Microdiscectomy L4/L5 (2009) and Microdiscectomy L4/5 & L5/S1 (2010), Piriformis Syndrome --> Need Surgery

**Lisa** · 10-15-2010, 03:52 PM

Hi there, new to this site as of yesterday. Was reading your posts on pififormis surgery and am VERY interested. Not sure it is exactly what I have but I know it is close. In 1988 I had a bad stomach flu, was admitted to the hospital and received an injection of compazine. I am a nurse, worked in the ER for 25yrs. I was sedated at the time, but knew the needle didn't go in the right place. Unfortunately, I also developed an abscess, which resulted in severe sciatic pain. I had partial paralysis of my left leg for about a year, and have learned over time to just live with the intermittant pain.
I blew out a disc in '09 and again about a month ago, had two minidiscectomies which caused severe sciatica post op. I just found out about a week ago that there is a procedure for the sciatica. I've probably been to 6 pain management specialists, 2 neurosurgeons, and multiple other doctors. Several wanted me to seek psychiatric help, others accused me of drug seeking. Not one ever told me about a procedure for the sciatica. Looking back, we are now 100% sure that my discs were because of me favoring my lt hip. I've tried deep massage, and accupuncture which both worked, until I had to stop. Chiropractic also, all putting bandaids on a bullet wound. At this point, I have no pain tolerance left. I want to get it over with! I realize that I sound very angry, but I am. We are at the point where we've almost lost our home. My question is if anyone knows a neurosurgeon who is proficient at piriformis surgery in the central NJ? Thank you for listening.
Lisa

**KBear** · 10-15-2010, 04:23 PM

Lisa,
Welcome to the forum and sorry you have to be here. Unfortunately, your story is not uncommon enough. I was told at 27 years old that there was nothing that could be done for me, that I would need chronic pain management for the rest of my life and that I would never have more kids. I was treated like a pill seeker, was never given a diagnosis, it was just we don't know why you are having pain and also the whole psych case thing. I later found out I had DDD (which they had in my chart and just weren't telling me), my disc was torn in half, and pressing on my spinal cord (pretty obvious that that would be painful.) I'm now 30, had surgery and am 100% pain and medication free and expecting my 3rd child. It does get better and you have to be your own advocate. I went years listening to the doctors, doing what they said and believing everything out of their mouths. It was actually the doctor who referred me out for chronic pain management that led me to my current doctor's office, where I found out about ADR (so that was definitely a blessing in disguise.) I then started researching, found forums and became my own advocate. Insurance refused my surgery twice and I went into a clinical trial to get the surgery that I felt was best for me (and my surgeon did too.) It took another 18 months after surgery to heal, but I'm there and it was worth every bit of it.

I don't know much about the particular surgery you are asking about, but do know that there are people on here that have had it. I'm sure they will jump in soon and give some advice. Also you may want to use the search feature and find more information and surgical outcomes that way.

We are here to help and completely understand what it is like to live in pain 24/7, the emotional, financial and physical toll it takes on every aspect of our lives. It is great having others who 'get' what it's like to live that life, because others just can't understand it until they've lived it.

Best of Luck,
Kathy

**Justin** · 10-15-2010, 04:26 PM

Hi Lisa,

Welcome to the Spine Patient Society.

It's unfortunate to hear of your spine history. In terms of piriformis release surgery, here's a couple of threads about recent Spine Patient Society Members that had this surgery (click here). Unfortunately, I'm not well read on "leaders" in piriformis release surgery. Rob Wilson, a SPS Member, has extensive knowledge regarding this surgery. It might be a good idea to send him a Private Message (PM) to pick his brain (he's a great guy and is willing to help other Spine Patients

).

Make yourself at home and please let us know how we can help.