[Micodiscectomy, Laminectomy & Laser Decompression] Discectomy L4 - L5 and Foraminotomy

[Betty]

Hi, so glad I found this site. Had herniated disc fixed L4-L5 six days ago with a foraminotomy. Huge leg pain after the surgery. Doc put me on steroids which are helping but will it last? Will I have this affliction for the rest of my days? I'm rather nervous that my best and most active times are over, but I'll fight it... Never had back trouble till now. Even with the herniation it never bothered my back, just nerves in my leg. Any opinions would be greatly appreciated. Thanks! Betty

[Cindylou]

Hi, so glad I found this site. Had herniated disc fixed L4-L5 six days ago with a foraminotomy. Huge leg pain after the surgery. Doc put me on steroids which are helping but will it last? Will I have this affliction for the rest of my days? I'm rather nervous that my best and most active times are over, but I'll fight it... Never had back trouble till now. Even with the herniation it never bothered my back, just nerves in my leg. Any opinions would be greatly appreciated. Thanks! Betty

Hi Betty, welcome to SPS. Glad you're here. You know, it's so really difficult to say, so early on since your surgery, what is going on with the leg pain. 6 days out, that's just so soon, you are bound to have a spike in pain after surgery. It's also hard to say if it will last, but I would venture that things will calm down as you get more post-surgery days under your belt. Definitely, bring it up to your surgeon at your next appointment, if you continue to have lingering issues. I wish you only the best and hope you start having better days soon, Cindylou

[Betty]

Thanks Cindylou! Good to know someone out there read my post. Been driving, keeping it short though and the leg pain continues. Prednisone is helping, but it's definitely still there, actually pretty bad. I wonder if I should keep active or do nothing? Am I making this worse by getting out and about? What is your experience with this issue? Did you have the same issue with a disc? Thanks, Betty

[Cindylou]

Thanks Cindylou! Good to know someone out there read my post. Been driving, keeping it short though and the leg pain continues. Prednisone is helping, but it's definitely still there, actually pretty bad. I wonder if I should keep active or do nothing? Am I making this worse by getting out and about? What is your experience with this issue? Did you have the same issue with a disc? Thanks, Betty

Well, I've never had a foraminotomy. What was your diagnosis that led to that procedure, if you don't mind me asking? My surgeries are in my signature. I have, unfortunately, had quite a few, and pretty invasive ones at that. So, we are kind of comparing apples to oranges here. That said, it does seem like you should be experiencing a little more pain relief, since your surgeon went in to decompress a nerve, or nerves. But like I said before, you are in such early days since surgery, the nerves can be very angry at the invasiveness of the procedure. Takes awhile for them to calm down. Has your surgeon recommended any nerve pain medication for you? That could possibly help. You know, something like Lyrica or Neurontin? You might mention that at your next appointment. When do you see him next? I would absolutely bring up the leg pain issue. Do you feel it is a different pain than before surgery? Same pain, but just worse? These are likely some questions to ask yourself, because your surgeon will probably ask them as well, and you want to help him help you as much as you can. In terms of activity level, you really need to listen to your body. You definitely want to keep moving, but if you find yourself in extreme pain from it, then you need to cut back. It really is a fine tightrope to walk in the healing process. Don't do anything that makes you hurt a lot. Definitely, there, your body is trying to tell you something. If it hurts that much, stop whatever activity it is that you are doing. Hope this helps a little. Keep us posted. We do care. Cindylou

[Betty]

I had a herniated disc. I will take all of your advice and bring it to the doctor on Tuesday. Thanks,Betty

[Cindylou]

You bet. You're welcome Betty. Oh, good, glad to see you have an upcoming appointment in just 3 days. Hang in there, and I hope you get some much needed relief soon. Some other folks may likely have suggestions too, so keep checking your post, ok? Good luck, and I look forward to hearing what your surgeon says on Tuesday, after your appointment. Cindylou

[Hooch]

Hi, as part of that surgery they'll have to manipulate the nerve, so it's not abnormal to get an increase in pain post op, also swelling at the site due to inflammation can compress the nerve and probably angry inflammatory chemicals etc, I assume this is why you are on the steroid.

Make sure you impress upon your surgeon that your pain is severe post-op, get him to explain everything to you why you are experiencing this. More than likely it will slowly settle as swelling goes away and the nerve settles, nerves really don't react well to being knocked around.