Looks like this surgery is in my near future unless something changes with the quickness. I’ve been dealing with a degenerative disc in my L4-5 for the past 10 years. It’s flared up on me twice in 2013 and 2017 which I treated with epidural shots, PT and chiropractor adjustments. It’s now flared up again and it’s the worst it’s ever been. I’ve never experienced pain like this in my life!! I’ve been crippled for over two weeks now. I can not put my full weight on my left leg without causing significant discomfort and pain. The only way I can walk is with a Walker and that’s still painful but bearable. I tried two steroid injections one of which was a deep epidural that put the steroid on site of the issue and below the issue. MRI shows a moderate herniation that is compressing/pinching my sciatic nerve that runs down my left leg. I have not improved with rest, steroids and some very moderate activity/exercise. It seems the more exercise I try the more aggravated the nerve gets. In other words, I can’t do anything without making it worse. I can not sleep in a bed as that causes constant throbbing leg pain for some reason. Thankfully I can sit and only have minimal discomfort/pain.

I really do not want surgery but I can’t continue doing nothing and hope it gets better over time. I only have so much leave from work that I can use. For those that’s had this procedure what were your results and opinion if you are willing to share? I have a close friend that recently had the procedure by the same surgeon I plan to use and he said it was a life changing decision for the better. He is no longer in constant pain and has very few issues now.

My back is doing the same thing. I’m not as bad during the day but not being able to lay in bed without it hurting makes it hard to get any rest. I sure hope they can help you.

I hate the treatments have had no effects, Praying for the disectomy to be a quick and permanent success and you to find some relief buddy!

Only advice I can give, is to not let anyone touch your spine, other than a neurosurgeon. That's not one for the ortho guys.

I’ve dealt with a herniated L5 for 20+ years. My MRI actually said extruded. My chiropractor said that’s the last sliver of hope for that disc. Long story short chiro had helped me but my days are numbered. I can tell that it’s getting worse. Getting in and out of a vehicle or just getting off the couch is a chore. I’ll walk slumped over like 100 yr old man for a bit before I can straighten up.

To answer your question, I personally haven’t had the surgery but work with some guys that have. Most have had success with it. 1 had to have a 2nd surgery but was 15 yrs later or longer. Good luck to you. I’ve been there and done that with the crippling pain.

chiropractor is only thing that helped me. Pain burned down my right leg so bad I couldn't hardly walk.

I had it done 7 years ago. Best thing I could have done. Zero problems since the surgery.

Mine got so bad in 1986 that I would be walking thru the plant and would just fall. The second time this happened, the company nurse was several steps behind me. Later that day, she walked by my desk and laid an appointment card on my desk. I had it done and have had little-to-no issues since. Do it, but as Fur said, this is only for the neurosurgeons. Clarence Watridge did mine. At that time, he was with UT School of Medicine out of Memphis.

I had a lumbar laminectomy around 15yrs ago for the same things you are describing and it helped me tremendously....But, it is starting to wear off because of degeneration of other discs, Its one of the least invasive back surgerys so I figured I would start there, before I let them replace any discs, like they were wanting to do....I would do it again tomorrow, cause I know what kind of pain and agony your going thru....

I’m not sure of what the procedure is that is mentioned. I have friends that have had 2 rods and 2 screw put in and others that have had cages put in. Mixed results but most were glad they had it done.

I was checking because I have 2 blown disk and L5-4 and some tears. Bad nerve pain down my right leg. I use a tens unit almost every night and chiro when and as needed.

I had a procedure mentioned where they shave the ruptured disk for relief
I was given Dr Larry Parker’s name in Huntsville.

Praying for you bro.... I've always had a strong back but sometimes I overdue things and my right or left lower back lets me know I messed up...

I had this same procedure done, where they shave the disk. It was life changing! I have zero pain in my back now. It was completely worth it.

I had it done in 2014 on L3. Was fine for about 2 weeks and then the nerve scarred down. It took years of chiro and PT to get it tolerable. Don't have much problems with it now. I have to keep my psoas muscles loosened up or it starts hurting again. Praying for the best for you. Like others have said, this is neurosurgeon territory.

As already stated,it’s the least invasive.Seems like you’re on the right track,you exhaust every other option before the knife.This is just a simple procedure of trimming the disc where it’s impinging on the nerve.I’d agree with Fur to stay away from an ortho.A neurosurgeon should be the only one working on your back.Just stay away from a fusion,at least until you’re ready for a drastic lifestyle change, or retirement…

Praying for you bro. I’ve been going through something very similar with a compressed femoral nerve. Was on my back for 17-18 days. Have you tried gabapentin?

I'm hoping you have a quick recovery. I'm scheduled for lower back surgery two days before Thanksgiving. Spinal stenosis. Not really a lot of back pain. Phantom foot pain and periodic loss of sensation/control of my legs. Good luck to you.

Growing old sucks, but it beats the alternative.

I had this exact surgery performed Thursday 11/9 @ SE health /Dothan. Laminectomy,Micro Diseconomy L4/L5. Neurosurgeon Dr McNeil performed. It was outpatient and I was home by lunch. I’m still dealing with pain/soreness but can walk. It’s been hard getting up and down and I can’t get comfortable but I think I’m turning the corner. Walked about 1/4 mile today.

I’ve been taking gabapentin and anti inflammatory meds which seem to help.

Gabapentin is the debil. Don't cold turkey quit that junk.

Really

What kind of side effects?