Had microdisectomy for a bulging disc, ended up after surgery with extruded disc. After living with this for three years,(L&I case ongoing,final appeal. worked company for 16 years, alot of manual carrying handling of material up to 25 foot material most of it flexing when carried, required to be able to carry 70lb. and as my boss put it, 'anything over 70lb was on them', but thats another story)
I am now fairly convinced that my best option is unfortunately another surgery. Looking for some opinions.
My MRI of 07/07/2005 showed,
L4/5 Disc dessication. Moderate decrease in disc height, Status post right laminotomy with enhancing scar tissue in the right anterior epidural space. Scar tissue surrounds the disc fragment which measures 9 mm transverse, 8 mm AP, and has migrated 13 mm inferiorly in the right lateral recess. This extruded disc fragment definetely impinges on the traversing right L5 nerve root and also deformity right anterior thecal sac. No evidence of impinging on the right L4 nerve root.
Besides the back pain and, which is usually minimal to moderate,with the ocassional drop to your knees pain, depending upon my activity level, I have constant tightness in right foot, under second toe where connected to foot?
My condition has remained fairly static,I really try and be careful, especially on downward pressure. I usually pay for any excess activity after the fact. I am 50 and its hard not to work hard.
I was told by one physical therapist that without surgery there would be a good chance of permanent damage. ?? ?
As an aside, when I was In the preop room being put under for the miro disect. the surgeons assistant walked up introduced himself and told me how he had had 4 back surgeries and that I would be back to surgery, really it happened. anyone else?
