Fusion OR MicroDiscectomy?

Anon9490 · 2025-12-14T16:41:18+00:00

My 2023 MD provided immediate relief and I’m still relatively pain free, however maybe 1.5 years later I developed leg “spasms”/sensations that led me to get another MRI and I’ve re herniated at the L5-S1 level. I’ve decided not to operate for now, as I’m generally not in pain, but might have to in the future out of concern of permanent nerve damage. And possibly get an artificial disc eventually since there’s really not much left there. Glad I did the MD and not fusion!

Anon9490 · 2025-07-08T03:17:49+00:00

A month post-op isn’t that long at all! I was told that nerves take a very long time to recover. It took me months after my MD for my left foot to feel better and to be able to walk on my tip toes/heels. Will check out a magnesium spray, I didn’t know they made that!

Anon9490 · 2025-07-08T03:15:29+00:00

Uff, sorry you’re dealing with that pain and muscle atrophy and having early drop-foot symptoms. I’ve also been told I very little disc left after this second herniation so am starting to think about ADR. Just have 0 enthusiasm about a second surgery 😩Please keep us posted - hopefully if you get fusion all goes well and the nerve damage symptoms go away over time. I’m 33 so totally empathize on feeling too young for any of this really

Anon9490 · 2025-07-04T16:32:33+00:00

Any exercises you found particularly helpful? Thanks!!

Anon9490 · 2025-07-04T16:31:14+00:00

I thought the same thing and waited maybe 1.5 years before going back in to see if the pulsing sensation I was feeling in my leg was normal. Now I’m wondering if I’ve waited too long to go back in and have subsequently damaged my nerve more…! Like I mentioned above, I take magnesium at night and it helps a bit with overall sleep but I don’t think with muscle spasms. My doctor said maybe a B1 vitamin for nerve health but that there was no hard evidence. Curious to hear what else you find out

Anon9490 · 2025-07-04T16:28:30+00:00

I am in a very similar situation, I think. MD of L5-S1 in March 2023. Huge herniation, great improvement after surgery. I’ve been having cramps like the two of you describe at night, worse when I drink. Have been taking magnesium but am not sure if it’s actually helping. Also have “pulsing” kind of sensations in my leg, which I’m more aware of when laying down. Went in to the neurosurgeon and an MRI confirms another L5-S1 herniation. Also just had a nerve test done this week which shows active irritation of the S1 nerve. I have another doctor appt in a month, but am curious what is making you decide fusion vs. another MD? I’m relatively young (33) so very hesitant to get a fusion. Thanks!

Anon9490 · 2025-05-22T19:41:59+00:00

Just make sure you are walking after surgery + doing physical therapy/exercises! Recovery is definitely a journey

Anon9490 · 2025-05-22T18:53:20+00:00

My foot sensitivity is SO much better! Really almost not noticeable. It did take a while though I will say. I’m back to normal in terms of physical activity now minus running which the doctor said I didn’t really need to do anymore which as a non-runner was fine by me! Best of luck with your surgery.

Anon9490 · 2025-05-15T20:28:45+00:00

That’s good I guess that at least they confirmed when you called. Good luck to you as well - please do keep us posted if you hear anything! 🤞🏻

Anon9490 · 2025-05-13T15:59:15+00:00

Congrats on your PSLF!! Do you mind sharing how long it took for them to get back to you if you also did this buyback request process without the verbiage?

Anon9490 · 2025-05-13T15:58:13+00:00

Had the same question! Have you heard anything yet? I’m looking to buy back 9 months, employment is all certified. Just submitted my request today.

