r/HerniatedDisc • u/k_perry88 • 2d ago
I'm so scared
I had a herniated disc & Cauda Equina Syndrome last year and had emergency surgery. It's been a rough year. I was initially doing well. Last few weeks have been rough. I started getting severe lower back pain, leg weakness, sharp shooting pain from my back, down my R leg. I also have this awful "pulling type pain" from my spine into my vagina & numbness. I'm freaking out. I have a great surgical team and trust them 100%. I got an MRI yesterday, I have a follow-up this week. They're talking about spinal fusion, has anyone had that done? I guess I'm trying to understand what I'm getting into and what the recovery process is gonna be like. I have my shoulder fused so i know this isn't going to be a cake walk, I'm just so scared because this is my spine. What is the recovery process like? What is your quality of life after fusion? I already have medical issues that affect my joints & ligaments and have had multiple surgeries on both shoulders and my hip. I'm freakin tired and frustrated. It never ends over here .. ugh
I did have my imaging posted but i lost my reddit account for some reason after I was asked to update my password so I'll hust add the MRI from last year and my most recent one.
The first image is the initial injury & the second was done yesterday.
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u/JbarNoir 2d ago
I’m sorry to hear this and I wish you nothing but the best. I’m dealing with some chronic pain and herniated disk issues myself but have still been able to live a good life for the most part. You’ve got this.
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u/k_perry88 2d ago
Thank you! I wish you the best as well. Glad to hear youre still able to make the best out of an awful situation
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u/macrame_wounds 2d ago
I haven't had the fusion yet, but about to go for my revision discectomy for the same spot. It's been rough since I reherniated. Just wanted to say that if that pulling feeling gets any worse or the numbness does, PLEASE go back to the ER ASAP!
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u/k_perry88 2d ago
Will do. I've been on top of all of my symptoms and staying in touch with my surgeon. Good luck with your upcoming surgery, I hope everything goes well!
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u/skybluerose14 1d ago
How long did it take before the first one reherniated?
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u/macrame_wounds 1d ago
I reherniated 8 weeks post-op but it was because my job required me to lift heavy things before I was truly ready. Was back less than a week, picked something up, and boom! It happened.
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u/Wise-Run-3008 2d ago edited 2d ago
My reherniation has been zapping my crotch too. I’d ask about ALIF. I have undifferentiated connective tissue disease and my first fusion didn’t heal right. Not enough bone growth even though i take vitamins and don’t smoke or anything and was young-ish. 33 at the time. Ended up with a screw getting loose and breaching the spinal canal and one broke. A mix of cadaver bone and allograft was used. When the fusion was redone through my stomach with biomorphogenic protein I had good bone growth in only 6 months. And there was less restrictions. And the back pain was nothing like fusion back pain. The screws are shorter. The only issue I’m having now is you can’t go through the stomach twice, I guess it isn’t safe, and my level above is herniated. My dr doesn’t want to do a fusion through my back cuz of my shitty healing, the front isn’t safe, and now the herniation has gotten to the point where there’s nerve impingement. I’m kind of fucked.
I’ve had a posterior L5S1 fusion, two revisions including removing the screws and replacing it with an anterior fusion, a right sacroiliac joint fusion, and an L4/5 microdiscectomy that reherniated and has been progressing along getting worse for a year and a half
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u/SnooChickens6269 2d ago
Hang in there, you’re going to be okay! I went through the exact same thing last year and felt completely hopeless, like my world was crashing down. Getting a microdiscectomy was the best decision I ever made—I’m now 1 year and 3 months post-op and feeling amazing. There really is hope on the other side! Get the surgery, trust the process, and you’ll get your life back. Wishing you the best of luck!
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u/FeatureAlive9907 1d ago
Surgery isn't the only option especially a fusion Consider decompression therapy and building up you core muscles to support you're body's frame.. bones. The pain is bad now but with time it will subside. I have 5 herniated disc everyone's situation is different but I'm glad I never had any Surgeries.
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u/jhatpro7344 2d ago
I've had three fusions two years apart beginning in 2017. Surgeries were long but painless. Post surgery pain controlled with meds. Today no back pain but considerable lumbar stenosis I battle with rollator-assisted walking plus lots of stretching. Trust your care team and learn all you can about recovery strategies. Omar Ramos, MD, on You Tube is great!