[Micodiscectomy, Laminectomy & Laser Decompression] Excited to have found you!!! (Laminotomy & Discectomy @ L4/L5 & L5/S1)

[Vanessa]

Hi everyone! My name is Vanessa and I am so very excited to be here! I have been searching for a place where I can talk with other people that are dealing/dealt with spine issues and all the joys that come with it. It is so hard to find people that understand chronic pain and the issues that come along with them. After browsing the forum for a few day, I am so thrilled to see all the support that is on here

A little about me:
I'm 32 and have been dealing with back issues since 1998, after having a work injury (lifting a dog @ work). Over the years I have had multiple LSE, PT and meds to limp me along. About 6 months ago I started having really bad pain shooting down my right leg. An MRI showed that I had nerve root narrowing @ L4, L5. I tried 3 more LSE with no results at all. In September I opted to have a Laminotomy & Discectomy @ L4, L5-S1. Surgery helped with upper leg pain, but intensified calf pain and ankle pain. Repeat MRI on Monday showed both levels have now collapsed with small amount of nerve root narrowing. I have been on a ton of meds for both pain, neuropathy and now depression. I saw my Dr today and have now been transferred to a pain management specialist. We are going to try to manage the pain and if that does not seem to help by January, we are going to take a closer look at fusing my back.

So here I am LOL!

[claudia]

Welcome to SPS!

Your history is similar to mine. I also injured my back in my teens and struggled with pain for years until I finally went ahead with a diskectomy in 2008, which made my pain worse. It has also made me absolutely terrified of having another procedure on my back.

I'll give you the same advice I was given when I joined the forum- get as many opinions as possible and become educated in your condition as best as you can. One of the things that has helped me the most about being here is reading about other people's success stories and positive outcomes- gives me hope to some day be pain free!

[Justin]

Hi Vanessa,

Welcome to the Spine Patient Society!

I'm sorry that you have been dealing with spine issues at such a young age. I can empathize, as my problems started at the age of 15 and my first spine surgery was at 17. Seeing a pain management physician will definitely help you manage your symptoms.

There are a ton of great Spine Patients that frequent our Forums, so feel free to make yourself at home.

[Vanessa]

Claudia and Justin:

Thank you for the warm welcome

Claudia - The doctor I am now seeing is the second doctor I have seen for my back. The first wanted to immediatley fuse my back. He didn't want to try LEI's, meds or PT. So I went to see this doctor. This doctor was very conservative and we tried alot before actually considering surgery. I may get one more opinion from a spine trauma surgeon that has come very recommended, but I am not sure yet. The doctor that I am using currently has been very honest with me in that he really does not want to fuse my back at such a young age etc. I really appreciate that, given what I am going through. If this pain management does not help, I will be getting another opinion.

[Gilbert P]

Hi Vanessa

to our family. You are not alone we are to support each other and vent our issues and frustrations. There are great resources here to help you and, Yes we can get better.

I also have lots of tingling and nerve issues looking for the correct procedure and Surgeon.

Take Care

Gil

[Vanessa]

Hi Gil! Thank you for the warm welcome I'm really looking forward to getting to know all of you. I am soo happy that I finally found a place to get some support!

[trkdoc714]

Vanessa,

There seems to be a lot of Georgians having spinal problems. Maybe it's something in the water.

Welcome to SPS. There are a lot of people that are happy to help answer questions and offer research articles to make your journey a bit easier.

Good luck. Let me know if I can help.

Bob

[Vanessa]

Hi Bob! It must be the water LOL Actually, you are literally down the street from me, I'm in Lithia Springs. I'm sure I will bug you at some point and pick your brain about doctors etc. Thanks for the welcome!

[trkdoc714]

We have another member in Douglasville, Jason (Red Stang). I hope he still stops in from time to time.

I'm happy to help if I can.

Bob

[jss]

Vanessa,

What a terrible story to have to tell at your age! But you've come to the right place. I almost think that perhaps there's not one spine procedure that someone on this board has not had to endure. Whatever your going to have to do, chances are that someone here can share their experience of that same procedure.

Here's to hoping that you have a pain free holiday season!

Good luck, Jeff