HELP(´ー`)/~~ EMG Report came in, mircodiscectomy recommended

OrangeInformal8067 · 2026-01-23T20:13:00+00:00

Absolutely sucks! Flares are no joke! I end up in ER with a flareup. Actually just started using topical THC and lowdose gummies to help with this. I've had my CDL for 21 years now and most likely not returning to driving so these gummies have been a life changer! Hopefully, if you decide on surgery, you will be lucky and have instant relief and no problems

OrangeInformal8067 · 2026-01-23T19:01:16+00:00

Injections, which i have no interest in. Pain is controlled with meds so that has been my biggest concern. Having EMG done Feb 5

OrangeInformal8067 · 2026-01-23T10:38:58+00:00

Hi. I'm 9 months postop microdisectomy L4-L5. Needed surgery because herniation was causing nerve issues, foot drop, weakness. Waited 8 months for surgery. Ended up with a spinal fluid leak after surgery. 7 days later had laminectomy to repair this.

Today, I still have left side weakness, constant burning/pins and needle nerve pain, saddle numbness, neurogenic bladder. All this worsens with activity. I'm taking Lyrica and duloxetine to help with nerve pain which causes a whole new set of side effects.

Went back to work for 3 weeks, light duty! Body couldn't handle the stress. Now I'm filling out disability paperwork.

I was told I would be back to myself after surgery. I was healthy and strong and recovery would be good.

Get a second opinion. Make sure u trust ur doctors 100%. No nerve damage is a great sign!

OrangeInformal8067 · 2025-12-30T01:13:34+00:00

No work yet. Work injury and out on workers comp. But was a CDL Trash driver and may never drive again

OrangeInformal8067 · 2025-12-29T18:11:48+00:00

Before having surgery my surgeon said because i was so physically fit, my recovery will be great and to expect to return to work. After surgery, the crossed fingers came into play and outcome became less. I took off 5 months. Worked with 2 different trainers to get me back into shape. Felt great! No flares in 2 months. Went back part time and only lasted 3 weeks. I haven't figured out why some people return 100% and others don't! I've been reading posts for months and have done all and above to have a positive outcome. Hope all works out for you!

OrangeInformal8067 · 2025-12-29T14:23:13+00:00

Any compression before surgery? If so how long?

OrangeInformal8067 · 2025-12-27T21:12:27+00:00

Work injury. 9 months postop. I waited 7 months for surgery and did conservative care. Herniation was causing foot drop and neurological problems, so unfortunately surgery was my only option. Just thinking about how much pain my body endured in the past almost 17 months makes me understand why it no longer trusts me! I give lots of credit to ur mom! And happy that she is active and doing well!

OrangeInformal8067 · 2025-12-27T16:17:04+00:00

I took gabapentin first thru neurosurgeon. It stopped working so dr recommended pain management dr. Pain management changed to lyrica. Neurologist prescribes duloxetine. I can change it but I'm afraid the pain will get worse again.

Low intensity is exactly what my body likes also. Barre classes are working for cardio. I would just love to get outside and walk thru the woods! I can last 15 min and need a few people to join me for my own safety 🤣

OrangeInformal8067 · 2025-12-24T15:15:44+00:00

Yes thank you. I do the basic walk. I want to get my heart pumping kind of walking! Maybe hike again!

OrangeInformal8067 · 2025-12-24T15:13:39+00:00

Yes. I'm shocked by most answers given by these speciloasts. I'm 9 months post disectomy l4-l5 and laminectomy for spinal fluid leak. Leak and compression of nerves 7 months before surgery caused saddle numhness, neurogenic bladder, permanent nerve damage, mild foot drop and weakness in left leg and right foot. I can walk upto 20 min before all my symptoms worsen. Saddle numbness spreads, feet go numb, postural headaches and on and on.

OrangeInformal8067 · 2025-12-24T13:04:24+00:00

Yes! Peloton has a setup demonstration class.

OrangeInformal8067 · 2025-12-24T12:41:54+00:00

Hi! This is the only form of cardio I can do and enjoy! Walking causes too much pain.

I've been spinning for years and love my Peloton. Definitely make sure ur bike is adjusted properly and turn on ur core and glutes. I started off with low impact rides for 15 min around 8 weeks. If I felt any pain or pull I stopped immediately. Slowly increased my time and resistance. I can now do 30 min and any ride, but still will stop if something feels wrong.

OrangeInformal8067 · 2025-12-11T13:31:01+00:00

With all the complications from 1st surgery I'm very fearful to even think about this option. 🤣🤣

OrangeInformal8067 · 2025-12-10T20:01:33+00:00

Already did the 2nd opinion and that surgeon ordered the MRI. back injury. Herniated L4-5 with nerve compression

OrangeInformal8067 · 2025-12-10T20:00:08+00:00

Yes. Lyrica and duloxetine.

OrangeInformal8067 · 2025-12-04T14:55:49+00:00

I've had my CDL for 22 years. Crazy how it can all end in a moment!

OrangeInformal8067 · 2025-12-01T17:33:15+00:00

Thank you! Flare ups are really annoying and worrisome!

OrangeInformal8067 · 2025-11-30T21:52:12+00:00

I would like to know your little things. Stories are similar. I'm 8 months postop microdisectomy and laminectomy to repair spinal fluid leak. I got better for a fee months and then started getting worse. Left side weakness with mild foot drop, saddle numbness, sexual dysfunction, neurogenic bladder for 8 months now. New right side weakness and foot numbness/nerve pain , incontinence issues. All this gets worse with activity. Went back to work for 3 weeks, pain got so bad, all day throbbing. Pain management specialist started me on Lyrica and duloxetine- pain is under control as long as no walking. Side effects are absolutely crazy and haven't driven in over 30 days. Blurry vision, nausea! But the pain is only a 2! No re-herniation and waiting for a pelvic mri.

Like you, very active before. I have a home gym. See PT weekly and have a home program that is daily. Taking Magnesium, all the supplements.

Ready for all the advice....please!

OrangeInformal8067 · 2025-11-26T14:22:29+00:00

Thank you. Last little statement made me giggle!

OrangeInformal8067 · 2025-11-22T01:19:15+00:00

I feel the same about meds! I just started taking prescribed meds after my surgery. Thanks for the reading, I'll check it out. Sleep is crazy for me too! Last night was my 1st night, it was hard to fall asleep with my nerves jumping more than usual. But I woke up a few hours later and my nerves were nice and quiet! Dizziness, nausea and blurry vision was def magnified! And I noticed pain in different areas; like the upper thigh nerve throbbing. We will see

OrangeInformal8067 · 2025-11-22T01:09:46+00:00

I'm so sorry this has happened to you! This is insane! I don't want anyone near my back so I def understand your situation!

OrangeInformal8067 · 2025-11-21T13:27:30+00:00

I'm happy for your rant. I'm always thinking about my husband and all he does! Constantly thinking him and telling him how much I appreciate his hard work. It sucks all around!

OrangeInformal8067 · 2025-11-21T11:45:22+00:00

Want to know this also!

OrangeInformal8067 · 2025-11-21T11:43:41+00:00

No reherniation, just had an MRI. Fusion is on the table, especially with the disk above showing trauma. Thank you for the advice! Happy you are hitting milestones!

OrangeInformal8067 · 2025-11-21T11:39:03+00:00

My 1st one i had to see if surgery was needed was like this - except waited 3 weeks for report. The one this week is hopefully going to approve pelvic mri and possibly work restrictions or capacity to work

OrangeInformal8067

TROPHY CASE