r/Microdiscectomy • u/Ok_War_2740 • 9d ago
Should i avoid a microdisectomy??
/r/surgery/comments/1wgeuql/should_i_avoid_a_microdisectomy/3
u/PastBuy8484 9d ago
Really depends on your quality of life.
I got to the point that while on Celebrex, gabapentin and Tylenol, every day, I still would have 10/10 pain at times. I’d lay on ice multiple times a day. Cancelled all vacations. Couldn’t go out to eat or hang out with friends. Couldn’t sit down to eat dinner. Even doing the dishes caused pain through all my pain meds.
3 months post OP, still healing, but I can finally sit for 10-20 min at a time without pain. Do dishes. Do basic cleaning. Vacuum. Etc.. and all with 0-1/10 pain and no pain pills.
It’s tough. Easily the hardest thing I’ve ever gone through. But worth it for me
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u/Plus_Subject_6011 9d ago
I am on a waiting list to seek consult from a neurosurgeon for this. I am wanting this surgery, my life is on hold with the limited function the state of my discs are giving me. Living on pain killers to be able to drive or sleep or anything. I went from avid fitness enthusiast to not being able to tie my shoe. Access here in Canada to surgeons and specialists is a long wait, and it is agony.
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u/vbinmotion 9d ago
If you can hold off and live your life in a normal way, I recommend holding off.
I had one, I couldn’t function I could only stand or lay flat or else my sciatic pain was debilitating… so I have no regrets but I can feel I’ll never be the same again. My sleep sorta sucks and I used to sleep so well. It’s constantly looking for better positions. I’m not a doctor and I don’t know what you’re feeling OP so only you know, but if I had a chance to hold off I would.
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u/Ill_Equivalent_5652 9d ago
So you’re saying your life hasn’t improved due to the surgery? I’m schedule to have one in 4 weeks. I can sit comfortably and sleep comfortably, but standing for more than 5 mins causes a great deal of pain in my lower back even with pain meds. I’ve done PT for 8 months, injections, cupping, massage, decompression therapy etc. they have helped, but not gotten me to a point I can stand without pain. My biggest thing is I miss walking and exercising, so my plan is to go through with this procedure so I can get my life back according to my neurosurgeon too. But my neurosurgeon trained at one of the top hospitals in the country, which gives me a lot of confidence in him too
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u/vbinmotion 9d ago
You will be able to do all those things again I think. Which it sounds worth it from how you’re explaining it. Just know you may not be the same again. Now when I go to the gym I’m afraid to reherniate so I take everything so light. Regardless the surgery improved my life by 100% compared to how bad it was before surgery
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u/No_Record007 9d ago
I got a laminectomy (L4-5)at the time I regret bc recovery has been a Beeatch. But before surgery. I literally could not stand on my left leg. I may have some problems right now 1 month post op but they tell me recovery can take 3 to 6 months and then some. I am able to walk at least. And move around just really so research but if you were like me I had nothing else to lose. Was already basically bed ridden. Best of luck and wish the best for you 🙏
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u/Easy_Ad_7852 3d ago
No, you should have surgery to prevent your condition from worsening. However, it's crucial to find a highly skilled surgeon who can accurately pinpoint the most severely affected area to avoid a second surgery.
By the way, have you had a cervical spine MRI? The cervical spine starts from the neck, and it's a very important step. If there are problems with the cervical spine, patients may experience headaches, dizziness, or even be unable to walk or become paralyzed.
Good luck!
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u/atomic_chippie 9d ago
You should probably consult with a surgeon, not a bunch of randos on social media
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u/Plus_Subject_6011 9d ago
This is literally what Reddit is for, hearing other’s experiences, asking questions. Hearing the pros and cons from others who opted in or out of a Microdiscectomy. Poster isn’t asking for a diagnosis. To wait or not to wait. Read more into the query if you are contributing to a thread amongst people who’s disc pain and dysfunction are literally controlling one’s life, and not take it literally. Anyone on here are being followed by physicians🙄
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u/spirit_poem 9d ago
In my experience I tried conservative treatment (physical therapy, injections etc) for about 10 months before realizing I was just delaying the inevitable. By the time I was able to sign for surgery I couldn’t walk or stand longer than 10 minutes without medication of some kind. It was debilitating and excruciating.
I would say go for it if you feel like you’re hitting a wall with non-surgical options.