HELP....Bulging Disc L4- L5

NVC2016

Hey,

I got a bulging disc in my lower back L4- L5 just over a year ago and i'm still recovering.

I still have a dull ache with some stiffness and feels like my back is being weighed down! Ive done everything I can with trying to heal but i'm so worried that it will happen again and not knowing recovery time is killing me!

Has anyone got any advice please?

Thanks a mil

NVC2016

NVC2016 wrote: »

Hey,

I got a bulging disc in my lower back L4- L5 just over a year ago and i'm still recovering.

I still have a dull ache with some stiffness and feels like my back is being weighed down! Ive done everything I can with trying to heal but i'm so worried that it will happen again and not knowing recovery time is killing me!

Has anyone got any advice please?

Thanks a mil

Have you spoken to your consultant regarding recovery time?

I'm afraid we can't give medical advice on this thread.

NVC2016

[Deleted User] wrote: »

Have you spoken to your consultant regarding recovery time?

I'm afraid we can't give medical advice on this thread.

Hi Persepoly,

I guess i'm just looking for other peoples experience with the same disc problem. I know medical advice can't be given on the thread but just want to know If there's light at the end of the tunnell

NVC2016

NVC2016 wrote: »

Hi Persepoly,

I guess i'm just looking for other peoples experience with the same disc problem. I know medical advice can't be given on the thread but just want to know If there's light at the end of the tunnell

What does your consultant think?

brettmirl

Have you gone to a physiotherapist or gotten any MRI scans done with your GP or a consultant?

Everyone is different, and the level of pain/recovery can vary...so only your own medical professional can give you the answer you need to be honest.

Riesen_Meal

I'm in the Sports Surgery Clinic in Santry at the moment, I had 3 Discectomys in the last 11 years for herniated discs...

The only way you will know if the disc is herniated is to have an MRI scan and bring the consultant the disc...

I recommend Mr Kelleher in Sports Clinic in Santry, I think he works out of Blackrock also....

Eircom_Sucks

Fieldog wrote: »

I'm in the Sports Surgery Clinic in Santry at the moment, I had 3 Discectomys in the last 11 years for herniated discs...

The only way you will know if the disc is herniated is to have an MRI scan and bring the consultant the disc...

I recommend Mr Kelleher in Sports Clinic in Santry, I think he works out of Blackrock also....

had a microdiscectomy myself 6 weeks ago on l5-s1 , tough going , lots of ups and downs

Riesen_Meal

Eircom_Sucks wrote: »

had a microdiscectomy myself 6 weeks ago on l5-s1 , tough going , lots of ups and downs

I'm 6 weeks since my last one myself and back in today as it looks like I may have a blood infection...

Keep going though, it will get better, every day you will see improvement...

I had it done previously and it didn't work, its taking me a lot longer to recover this time around...

screamer

You need to get an mri scan they're a few hundred Euro and go see a consultant neurosurgeon to see what the damage is. You can throw good money after bad with physio and all sorts. if surgery is your best her then no amount of physio or pain killers will help. I had micro discectomy 6 years ago after suffering for 10 years and even was on morphine patches for pain. I've never looked back best thing I ever did.

Eircom_Sucks

Fieldog wrote: »

I'm 6 weeks since my last one myself and back in today as it looks like I may have a blood infection...

Keep going though, it will get better, every day you will see improvement...

I had it done previously and it didn't work, its taking me a lot longer to recover this time around...

ashley poynton in mater private did it

amor3

I've had 3 disectomies in the last 7 years with an implant fitted on the second operation. I need surgery again but will not let them near me as it will more than likely be a fusion. If I had to do it all again I would never have got the first one done.. I'm no better (slightly worse actually).

Have you tried pain management yet?

Riesen_Meal

amor3 wrote: »

I've had 3 disectomies in the last 7 years with an implant fitted on the second operation. I need surgery again but will not let them near me as it will more than likely be a fusion. If I had to do it all again I would never have got the first one done.. I'm no better (slightly worse actually).

Have you tried pain management yet?

Every person is different though when it comes to this kind of stuff - I had great success with my first Discectomy at the age of 24, had no issues at all until now, 11 years later...

I had one in January, didn't work, had another in March, and it did work...

Like yourself though - if mine goes again I will need a fusion also, but that could be another ten years, or ten minutes!

I'm very apprehensive about a fusion also, but if it's a case of it needing to be done, I'll have to consider all my options...

My old boss had a fusion and he had great success with it, same as 2 other friends of mine, yes it sounds horrible, but it may be the next step down the line....

goz83

I'm 33. I had an L4-L5 done at the SSC by Kelleher at the end of November (I was 32 then). I was in serious pain before for a year and a half after a car accident. I started physio at the end of January and had 10 sessions after the surgery with good progress and reduction in pain. I am careful, try to get in plenty of walking and light workouts at the gym a couple of times a week.

In recent weeks, I have been waking up with a higher level of pain than is comfortable and I do have ongoing pain, although nowhere near as bad as before the surgery. I no longer have leg pain, but I do get some numbness in the lower left calf and foot from time to time.

OP, everyone is different and only you can decide the best course of action for you. Good luck.

Falcon L

You really don't want to hear my story, but I'll echo what has been said here: everyone is different and the best thing you can do is to find a specialist you trust and do what they suggest.