/L4. My Dr has requested I rest for 3 weeks before commencing therapy. I have been doing so now for 4 or 5 days and am beginning to sense a redued level of pain and have been able to subsequently reduce pain related meds. Fortunatley this year retured to Full time stud Grad Dip Prim. Ed and in Aust we are now on holidays so can afford the time off although financially its not ideal. Good luch and hang in their. Avoid prolonged sitting and standing in the one place.

All the best

Losy :confused: :wave:

From what I have read, Vax-d is not a good option for people with herniated discs or who have had spinal surgeries.

Are you saying that your ruptured disc was discovered 7 weeks ago and that you are in PT? I would give that another month, before looking at anything else. If the herniation is very large, you may have to have surgery; especially if it is touching on a nerve.

Good luck.

Carol

what is vax-d?

Thanks for all your replies... :)
re:resting ..I have been resting, and resting... I can't rest all the time.
I am 44 years old, and have a family to take care of, and can't stand being still for too long!!

I am ruling out VAX-D for the time being because my Doctor and Phys Therapist have advised against it, :nono: and I am not finding much postitive opinion outside of those who work with VAX-D .

(re what is VAX-D)
I got this from VAX-D.com

What is VAX-D and how does it work? :confused:


VAX-D (Vertebral Axial Decompression) is a patented medical technology that gently stretches the spine and decompresses discs. Pressures in the lower lumber spine can be as high as +180 mm of mercury during many common daily activities. VAX-D Treatment is able to reduce the pressure in the lumbar spine down to levels of –180 mm of mercury, allowing fluids and nutrients to re-enter the disc; reducing swelling and relieving the pressure on pinched nerves. In short, VAX-D breaks the cycle of pain caused by bulging and degenerated discs and helps the body heal itself.

Patients are treated fully clothed and are fitted with a harness that fits around their pelvis :eek: as they lie face down on a motorized Table. A Certified VAX-D technician operates the Table from a computerized console. Each treatment takes about 45 minutes. Most patients find VAX-D to be comfortable and relief of pain can usually be noticed in the first few sessions.

Hi all: :wave:

Kenny, I'm 44 too....

I have a ruptured disk at L-5 which is impinging the Root of the S-1 nerve. My PCP had done a MRI and wanted to refer me to a Neuro Surgeon, but I was NOT READY to hear what a NS might say...I wanted to try less invasive techniques....my first attempt was VAX-D...the consult says that 70 % of patients are success cases...It is NOT recommended for people with spinal stenosis... :nono:

I had 15 "pulls", and each time, I felt worse...I was released from my last 5 treatments and was refered to a NS because my mobility had gotten so bad....I now walk like a Stroke victim....I went to the NS the next week...The first thing he said was he wanted to do surgery in two days...but I teach college and needed to get thru the end of the semester...so I opted for the ESI instead...That lasted me one week and one day....

My foot drop is More SEVERE than before...and ALAS, my surgery for a Micro Diskectomey will take place on Dec. 10th. One night in the hospital, and I will be back at work when students return on Jan. 6th. Thank Goodness this problem is not in my Cervical Spine, or I wouldn't be able to teach Sign Language... As it is right now, I can sit and lecture, AND Sign,.....Unfortunately, I was in the 30% who DID NOT benefit from VAX-D...I did see a LOT of success cases coming through for treatment on a Daily basis...just didn't work for me...

I'm at Peace with the surgery...I know I can't keep going like I am now...I can't feel my ankle or foot...at times I have to physically pick up my foot with my hand.... :eek:

So I think when I wake up from surgery I will be much better off than I am right this minute. Good Luck with whatever you decide. :)

Heres to many pain free days in the VERY near future for us all. :)

:angel:
Becky

Kenny, I am sorry you are having pain. I have been there. Don't be frightened by going to a neurological surgeon. A good one who specializes in the spine will also try to relieve your pain with nonsurgical means before performing surgery. I personally tried just about everything although vax-d is not available in my area. I am about 3 months post op for a microdiscectomy at L5,S1 and I was so thankful this thanksgiving that I could walk like a normal person and sit down to dinner with my family. Educate yourself as much as possible too and make sure you understand what lumbar surgeries are all about. Good luck!

Becky, I wish you luck in your surgery. As I said above I am about 3 months post op and it has truely been a blessing for me. I awoke from surgery with no leg pain. I have since developed some pain in my foot but this is controlled quite well with Neurontin. I should even be able to snowboard this year. After your surgery, don't push yourelf too much. Listen to your body and take care of yourself. The first thread on this board for post surgery suggestions is great. I recommend you read it and prepare for your recovery. Three things that are essential are a raised toilet seat, a grabber and a positive attitude. You are going to do great!

Alan

I have an orthopedic spine specialist. Either an ortho or a neuro with a spine fellowship would be good.
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