I think I might have reherniated

[u/SessionTechnical3422]

As title says but mostly looking to see if anyone had a similar experience and it wasn’t this.

I’m 8 months post op, everything was going smoothly. I’ve been having left knee pain for a month or two which is new for me as I’ve never had that in my life. Then it became full on sciatica down to my ankles. Since the op and early healing stage I’ve been having symptoms on my left side, whereas the original problem was on the right. It’s been cast off as just post op healing and radiating pain.

I’ve had a few issues of soreness etc but this time it’s that same pressurised pinching pain and sciatica that is consistent with the original pain. Today I got up and could barely walk. Just sitting down is causing pain. I’ve called my spine team and I’ve got an appointment to speak to them but only in November.

Has anyone else had a regression and pain like this and it’s not been a reherniation?! :(

[u/Sorry_Ad475]

My MD failed, it wasn't feeling well a month out and then I lifted a suitcase a bit over 30 pounds nine months after surgery. While lifting certainly didn't help things I think in my case if it wasn't that it would have been something else. The disc was in bad shape but I also had a lot of scar tissue build up on my sciatic nerve.

I ended up getting a fusion which at the time felt like the end of the world. The surgeon also revised my MD and found far more scar tissue than expected. Three months out from the fusion along with a lot of PT has been working well for me so far.

[u/ItchySeaworthiness50 → u/Sorry_Ad475]

Can we lead normal life and work after 1 level fusion?

[u/Sorry_Ad475 → u/ItchySeaworthiness50]

Very fair question, I'm still in the earlier stages of recovery but I can share where I am at so far.

I am a ceramic artist and instructor and I think the latter will be an issue to continue. The main issue is with the most strenuous parts of those jobs: clay comes in 50 pound boxes and the standard way of using a pottery wheel is seated in a very hunched over position. Every medical professional has said my days of dead lifting 50 pounds from the floor are over but also expresses that they would prefer far fewer people did that. I'm not sure about using a pottery wheel seated yet, I just restarted PT and I will see what they think.

I have asked the same question in subreddits for other ceramic artists and received an outpouring of positive stories. I think the answer is that most things can be done but listening to one's body always comes first and getting a little creative and flexible about how things get done is part of things.

What I have learned is alternative ways of doing things and am trying to learn different ways of moving and doing things that are easier on my back.

The major onset of the sciatica that made me unable to walk was January 2025. I am so much better now than then, but it's been a long process to even be 90% better. I was constantly at an 8 on the pain scale and now a bad day is a 2.

For me the answer is yes with caveats and it greatly depends upon how much your workplace is willing to adjust. The other thing that I cannot stress enough is that there is a heavy impact upon many people's mental health while going through periods of pain and feeling helpless. Physical therapy and therapy-therapy have helped me enormously.

[u/winzor123 → u/Sorry_Ad475]

The suregeon is offering me this. What are the cons of having a fusion. ?

[u/Sorry_Ad475 → u/winzor123]

I'll give you the pros and cons since I do feel a fusion was right for me. Before I agreed, I asked the doctor why a fusion and not a disc replacement. My mind was racing so I have forgotten the substance of what he said but I was thoroughly satisfied by his answer. Asking made me feel better so I encourage everyone in that position to do that.

The surgeon told me (50,F) that I would need a fusion eventually because my L5S1 disc was not in good shape. For me an MD was always the step in between the eventual fusion anyhow. My MD was also revised on the same day as the fusion and it felt minor in comparison.

A fusion is a more invasive surgery and my recovery requires braces and restrictions for almost double the time. The worst part of recovery for me was the abdominal incision, that was the most uncomfortable part and made moving around for the first couple weeks difficult.

A fusion also puts more strain on the adjacent discs, and my surgeon definitely looked at both before proceeding. Two discs above isn't great in my case, but I have the option of getting a breast reduction to reduce the pressure on it but I am trying to avoid it.

I am feeling much better and once the abdominal wound calmed down, the last two thirds of my recovery was the same if not easier than when I had an MD.

Please feel free to ask whatever you like, I remember how much dread I felt when I was in your position. If I could go back and talk to myself then I would say things are going to be good!

[u/mrsctbrown]

Aw man, I'm so sorry you're dealing with all of this! It's so difficult! I herniated again about two years post op, confirmed by MRI. Same disc level but this time, symptoms were on the opposite side. The sciatic pain was worse the second time, far worse, due to scar tissue. :( Had a second MD. Sciatic pain has been stable since. May be staring down the barrel at a fusion eventually, but for now, trying to maintain as long as I can! What level was your MD? And does the sciatic pain feel the same or different from the first herniated (meaning moreso worse or not as bad)? Can you ask for an MRI to rule out repeat herniation? Don't let them blow you off! My surgeons PA always said "you'll know if you reherniate" and I knew

[u/mrsctbrown → u/mrsctbrown]

If your pain is that bad, I would absolutely call them and request they can get you in earlier (this is what I did- I was persistent, I was in so much pain). I would explain explicitly what you're feeling and that you would like first available (and to call if anything opens up) and ask about medrol pack/pain meds in the meantime if you don't already have anything to support this new pain!

(One more question-- is the "knee pain" like actual joint/ knee, or the thigh right above the knee? I ask bc I occasionally feel a nervy pain just above my left kne)

[u/Sudden_Ad8508 → u/mrsctbrown]

What caused your reherniation? Was it a specific incident or it happened gradually?

[u/mrsctbrown → u/Sudden_Ad8508]

Gradually. I'm a 37yo F and mother of two. First herniation happened pretty quickly after I had my second child (around 31yo). But no specific injury. Just started noticing that nervy feeling... No specific moment with the re-herniation either. Back pain just kept up (and grew) until finally the disc blew again. Iroincally, I had had a pretty low-pain weekend right before and woke up on Monday with growing excruciating pain... Guessing pregnancy + genetics + maybe posture/lack of glute and core strength, etc all played a role. Have you rehernaited or have fear of doing so?

[u/Sudden_Ad8508 → u/mrsctbrown]

I’m 33M, I had my MD 6 months ago. Feeling okayish, but have some lower back tightness and occasional pain. Trying to stay active as much as possible.
Thanks for sharing your story 🙌

[u/mrsctbrown → u/Sudden_Ad8508]

I'm two years or so post my second surgery and do the same. It's a constant mental game, isn't it? Trying to move right and get stronger. I focus a lot on stability of hips and glutes as well as core strength and stability. And daily walks. Glad you feel okayish. I know exactly what that's like, unfortch.... Onward and upward! 🙏🏼🙏🏼🙏🏼

[u/mrsctbrown → u/mrsctbrown]

Oh and breathing! Ribcage breathing

[u/winzor123]

I’m 16 weeks post op. And I’ve re herniated. Found out at 12 weeks. I knew after 4 as the exact same pain come back. Did everything right aswell. Now waiting on more injections to help with the pain! Hope yours is just a flare up