Microdiscectomy

[Bunce]

Has anyone got some good pain relief from a microdiscectomy? In regard to sciatica pain in legs. thanks.

[Paul1874]

I had a microdiscectomy last year, my sciatica was so severe it took my legs out from under me and stopped me from being able to dress my lower half. A year on I am walking and dressing myself again; although my pain is still quite severe at times it is definitely an improvement. Remember though there is rarely complete relief but if it can make even a small difference it could be worth it, Despite the pain I am still in I would have the surgery again in a heart beat because I can now walk. Good luck and fingers crossed for you

[Ihavenolife]

I had a microdiscectomy in April of last year for a prolapsed disc at L5/S1. I had been suffering with sciatica on and off for over a year but by January last year it became so severe I could not sit and I couldn't stand for more than a couple of minutes without being in agonising pain. I ended up spending at least 23 hours a day lying on one side. I had no quality of life at all. The pain I had was in my buttock and down my left leg. There was no back pain at all.

I was so happy when my neurosurgeon said he could operate. From the moment I woke up in recovery there was no pain in my leg. I initially thought I had no feeling in my legs because I couldn't remember not being in pain but I wiggled my toes and realised the pain had gone. From the day after surgery I was able to stand and walk for longer than I had done for months. The surgery gave me my life back. The recovery after surgery was hard and not helped by my having been immobile for months beforehand but worth it. I am now living my life again, working full time and even going to the gym. I have some back pain now due to disc degeneration but nothing that stops me living life.

I know this surgery does not work for everyone but it was a complete success for me. Good luck with whatever you choose to do.

[maggi999]

Hi Bunce,

Yes, I had one about fourteen years ago and it worked superbly well, I was back to work, on full duties within a few weeks.

Do what you can before the op to strengthen your core muscles as they will help support your spine as you recover.

I get twinges from my back from time to time - usually when I don't adopt a good posture (so that's my laziness) but otherwise a good recovery from a bilateral prolapsed disc.

Maggie x