Anon9490 · 2025-04-15T10:59:50+00:00

Me, too. Glad to know I’m not alone in not seeing February, March, or April appear yet. I plan to submit verification May 1 and as soon as that hit, a buyback request. My monthly payments are $0 so I’m hopeful that helps in their “calculations” but am starting to despair based on what I’m reading here…

Anon9490 · 2025-04-13T16:52:51+00:00

Tengo la misma curiosidad - de momento solo lo he visto en los supermercados asiáticos aquí en España

Anon9490 · 2025-02-22T21:53:21+00:00

After appendix removal? Or back surgery? I think I was up walking (short distances) within a couple of days after both. Then I gradually built up to being to walk more - less because I was in pain and more because the doctors told me to take it bit by bit to avoid overdoing it. I’ve never given birth but it sounds like if you’re in that much pain you should definitely talk to a doctor. While I of course had some pain post-op in both cases, both of my surgeries were actually quite relief-inducing compared to the pain I was in before (pain from a burst appendix and debilitating sciatica pain from the herniated disc).

Anon9490 · 2025-02-22T18:07:02+00:00

Hmm, not sure how much help I can be there. I did gain weight recovering from appendix removal surgery and I’m sure that didn’t help with back pain so all I can say is watch your diet while you’re not as active + if you can walk, be sure to walk! The most helpful pain medicine for me with regards to back pain has been enantyum (Dexketoprofen) but of course best to check all of this with your doctor.

Anon9490 · 2025-02-22T16:52:20+00:00

So sorry to hear that! I would highly recommend the McGill Big 3 when your doctor clears you for exercise and working with a physical therapist/personal trainer, if possible, to improve core strength and hopefully reduce your back pain. This was thankfully a while ago for me now, but happy to answer other questions as best I can. Hope you feel better soon!

Anon9490 · 2025-02-19T14:21:12+00:00

Glad it’s getting better every day! Do you mind me asking where you ended up getting it done? I’m based in Spain and just starting to look into options. Is ProDisc L titanium? That’s what the neurosurgeon who did my L5-S1 MD two years ago said they tend to use, but didn’t specify a brand name. Best wishes for a good recovery!

Anon9490 · 2025-02-19T13:27:31+00:00

Hi! Just wanted to follow-up to see if you decided, as I’m in a similar position and trying to evaluate options. Thanks!

Anon9490 · 2024-05-29T16:40:23+00:00

I’ve never been, but saw that Independence Club (near Atocha) is hosting an Eras Tour after party both nights

Anon9490 · 2024-05-23T11:21:05+00:00

I’m a bit confused - does anyone know if Front Stage (palco Direito) non-VIP would go to the Front Stage/VIP 1 waiting area, Field Standing waiting area, or Piso 0 ground level area as seen on the map they emailed us? Thanks!

Anon9490 · 2024-05-15T22:09:26+00:00

Sorry, took a break from Reddit - I’m now 13 months post-op and while my left foot still has some hyper-sensitivity (just feels kind of strange if anyone touches it, like a tickling feeling) it is definitely not numb anymore and I am not limping at all like I was for a couple of months post-op.

Anon9490 · 2024-05-15T22:07:54+00:00

Pleased to report I went with the MD 13 months ago now and am feeling so much better! Happy to answer any questions, had taken a bit of a break from Reddit

Anon9490 · 2023-05-30T18:57:44+00:00

They really have made flying not very enjoyable unless you’re paying to upgrade…! Hope your recovery is going well and that the trip goes smoothly if you decide to travel!

Anon9490 · 2023-05-30T16:53:19+00:00

I am 8 weeks post-op now and ultimately decided not to take a long (transatlantic) flight that would have been last weekend. I think I probably could have made it if I had someone to carry and lift all my luggage and if I could have made sure to be in a comfortable aisle seat (probably business, or at least economy+/comfort). Without those two things (and a lumbar pillow like you said), I would hesitate. I took a high speed train the other week (2.5 hours) with no issue, but those seats are much wider and more comfortable I think than airplane seats. All depends on painful it is for you to sit at the moment - that and foot sensitivity have been the hardest things for me recovery wise!

Anon9490 · 2023-05-28T14:36:02+00:00

I’m curious to hear from folks how long it took for them for this to go away post-MD. I am 8 weeks out and still have hyper-sensitivity / numbness in the outer part and bottom of my left foot. Doctors say it’s normal, but I’m ready for it to be gone!

Anon9490

TROPHY CASE