[Piriformis Surgery] Bilateral Piriformis Release Sugery on 11/23

[rob wilson]

I spoke my surgeon's nurse yesterday and she confirmed that I might end up with some numbness due to fact that I had this compression for ~ 4 years. However, it should get somewhat better over the next year (I am only 3 months post op). The good thing is that my cramping and sciatica are almost 100% gone.

[KBear]

That's good news, glad that things are getting better.

[Phylly]

Hi Craig,
I would love to hear how you are doing now. I discussed removal with my two doctors and they feel that is what I may also need. i have spent almost 5 yrs with conservative treatment and 3 other major spine surgeries. I want this one to be the last. Did the surgery take care of your pain/sciatica? Why did you do a bilateral release? thanks, any more info appreciated.
Phylly

[CraigT]

Phylly, let's just say that I am cautiously optimistic so far on the success of the surgery. I've been doing my stretches 3/4 times a day and I have to admit I have been feeling a BIT better, baby steps. I took a long 2hr drive yesterday and I faired much better than I did months ago & I am taking less pain meds. I am not out of the woods by any stretch but I do feel better. My right side numbness still pesters me!

The reason why I did both sides is that they both hurt, they both tested positive with nerve conduction study but I only had the MR Neurography on the left. My surgeon originally wanted to do 1 side to start with and after some thought, I sort of talked him into doing both sides since I wanted this to be the last time I would go under the knife. I felt very confident that we found what was causing my pain for the last 10 years.

I honestly think I am months away to feeling a marked improvement so I will keep everyone posted. Next up for me is, swimming swimming swimming, that's my new years resolution.

Craig

[Phylly]

Thanks Craig,
That helped so much! I am scheduled for one side the 3rd week in January but I have a huge trip planned at the beginning of March and did not know how I would feel for that. It sounds like I should wait until after the trip although I did not want it ruined by how I feel now. It is hard to decide what to do. I could get another Botox shot and just hang onto it for awhile so that I would not worry about healing fast enough to go. I guess that is why I am asking so many questions and I appreciate you taking the time to fill me in. My surgeon said that about 50/50 get better from removal. My other Dr. said that with conservative treatment it is also about 50/50 so my odds are? At least this surgery is outpatient most of the time. I am pretty sick of surgery, it gets old very fast and I am still working on getting off my Fentynal which is also a challenge. Anytime I swim, walk uphill, stairs, try pilates, etc. I flare up. I have pretty much tried everything so only removal is left. Perhaps I will wait because it sounds like 6 weeks may not be enough healing time. At least I know what I am dealing with now.

You sound like you are healing a bit at a time and it's only been a month so that is good news. I wish you the best and I will keep in touch.
Have wonderful new year and swimming sounds great for you, good resolution. I will keep in touch.
Phylly