just had back surgery, laminotomy/discectomy L5-S1...
hey bros, haven't been on the board in awhile, had been going through some serious back trouble...i'm 29, first had problems at 22...back would go out, couldn't stand or walk for a few days...i've got some disc degeneration at L4-L5 and L5-S1, genetic gift from Mom, but this has progressed quite a bit over the past six or seven years. since April, it had been giving me more problems than usual, so i started some PT, did the traction, E-stem, heat/cold, stretches/exercises, went to a Chiro for a few weeks, did some AccuSpina "high tech" traction for a few weeks, had a couple steroid injections...basically, my point is, after my last inject, which was a Facet Block, a couple days later, it was hurting more than usual, and the following morning, i couldnt get outta bed, couldn't go to the bathroom...couldn't move at all...THE PAIN WAS WORSE THAN ANYTHING I'VE EVER EXPERIENCED! i had to have an ambulance come get me, and after a couple days in the hospital, and another MRI and xray, an orthopedic spine surgeon came in and asked me what i wanted to do...naturally, since i had tried all the conservative treatments i could think of, and from my current condition, i decided it was time for surgery...
it's been nine days, and the relief is fantastic...i've got some residual pain in my left glute, but it's only when i put pressure on it...i can sit again without pain and numbness, and i can finally sleep normally (not laying on my stomach with a pillow under my pelvis)...
i know, i've heard many horror stories, my chiro especially...lots of people seem to have more problems down the road, and issues with pain and such...but i guess i just wanted to hear from some other people who have had similar issues...
positive success stories would be best, since i've probably heard my share of the negative ones...QUESTION: the people who end up having problems down the road, and needing more surgery and such, do you think it's from a lack of proper care and maintenance, i mean, are they doing the necessary rehab and strengthening of their core and CAREFULLY watching how they move and lift, or do they return back to their original lifestyle and that's what ends up causing the problems?
the PA said that this was the largest herniation he's ever seen removed in over 10 years...he was suprised that i was able to even stand/walk before. i know that after you remove the disc, you're left with some instability since your discs do not regenerate...i was just wondering what some other people have experienced...
anyone know about a new procedure involving some sort of artificial disc? i'm going to read up on it some more, as it may be an alternative to a fusion i would think...any input appreciated
they also want me to stay out of the gym for a GOOD while, no PT even for some time...they say that it's a good sign that i was able to sit in the car for 40minutes today and drive into work...i'm taking it easy, but he said that some people can't even sit for 15 minutes several weeks after the operation...anyhow, thanks for all your responses in advance...it's good to be back
AM
