Well..................it finally happened.
I had to have back surgery. Totally blown out discs at L3-L4 and L4-L5. Actually they used the term sequestered discs. I had been having issues for about 8 years from an old injury at L4-L5 mainly to the right sciatic nerve sometimes down the leg but it usually cleared up after a couple of days rest. Over the years the bouts became more and more frequent and lasting longer each time. Towards the end of all this the pain was lasting 4 or 5 weeks before it would heal up and the time between bouts became less and less. I have had 2 really bad painful bouts so far this year each lasting 5 weeks with only a month or so of good time in between.
It all came to an end about a month ago when I literally felt L3-L4 blow out to the left side. Instant pain down the left leg and it felt like someone was taking a crowbar trying to pry my knee and lower leg apart. My left leg was numb to touch and was so weak I could barely walk. It was mainly affecting the femoral nerve to the quad and knee area. Total numbness down the front of my leg from above the knee to the foot.
I went to the ER and basically was told it needed to be fixed ASAP. Any worse and you start to lose bladder and bowel control. I asked when they could do the surgery and was told the next day. Talk about having to make a decision quickly. I was admitted to the hospital that evening.
So............... I'm now 2 weeks post op from a double laminectomy and the back pain is gone. Stitches are out but I'm still restricted to lifting only 10 lbs for the next month. My left leg is still weak and numb but was told that could take 6 months or more to return to normal. I have some post-surgical pain down my left leg too that is being somewhat controlled by anti-inflammatory meds and Neurontin for the nerves. All in all it hasn't been that bad. The residual pain is frustrating but I was told that while it's not "normal" it's not unexpected given the amount of damage to the discs and nerves and due to the amount of work they did to clean it up.
I'll try to give some updates along the way. But the moral to all this is don't try to tough it out. If you have a really high pain tolerance like I have you may possibly be putting your health at risk if you don't see a doctor about an injury. I should have gone to the doctor at least a year ago and then I probably wouldn't be having these residual issues. Listen to your body. Stay strong and stay healthy.