Might be going under the knife?

I would be very reluctant of back surgery. For many people, it makes things worse. I've been through a similar situation as yours. I slipped a disc when I was 35. Chiropractor couldn't help. Got an MRI and was told I had Degenerative Disc Disease. Come to find out, that's a fancy name for normal wear and tear. Long story short: PT solved my problem completely. I strengthened all of the muscles in my core, and am pain free. It didn't work overnight. It took 30 days to show any improvement. Then, the pain was gone. It is hard for some people to accept this fact: yes, doctors want to help people.... but I also feel that they sometimes try to sell you the most expensive option, which is usually surgery. I am grateful that I chose not to have surgery. I'm sure everyone's situation is unique, but for me, physical therapy was the solution.

 

Frank and Beans physical therapy worked wonders for my previous sciatica problems, but does nothing for my leg issue... I wish PT worked on it.

 

Yeah, I know everyone's situation is different. Most of my pain was in my upper leg/ butt cheek. Closing the car door after getting in was the worst. Weird how a back problem can cause pain somewhere else. All has to do with those nerves, I guess. Back problems are miserable, for sure. I know what you're going through. Just keep in mind that many people have been where you are now. Stay positive, and be persistent and you will find the answer. Maybe, for you, surgery is your best option. But it's never a bad idea to get a second opinion, or even a third.

 

I feel your pain. I am mid 30s and have had back issues since I was about 21. They have wanted me to get an MRI but I keep refusing as I have no desire to be operated on. At rimes I have been unable to get off the floor for a week or two at a time. I tried 3 different chiropractors before actually finding one who 1, cares about you and making you better, and 2 knew what he was talking about. He told me to stick with his regimen for 3 months and see how I felt. He basically put me on a rehab plan which most of it was done at home. In 3 months I had more improvement than the last ten years of seeing my MD. I now stick with the stretching and strengthening daily and the results have been incredible for me. I used to barely be able to bend over and touch my knees and I can now lay the palms of my hands on the floor. He told me if I didn't start loosening things up and strenghthening I was in for a lifetime of frustration. In the end I still have issues but they are 70% better than before and when I have a flareup it lasts a lot less time than before.

The thing I liked about my chiropractor was he told me on the first appointment don't expect miracles and that if we couldn't at least improve my issues he would recommend surgery stating not everything can be fixed by chiropractic. Once I was doing better he told me to just come back when I felt out of adjustment stating that you should be able to know your own body and recognize when something isn't right and it need attention.

 

You may have some nerve damage/inflammation that's causing your leg mobility issues. Nerves take a long time to heal
Most docs aren't going to jump right into back surgery - unless they see something on an MRI or skeletal scan(I had both) plus nerve function testing to warrant it. It could be a "simple" bone spur, buddy of mine had one, after the surgery he said his body just completely relaxed.

I regained all my leg mobility and the tingling sensations gradually went away after 4-6months of having just one shot and doing the PT
Believe me I know why you are freaking out about it - they aren't going to rush you into surgery.

 

I know he saw the herniated disc and "a few bone spurs" which I think is why he switched gears to surgery as an option.... just need more info from my Dr.

 

My story is very similar to Frank and Beans and Certified106, lost a bunch of weight, do core strengthening exercises (Pilates) everyday and a stretching regime 3-4 times a day every day, all my issues went away gradually and have stayed away.

 

Well I was able to get a consult with my Dr yesterday, spent a good amount of time talking over my options with him, and his medical student tag along. He said the damage is very evident on the MRI, all located at the L5-S1 lumbar. The damage looks to have been there for a while (1 year plus) and there are quite a few bone spurs. Basically it's not a question of if I have surgery, but when I have surgery. That shot can buy me some time, but no guarantee how long. Also the shot will do nothing for the bone spurs. So I am choosing to get the surgery done, my surgeon will be the same Dr that did my mom's back surgery, and the go to neuro surgeon in the state of Iowa. I hope to have a consult with him soon, and he may tell me to get the shot to relieve the pain until I can get surgery.

I really appreciate all the advice, shared experiences, and we'll wishes from everyone here... Thank you!

 

you are in a better spot now because you a path to follow. I know you are anxious about all this. With time, you will be so well informed you can help others. Good luck.

 

Glad you had some good beside manner from the doctor, hopefully alleviated some of the "fears".
The Surgeon is probably going to want the shot just to help reduce swelling prior to any operation anyways - it may give you some relief in the meantime.

Hang in there man, I know personally this experience can be depressing - you can't do things you used to do. We're all here for you

 

Yeah, needing help for things I've done all my life sucks! Honestly I won't know how to act if this works as advertised, been living with back pain and leg pain/numbness so long, I don't remember what it's like to just relax and not worry if I'm sitting just right.

 

Headed up to consult with my surgeon this afternoon. Ready to get this sorted out!

 

We'll the consult was very cut and dry, I have the up most confidence in my surgeon, and the procedure working for me. I did feel a little like a fat calf being worked through the shoot, but I'd rather the person cutting on me be great at surgery, and just OK with the fluff and feel good stuff. So next Thursday I go under the knife, and by that afternoon be walking, sitting and standing with no pain/numbness/tingling in my left leg!

 

Kind of sucks that you got the cattle chute bedside from the surgeon. They can tend to have egomaniac personalities.

Hope all goes well for you brother

 

That sounds great! Good luck... you'll be back at it before you know it...

 

Good Luck, man.

 

Sweet I'm glad it seemed pretty cut and dry for you! Will send up a prayer that all goes well and make sure to follow all the orders after surgery as you don't want to chance messing anything up. Good luck!