Hi everyone. Well after a nightmare 3 months, the pain from a (HUGE as the doctors tell me) L5-S1 disc herniation is mostly gone. Meaning I'm finally off the narcotics, and am no longer rocking on the floor on my hands and knees 14 hours a day.

Since this started, my right leg and foot have been very numb, and that numbness hasn't changed the tiniest little bit. In fact, if anything, lately it seems to have spread ever so slightly to above my knee on the outer right side of my thigh. The numbness seems more intense in the mornings. I also get occasional electric shock sensations in my foot and although I'm not visibly limping anymore, I still find it very tiring to do anything close to the amount of walking I used to do.

I saw an orthopedic surgeon recently (who I really liked!) and he said studies show that where the numbness is concerned, it doesn't seem to get better any quicker with surgery, and he said he wouldn't want to do the surgery unless the pain comes back. I've talked to many who have had surgery who say "avoid it at any cost". But then I've also read that the longer the nerve is compressed, the greater the chance of not getting the feeling back. Is this true? I've only had this for just over 4 months, which is NOTHING compared to what some of you have suffered. But I hate the thought of being left with this permanent numbnesses and weakness. I'm only 36.

As well, the surgeon said the pain COULD come back. How likely do you think that is? I just about broke out into a cold sweat when he told me. I hope to never experience pain like that again.

Anyway, thanks for reading...

kd

p.s. Quite often, especially after a day when I did too much walking, I get pulsing, stabbing pains in my right foot.To avoid the pain, I would have to do practically nothing all day. That's what I'll do if it means a better final outcome, but I'm not sure if taking it easy will necessarily make this heal better or faster. Should I be still be substantially cutting back on my normal pace and routine, or is it better to be building up my endurance again? Any suggestions?

Hi KD,

I too have nerve compression that results in sciatic pain, but mine is from stenosis and spondylolisthesis. I too have read that the longer the nerves are compressed the betterchance you have of it becoming permanent. However, I have not had a single spinal specialist tell me that.

My husband had a ruptured disk 14 years ago and due to doctors' advice, he decided to avoid surgery. It probably took him about 6 months to get back to something resembling "normal." He is the example of doing everything right. He keeps his weight at a normal weight, sits with the proper posture, mostly avoiding any overstuffed furniture. He spends one half hour EVERY morning doing his back exercises -- and I mean he NEVER skips them. I joke that I could tell him a tornedo is about to hit the house and he would wait to leave until he finished his exercises. He is careful how he lifts things, etc. Certain activities do get to him, like raking or gardening, so he limits the time he spends doing them...and then comes in and lies on the floor for a half hour. Knock on wood, he has been fine and free of pain ever since. He runs 6 days/week (about 3 1/2 miles) because he enjoys it and wants to do it. I personally think he is crazy but it is a release for him, and so far it seems to not have damaged his back further.

I tell you this because there is hope that you will not have another episode.

xxTsohl :wave:

I sure hope you're right -- thanks for the encouragement! And I hope your husband's back continues to give him no problems.

kd

Before my surgery I did not have the sciatica pain. I did have nerve damage in my calf and part of my foot. The surgeon never gave me a guarantee that it would change after surgery. They said my nerve was actually tied in a knot. Now a year after surgery I have horrible nerve pain down my leg into my ankle. They think scar tissue pressing on the nerve. The surgeon said that it can take a long time for the pain to go away because when you touch that nerve you irritate for a long time. I'm waiting to have an EMG to see what the damage is. I think it is a crap shoot. Everyone is different. I had to have the surgery to fix the vertabra so I don't regret it. Just thought I would have less pain by now.

The numbness will progress to the leg becoming useless and not support your weight...it is permanent.