Hello.
I am 4 weeks post lumbar laminectomy (L-5, S-1). My Dr. said it would help with the sciatic pain in my right leg. Which it has...I occasionally have pain in my buttocks and on the top of my leg. BUT...my back still hurts...low back and mid back. I also have herniated discs (L-4, L-5; L-3, L-4; and L-2, L-3). He said my back was a "train-wreck" and a fusion at this point would cause the "domino effect" we are all aware of...I am still taking my meds throughout the day. I have dealt with chronic pain for the last 4 years. So, I know I am tough. Is it normal to still be hurting at this point? I had my follow up right before Christmas and he is keeping me off work until mid Jan. I still have some swelling on the right side of my incision by mid afternoon...I am still careful about sitting up more than I should. He wanted me to keep on eye on this...but the last couple of days I have developed a rash on the right side of the incision, almost parallel to it. Has anyone experienced the rash 4 weeks post-op? That is a little concerning to me. I don't have a rash anywhere else and haven't had steri-strips or tape on my back in almost 3 weeks...maybe 2 1/2. Any ideas? THANKS!!

Hi,

I had a lumbar laminectomy done on the L3-4, L4-5 discs on 12-13-06. I had pain in both legs but the right being more severe. It still currently hurts pretty bad. Around the incision site I have noticed I have small bumps. I was told that it is a heat rash. Also, around the incision site it is still pretty stiff with a burning sensation. The doctor told me it would burn for a while due to some muscles being cut. I just hope this pain goes away.

Have you had any luck with your pain going away?
Good luck. Hope you feel better. :)

hi, just thought i would let you know i had the same sugery and 8 months later my left foot is still numb. My left calf and but still hurt and my back hurts more now than it did before the surgery. sorry! best of luck..

Thanks for your response...I can't see it but only feel it and my husband said he thought it looked like a heat rash....not not sure where it came from...good luck to you.

I am sorry for you. I pray I get some relief from all of this. Back pain is a terrible thing for anyone to live with...I understand all of the voiced concerns of depression on the board. I just want to go back to work and hopefully can modify it enough to survivie. Good luck to you