Question for those who have had surgery

loriguy · 09-26-2003, 08:34 PM

Hi,
For those who decided to have surgery...was it because you were in so much constant pain that you decided to have the surgery? I'm just wondering because when I do have pain it is bearable and I figure if it is bearable then maybe I can live with the pain when I have it. I don't have it on a constant basis but I definately have pain. I've only reached for tylenol a handful of times. But every doctor I went to said right away that I need to have surgery. And I keep hearing all of these horror stories of unsuccessful surgeries. Is it not possible to live with the pain? And does anyone know if I choose to will this incapacitate me later on? I think I have been feeling more pain these days just because I'm thinking about it too much now. I'm fully aware that alot of my problems are psychosomatic. I have to admit I'm a bit of hypochondriac so I hope if I keep a good attitude maybe I'll have less pain?
I'm desperate not to have surgery. Any feedback would be greatly appreciated.
Best of luck to everyone.
Lori

daubie · 09-26-2003, 09:41 PM

Hi Lori. Can you give more details? What type of surgery? What symptoms are you having, and for how long? Any nerve symptoms like burning, numbness, weakness? This will help people give you more accurate info. I had a micro-discectomy after 18 months of pain. I too could control my pain with a vicodin a day, and that's why I put it off for so long. However, I had nerve issues and also my lifestyle changed because I was afraid to do anything physical. These were the reasons I finally had surgery, and I do not regret it. Like I said, post more details, and I'll try to help. Take care, Daubie

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Car Accident 2/2/02
Herniated disc L5/S1
Epidurals x3, PT 4 mos, some relief, but constant foot pain and numbness continued
Microdiscectomy 6/6/03
9/5/03 still have foot pain and numbness but recovered fine from surgery
9/22/03 huge improvement in foot pain in the past 2 weeks, woohoo!!!

Tomorrow · 09-26-2003, 09:50 PM

Hello

Lori,

Welcome to the Healthboards. I agree with Daubie, if you could please give more details. I will give any info I can. Again, welcome and have a great night.

Take Care.

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Cervical MRI 10/02
Loss of cervical lordosis with reversal of the curvature.
C4-5 and C6-7 disc bulges resulting in flattening of the ventral margin of the cord.
C5-6 there is a left foraminal herniation which results in moderate foraminal stenosis In addition, there is flattening of the ventral margin of the cord due to bulging disc.
Cervical Epidural 5/19/03

Lumbar MRI 10/02
Lumbar Lordosis
L5-S1 disc herniation with moderate thecal sac deformity.
L4-5 disc desiccation with bulge which results in mild thecal sac deformity and mild bilateral foraminal stenosis.
L2-3 disc desiccation with Schmorl’s nodule of L3.
Lumbar Epidural 1/30/03
Lumbar Epidural 2/12/03
Lumbar Epidural 2/26/03
Lumbar Discogram 5/23/03
Lumbar CatScan 5/23/03
Posterior Fusion & Infuse on L4,L5,S1 6/30/03
Lumbar X-Ray 7/24/03
Lumbar X-Ray 8/27/03
Still no pain relief....

countrywife33 · 10-02-2003, 09:47 AM

Hi Lori. My husband had surgery in March of this year. He had a herniated disc in his lower back. L-5 S1 and bulging in L4-5. He had a lumbar laminectomy. This is basically right above the tailbone. He is not back to work and is in pain off and on. He told me that the pain before was unbearable but to answer your question, he is not completely pain free and is still seeing the Dr. and having more tests done. I wonder if he would have been better off not having the surgery, but he said he could not stand the pain and he was taking Endocet and Percocet and still feeling pain. Hope you all the best of luck in whatever you decide.

paschn4life · 10-02-2003, 11:04 AM

April 2000
Microdiskectomy L4-5
4 months of pain prior with dropped foot

Lori, The surgery was the best result for me. In addition to the surgery however, I dropped about 30 pounds and starting stretching every morning. About once a month I have some stiffnes and maybe need to take Advil. Other than that, I feel great. I don't believe that surgery is necessarily the enemy. It's not always the rescuer either although in my case, it definitely was.

Liz