I have a bulging disk L-4,L-5,S-1. I also have nerve damage on both sides I am in pain managment now and all I am getting out of that is pills, sleeping pills nerve pills pain pills. And I still hurt and have burning down my legs and my hips all the time. I can not sit for long, walk for very long or just stand. My whole life has changed because of a stupid accident.I am 41 yrs old and I really do not want to have to take pills for the rest of my life because I was told I would hurt till the day I died. can anyone give any suggestions. There has to be something!

I can empathise with you. Back in 1990 I spent months and months taking tablets to treat the pain following two attempts to surgically rectify a prolapse at L4/L5 and L5 S1 before a fresh approach by a neuro surgeon identified the need for me to have a fusion. To cut a long story short post op rehab was the answer. It lead to a reduction in medication, increased fitness and improved lifestyle.

Im now (14 years post op) in a similar predicament to yourself following a bulge at L3/4. I and am taking a range of medication and supplements (pain, muscle spasm, vitamins etc) I try to look at the bigger picture having been down this track before. My Dr has said as he did in 1996 that I will have residual pain for the rest of my life but I now know from previous experience that the levels he was referring to are manageble and that I can live a very normal risk free life with minimal medication. I know its hars to see the forest for the trees or is it the trees for the forest??? but it will improve given the right approach. If you are concerned seek a second or third opinion.

My Dr is careful in terms of avoiding addictive meds. I have learnt to accept that at times I will need to take meds to manage pain levels. I have however found that increased mobility and exercise (walking swimming) have lead to a decliing need to use meds. I am at present required to rest for 3 weeks before attempting physical thearpy which I again hope will lead to a decreased need for meds.

Good luck and hang in there

Losy :bouncing:

Hey Texasduchess... I can completely relate ... I had a disc herniation 9mm at L5-S1 and had a Hemilaminectony/discectomy back in June of this year.... had complete relief for approx. 2 weeks and the pain returned, I now have constant burning, aching, tingling, crawling, in my lower back, hips, buttocks, back of my right thigh, side of my right calf, and my right foot....I can not sit , stand, or walk for very long periods of time, before all I can do is go lay flat on my back to get some relief, I have been through the physical therapy, the walking, walking, walking, after surgery....until the pain got to the point I can't continue to do that, I have had a series of 3 ESI injections...didn't help.... taken Keppra, and Neurontin, they didnt help, was removed from them, Since surgery have had MRI's.... XRays.....Myelogram/CT....All show normal discs.... but had a EMG/NCV...back in Sept... and it shows Nerve Damage of the S1 nerve... and Chronic Radiculopathy.... So now my Pain Management doc has said that basically we are looking at Time and Meds... he said that the nerve could possibly heal but it would take a long time... so he says we will try a new medication called Zonegran...its another antiseizure med... and continue my Vicodin...Hopefully this will put me at a more tolerable pain level...Because of my age.. will be 38 in a couple weeks, he doesnt want to do any permenant implanted devices yet......he said that if after a reasonable amount of time that he fills I should be healing or the meds have not helped....., if I still have pain.. then we will consider either a Neurostimulation Unit...(delivers electronic stimulation) or a Interthecal Medication Delivery Unit..(delivers morophine in measured doses)....both are permenant devices implanted in the abdomen....I know this may not be much help, but I know for me it is helpful when I know there are others out there that can relate to the situation I am in... Hope things improve for you.... Good Luck!!! Take Care

:angel: