Back Surgery

[RhondaHonda]

I had years of low back pain and at 39 it came to a head. The worst pain I have ever experienced as well as numbness down to my left toes. My wife took me to the ER with low back pain that kept me from standing or walking. Got admitted after my MRI and went right into emergency surgery the following morning. Microdiscectomy and a laminectomy of the L4-L5. Felt immediately relief upon waking up from surgery. Stayed a day or two and the full recovery took about 18 months.

I would’ve been bed-ridden for life if this happened 100 years ago. My neurosurgeon is highly regarded and did a great job. I still had some aches and it would about buckle my knees if I sneezed or coughed too hard but that eventually went away. I’d say I’m 95% now, 5 years later, and am so thankful the surgery alleviated my issues.

 

[ripcord]

I went through that for a couple years.

I swear every time I'd start to consider surgery, I'd start to improve a little. So, I'd decide to wait and then inevitably it would get really bad again. This roller coaster continued until finally I decided I didn't have much to lose. My overall quality of life was quite low, and the odds of success with a microdiscectomy are quite good.

I scheduled the surgery and sure enough, started to feel a bit better. But this time I was committed -- basically a "fool me once, shame on you. Fool me dozens of times over years, shame on me."

But I am agreeing with @ripcord -- if you go to a surgeon with a herniated disc, all a surgeon can do is cut on you. If this is a recent injury, you may wish to give it time. The body's ability to heal can be remarkable.

Each individual must decide when they've lost too much time and want to try more drastic measures. There's no one answer or formula.

Also, an honest surgeon will give you honest odds on reduction in back pain, reduction is sciatica, and more. You'll likely find that if those were Vegas odds most people would be millionaires.

The last observation I'll mention: quite often we speak of pain on a scale of 1-10. What few understand -- and we quickly forget -- is that an occasionally brief 10 with periods of zero to 2 in between is WAY better than a constant 5 or 6. After months and years of nonstop 5, 6, 7 and more, you're emotionally raw. It was hard on my marriage and every aspect of my life. Be prudent but set a timeline for how much life you're willing to lose to pain, and weigh this against the odds of an improvement with surgery.

Really glad you got relief!

One thing my neurosurgeon said is that about 30% of the population has herniated or bulging disks and are asymptomatic. It's the same with the meniscus in your knee. Repairing stuff surgically doesn't always make things stop hurting because the defect you see in imaging is not always the real source of the pain.

I have a friend who was having really bad middle back pain but it turned out to be phantom pain radiating from elsewhere. What was actually the source of his pain were adhesions in his shoulder and neck from a past injury where multiple muscles had healed wrong and stuck together. He got eventual relief after they surgically separated those muscles.

 

[D60]

I had years of low back pain and at 39 it came to a head. The worst pain I have ever experienced as well as numbness down to my left toes. My wife took me to the ER with low back pain that kept me from standing or walking. Got admitted after my MRI and went right into emergency surgery the following morning. Microdiscectomy and a laminectomy of the L4-L5. Felt immediately relief upon waking up from surgery. Stayed a day or two and the full recovery took about 18 months.

I would’ve been bed-ridden for life if this happened 100 years ago. My neurosurgeon is highly regarded and did a great job. I still had some aches and it would about buckle my knees if I sneezed or coughed too hard but that eventually went away. I’d say I’m 95% now, 5 years later, and am so thankful the surgery alleviated my issues.

With my L4/5 in 2007, I was first surgery of the day (about 7 or 7:30a). I was home by noon that day. They told me to walk a mile the very next day if I could.

If I could walk a mile (or may have been 1/2 mile for the first two weeks - can't remember now) I could remove the stupid compression socks which are basically panty hose. Since I've never been much into Rocky Horror, that was all the incentive I needed to do the walking, plus I enjoyed getting out.

I was fortunate that I could take time off work, and I live on a quiet private road where distances were easily figured and great for walking in peace. In some ways it was really nice to have a truly good reason to slow down and smell the roses, er sage brush and pinion

 

[Al]

People in the medical field will tell you to do back surgery as a last resort.

 

[cheetah50]

After reading everyone's replies here, I think I'm gonna try to do more of my PT exercises and walk more and just try for the best at the moment. I may end up needing to get a career change , just try to find something less stressful on the body at this point. I'll worry about that though when the time comes, At the moment I don't think I could do my dream job if I was offered it right now. Appreciate everyone's replies, its always good to hear from experience.

 

[ripcord]

After reading everyone's replies here, I think I'm gonna try to do more of my PT exercises and walk more and just try for the best at the moment. I may end up needing to get a career change , just try to find something less stressful on the body at this point. I'll worry about that though when the time comes, At the moment I don't think I could do my dream job if I was offered it right now. Appreciate everyone's replies, its always good to hear from experience.

One thing that helped me was an inversion table, used very gently and with moderation and after I was more on the mend. No hanging upside down, just at a gentle angle for short periods of time that helped stretch the muscles and create space between the vertebra.

 

[billt460]

I'm not trying to come off as being "anti medicine" here. And I'm sure if you were to look hard enough, you could most likely find a video that refutes everything this guy is saying in one form or another. But the reality is medicine is a business... A very expensive one.

As always, money manages to complicate everything. And usually not in a positive way. This guy makes a lot of sense, and gives examples and reasons for everything he puts forward. Especially regarding surgery in older patients. Anyway, I thought it was worth a look.

 

[2002 Maxima SE]

I'm a believer in the McKenzie method. A PT introduced it to me years back after 2 painful disc ruptures in my neck about 7 years apart from each. There are 2 books, one for neck and one for back, which are available on Amazon. Highly recommend as I thought at the time I would need surgery at some point. I have not been to PT since discovering the books. That was 13 years ago.



https://www.spine-health.com/wellness/exercise/what-mckenzie-method-back-pain-and-neck-pain

 

[wlk]

People in the medical field will tell you to do back surgery as a last resort.

Those are the people who haven't lived with chronic pain of >4/10 for years and have no clue what true pain feels like. Yes, it has a failure rate, traditional fusions ~30% but compared to the alternative living w pain, not Tylenol/Aleve pain but pain, sucks. After a point, you will take the odds.

 

[D60]

Those are the people who haven't lived with chronic pain of >4/10 for years and have no clue what true pain feels like. Yes, it has a failure rate, traditional fusions ~30% but compared to the alternative living w pain, not Tylenol/Aleve pain but pain, sucks. After a point, you will take the odds.

My PT (who I trusted) said he absolutely sees people skiing the bumps hard after fusions. He said the key is keep your weight down and you have to be absolutely diligent on core strength.

The average American wants surgery, zero pain, and then return to a sedentary lifestyle of a desk job, couch and Pringles -- combined with long stints of sitting in the Chick-fil-A drive through. Sadly, this rarely makes for a good outcome.

@cheetah50 I think your approach is good. Take all the advice that comes at you, and consider it's worth exactly what you paid for it -- including mine. I tried TONS of PT, McKenzie, chiropractic, Feldenkrais (not kidding -- look it up), walking, lots of yoga, inversion tables and several things I've forgotten. edit: acupuncture, too!!

Sometimes if you have failed timing chain guides the only thing to do is open 'er up and deal with it head-on. The Marvel Mystery Oil won't always fix it.

I'm NOT saying this is true for you, but DO consider how long you're willing to be in pain that significantly (this is subjective) limits you.

GOOD LUCK!

 

[Dborch41]

Right as COVID was taking hold, I started having severe pain in my left shoulder. There was no known injury, it came out of nowhere. It was only getting worse so I made an appointment with my GP to check it out. He put me through some mobility exercises that I did without problem, leading him to believe my shoulder was fine and the problem was in my neck. One MRI later, I believe the word he used was "trainwreck". Stenosis, arthritis and two bulging discs from C5 to C7. My doc has lots of "street-smarts" and said there were a few decent ortho surgeons in town, but I'm just a few hours drive from Houston where some of the best on the planet practice.

Well that was a no-brainer so off to Houston it was. The doc there took a look at the MRI and said we shouldn't waste any time as it wasn't going to get any better and by then the pain was unmanageable. I was afraid because of COVID there would be a problem but he said not to worry, this was far from "elective" surgery.

Long story short the operation was a couple of weeks later and a resounding success. The discomfort of the recovery was nothing compared to the pain I no longer had. Surprisingly it was outpatient surgery, I got to leave the same day since there were no complications. Actually we stayed the night at a hotel down the road just in case before making the long drive home. I had to wear a rigid neck brace for a couple of weeks then a soft one for a few weeks later, followed by some mild PT. Fortunately I already knew a top-notch physical therapist just down the road who took good care of me. Being married to an RN was/is also a plus.

Lessons learned? Do your homework looking for a good surgeon and don't be afraid to travel a bit if necessary. Also follow post-op instructions to the letter, it's been years now and so far so good. I guess I'm one of the lucky ones.

 

[Leo99]

I would search and find the most highly experienced and acclaimed back surgeon in your are. Make sure you have the best.

My MiL went to back dr 1 and he said he couldn't do anything for her. Back dr 2 said he could do surgery but his son is better at it. The son, dr 3 did it no problem at a spine hospital. I'd only see a dr that operates at a dedicated spine hospital.

 

[cheetah50]

To add a bit of new information to the , seemingly, ongoing saga. Went to another Doctor who suggested, if I had the means, to take a year or so off work and focus pretty much on my health and go from there. I can do that, just not indefinitely (financially). May try to pick up some side work that I know isn't hard on the back if I can, I don't like being idle, it really works on me. The new part of the story though that is worrying for me is that thanks to my physical characteristics he ran some genetic testing and a few physical tests as well, I didn't think anything would come of it, just like how my back saga has been going. Anyway, I heard back from the office, and it turns out I have Marfan Syndrome, and am at high risk of Aortic Dissection. I'm being scheduled for a echocardiogram as soon as they can get me in, pending insurance approval.

