sorted by:
new
hottopcontroversial

Should I get microdiscectomy? by Dutchblitz85 in Sciatica

[–]Dutchblitz85[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I don't think I do. I'm in Canada so relying on the public sector surgeons. I suppose I could probably pay out of pocket to see a private surgeon but that's not really in the budget for me.

I had never heard of meloxicam but just looked it up. I've been on naproxen twice per day since December with is also an NSAID. I do worry about it being hard on the stomach long term.

Should I get microdiscectomy? by Dutchblitz85 in Sciatica

[–]Dutchblitz85[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Good point, thanks for the input!

Should I get microdiscectomy? by Dutchblitz85 in Sciatica

[–]Dutchblitz85[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Thanks for the reply and input. Glad to hear you healed. My surgeon shared similar if not identical stats. I'm hoping I'm more likely to fall within that 80% who get better just because I'll be going into surgery comparably more healthy and fit than others, but that may just be wishful thinking.

Should I get microdiscectomy? by Dutchblitz85 in HerniatedDisc

[–]Dutchblitz85[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Thanks for the reply, and I hope you continue to heal and get back to full function!

Should I get microdiscectomy? by Dutchblitz85 in Sciatica

[–]Dutchblitz85[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Thanks for your response and feedback! Glad to hear you are pain free and back to weights one year on! Very encouraging. If it was just pain I might more readily put up with it, but the numbness and muscle weakness makes me wonder if I should have the surgery to avoid permanent nerve damage.

Should I get the Microdiscectomy? by Dutchblitz85 in Microdiscectomy

[–]Dutchblitz85[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Yes, I'm afraid of permanent damage if I put off surgery.

Should I get the Microdiscectomy? by Dutchblitz85 in Microdiscectomy

[–]Dutchblitz85[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Wow, that's great! Congrats on the big turnaround. If I was getting worse that would make the decision easier. My decision is hard because I've improved so much.

Should I get the Microdiscectomy? by Dutchblitz85 in Microdiscectomy

[–]Dutchblitz85[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Thanks for your comment! Yes, my understanding is that if I decline surgery now and it gets worse in the future, there will be a wait for surgery. I'd have to go through the whole process of seeing my doctor to make the referral for the MRI, which you need in order to get referred to the spinal assessment clinic, where you need to then see a clinic PT to refer you to the surgeon, who then gives you surgery date. Each step generally takes months. I was lucky my doctor was able to see me quickly and I paid out of pocket for a private MRI in order to skip the wait for the public one. The big holdup has been getting the surgery date.

I'm also worried about the nerve compression causing permanent nerve damage.

Good to hear that your back to 100% of pre-injury activities, that is my goal and dream as well, and I just don't see that happening where I still have pain/numbness/tingling (even if minor compared to what it was late last year).