L5-S1 Disc Herniation

plumberrn · Mar 19, 2011

This past September I suffered a large left postereolateral disc herniation at L5-S1. I tried chiro, PT, got 2 epidurals (the second one just about killed me so I didn't do a third), loads of meds, exercises, stretches, the whole thing. 4 days ago I underwent an open discectomy/laminotomy to remove the disc as it and several fragments were impinging on my sciatic nerve, the verdict is still out on the operation, I'm extremely sore and it didn't seem to relieve the sciatica much. I don't really have allot of advice to give except to research your treatment options and maintain good communication with your doctor, ask lots of questions, and if something that is recomended doesn't seem right get a second opinion or even a third.... I've got to admit that I'm kind of bummed that this happened to me and kind of leaves my future as a staff nurse in doubt but I also view it as an opportunity to explore other avenues such as going back to school for an advanced degree. Best of luck to you!

snow_bear · Mar 21, 2011

Hi. Ten years ago, I had surgery for a herniated disc at that level. Five years later, I had a second surgery to destroy the nerve root as it had become trapped by a bone spur.

I have no more back pain. I can bend, lift, carry, reach, and twist just as well as I could before my back problems.

The only way to alleviate the pain from the disc pressing on the sciatic nerve is to get it off of the nerve, which in most cases requires surgery. It's not as bad or as scary as it sounds. In my case, the surgeon made a 4 inch incision in my lower back cutting in between the muscle which made recovery a snap. I was back to work (not nursing) and caring for my then infant son within 4 weeks.

The second surgery, while less invasive, was more traumatic because the nerve was destroyed, which is very painful until it is completely healed. But, that's a complication that you may not experience.

Butterfly0328 · Apr 19, 2011

I am a pre-nursing student with only one more class to go before applying to the nursing program, well I just found out last month I have disc bulging at L4-5 & L5-S1, I also have severe central canal spinal stenosis at those two levels. To say I was shocked and depressed is an understatement. I have had the nerves cautorized (not sure what the proper term is) and so far the pain is almost completely gone. It has only been a week but I remain hopeful. I have spent the last two years working on these pre reqs and refuse to give it up now. God didn't bring me this far to have it taken away. I am looking into yoga. Heard it is very good for strengthening the core muscles.

nurse.sandi · Apr 28, 2011

A suggestion..change your major and move on. Nursing is extremely hard on your body. You are still young..as you get older it gets harder to lug and tug and stay on your legs for 13 hours a day.

When I was injured a person once told me,"this is a blessing in disguise". I do not see that way, but I hope I do one day. Good luck and feel better.

plumberrn · May 31, 2011

Hey vlm, I tried to reply to the message you sent me but it says "Sorry! That user has specified that they do not wish to receive emails. " I am almost 3 months post-op and I'm still having really bad sciatica. I was good for about 3 days after the surgery & then it came back with a vengeance. I had a second MRI with contrast about 3 weeks ago, now I'm just waiting to get back in to see the neurosurgeon that did the operation to see what's going on, it could be a re-herniation, scar tissue buildup or the nerve root was so badly compressed it may take awhile to come back, I'll find out more when I see him & he gives me the results of the MRI. My advice to you at this point would be to really really look at your options as far as treatment, get the second and third opinions if necessary, I'll keep you updated with what I find out......Best of luck to you....

sandanrnstudent · Jul 16, 2011

I had surgery two years ago (I was 22) on the same level. I have not been the same since. It did help the numbness and legs buckling all the time, but I've "aged" and have old age tendencies now.

I don't recommend surgery though the recovery is faster when you're young. Get as fit as you can and do PT everyday! That will keep you healthy for as long as surgery can be prevented. (I put on 70 lbs. after my surgery in the last two years because I had to discontinue my martial arts passion)

sandanrn

ilmbg · Oct 1, 2011

It seems that most with back problems continue to have problems after surgery- the majority. I, too have had two surgeries in the last 11 years and always thought I would 'get better in the next 6 months'. It has been 11 years and I am now worse with a compressed c3 - needing surgery again. Nursing is only going to get worse on your body- with cutbacks at hospitals, less staff to pt ratio, you will be lifting/pulling/pushing more and more. You will be hurting more and more. I'm sorry I don't know what you would be able to do for a nursing job, but realistically the outlook isn't good.

Butterfly0328 · Oct 3, 2011

I am in the process of going through PT and then will begin inversion therapy to try to get those bulging discs to go back were they belong. I am hopeful that this will work and then I will continue with Yoga and keep the core muscles strengthened. I am taking this semester off to do this and see how it turns out.... I will let you all know..