Scared L4/L5 Prolapse Disc - Please Help Me

[livingdead]

Hi there,

I am new to this forum and have been reading lots of threads. I have been suffering from prolapsed L4 and L5 since May last year - I suffer back spasms and now pain in my hips. I am in severe pain and can't bend or do anything with the house and working is becoming impossible. I have been severely depressed recently and was going to ask my GP for the discectomy but after reading on here I do not know what to do as there are many many horror stories. I genuinely cannot live with this pain for much longer - can anyone please please help me as I am at the end of my tether and don't know what to do.

Thanks,

JAckie

 

[vijay]

Perhaps! There are certainly things to try before opting for surgery, if you want to explore those possibilities. Much depends on what particular set of factors are maintaining your particular problem. Discs can and do recover, so the issue is to discover the particular obstacles to recovery in your case. However, it is a practical matter, not something that can easily be achieved by internet. Not sure who to suggest in your area, but don't despair, there is plenty of help available

 

[ADOLO]

Hi Jackie

I had a discectomy (L4/5) just over 2 years ago. For me, the operation has been a huge success. Before my op, I could barely walk, was unable to work and had had to give up most activities. These days, I work full time, cycle to work and lead a very active and mostly pain free life. If I had to do it all over again, I would without hesitation.

Hopefully your Dr will advise you what they feel is the best course of action for you - perhaps surgery may be an option and if so, there are many people like myself, who have had great results from this procedure.

Wishing you the best of luck with it all.

 

[vuesmuwnilkivoegm]

hi jackie 1972, i would not be scared only you know know how much pain your in, i had that op 1 1/2 years ago and i am just about to go in for another , its not too bad but, for me personally it did make things worse but as i said iam about to have the disc below it done so if its unbearable i would seriously consider it, what does your dr recommend, i am the worlds biggest baby where pain is concerned but i did it ,my left foot is now numb and i do have some more but different pain than before but it is successful for loads of people, having said that there are lots of other treatments to try first as surgery is the last option. the reason iam having this new op is because its now affecting my right side ,its so bad in my hip some days its unbearable and iam afraid if i leave it i will end up with numbness on the right side which will then make walking almost impossible. good luck with your descision .

 

[Mervalland]

hi

Have the operation i have just had it 2 weeks ago i also was suicidal i couldnt walk work eat anything , but now on the mend in fact i did a 30 min walk today still bit sore from the staples but that vile pain has gone and have a few snitches and pins and needles in my feet now and again
and thats after 2 weeks and have not taken a pain killer since the day of operation.

Good luck and dont worry you will be fine x
from a very nervous patient as well,