 

[RhondaHonda]

Interesting on the Marfans. They’ll likely measure your aorta and then keep an eye on it with yearly follow-ups. Better to learn about it now and be proactive.

How old are you? Any family history of aneurysms or early death? I’ve got an enlarged aorta and some Marfans symptoms/traits but no Marfans diagnosis.

 

[cheetah50]

Interesting on the Marfans. They’ll likely measure your aorta and then keep an eye on it with yearly follow-ups. Better to learn about it now and be proactive.

How old are you? Any family history of aneurysms or early death? I’ve got an enlarged aorta and some Marfans symptoms/traits but no Marfans diagnosis.

Late 30's. My Grandfather lived to be into his 90's but had two Aneurysms that had to be repaired when he was in his 40's and 50's, My grandmother also had a aneurysm repair later in life ( I think 50's ? ). As far as my Dads side of the family goes, theirs not much to go on unfortunately, My grandfather died of black lung in his 50's and my father died from Parkinsons. Sister has Ehlor Danlos though.

Edit: Should add I was tested for Marfans back when I was in my teens and they told me it was "indeterminate", they didn't have the genetic testing component back then to my knowledge anyway.

 

[JimPghPA]

I had the I.D.E.T. procedure performed by Dr. Jeffrey Saal in Californis no multiple fractures of L5-S1 disk on 12/12/2000. The pain before the procedure was sometimes so sever I actually passed out. He went in from the back right with the stear-able probe nd wrapped it around the disk. Then had the anesthesiologist put me completely out. When I awoke the extreme pain in the center and on the left was gone. But he did not get the milder pain on the right.

Don't underestimate the value of the IDET procedure.

 

[Marrk]

Over the years, I've known two people who had back surgery. In both cases, the surgery went without a hitch, and they were a thousand percent better afterward. I'm beginning to get the impression that back surgery outcomes are better than knee surgery outcomes. In case you've blown out a knee lately.

 

[D60]

To add a bit of new information to the , seemingly, ongoing saga. Went to another Doctor who suggested, if I had the means, to take a year or so off work and focus pretty much on my health and go from there. I can do that, just not indefinitely (financially). May try to pick up some side work that I know isn't hard on the back if I can, I don't like being idle, it really works on me. The new part of the story though that is worrying for me is that thanks to my physical characteristics he ran some genetic testing and a few physical tests as well, I didn't think anything would come of it, just like how my back saga has been going. Anyway, I heard back from the office, and it turns out I have Marfan Syndrome, and am at high risk of Aortic Dissection. I'm being scheduled for a echocardiogram as soon as they can get me in, pending insurance approval.

I have no idea how the Marfan affects everything, but what do you do for work?

Sitting around idle is way worse than moving. Honestly working on my feet is the absolute best thing for me. In that situation good boots and great socks are my secret weapon. But hard labor like digging ditches or repetitive lifting would fire up my back in a heartbeat. Automotive tends to be great because I'm always moving but rarely need to move really heavy things.

I'd seriously consider keeping your powder dry and save any time off for surgery recovery -- assuming that's in the cards at all. Whatever you do, don't take time off and sit on the couch. You'll only get worse.

Again, worth exactly what you paid for it.....

 

[Marrk]

Over the years, I've known two people who had back surgery. In both cases, the surgery went without a hitch, and they were a thousand percent better afterward. I'm beginning to get the impression that back surgery outcomes are better than knee surgery outcomes. In case you've blown out a knee lately.

Edit: Not sure where the OP is with this decision, but I would like to add the following: The current thinking (that I am aware of) is that back surgery should be your last option. If you have exhausted every other option, then go for it, but do not think that non-surgical options are a waste of time.

Back pain can be crippling. You have my sympathies. Good luck.

 

[cheetah50]

I have no idea how the Marfan affects everything, but what do you do for work?

Sitting around idle is way worse than moving. Honestly working on my feet is the absolute best thing for me. In that situation good boots and great socks are my secret weapon. But hard labor like digging ditches or repetitive lifting would fire up my back in a heartbeat. Automotive tends to be great because I'm always moving but rarely need to move really heavy things.

I'd seriously consider keeping your powder dry and save any time off for surgery recovery -- assuming that's in the cards at all. Whatever you do, don't take time off and sit on the couch. You'll only get worse.

Again, worth exactly what you paid for it.....

I'm an Electrical Engineer (Specializing in power and in mining ) by profession. I was working for a, lets say larger company, but it required constant travel and was told point blank one day, go on a cross country trip or quit or be fired, at the time I had to get my best friend to drive me to work just to make it to the office ( my left leg would just collapse at random times, sitting in a car seat made it much worse, so I would lay in the back of the car), so I resigned, figured that was better on the resume then being fired. I've been walking...a lot, and that has seems to have helped.