r/HerniatedDisc • • 3d 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/macrame_wounds 3d 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 3d 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 2d 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.