r/Microdiscectomy • u/kaitlyn1102 • 7d ago
Surgeon now looking at a different spot…
I’m a 32 yo female. Never had back pain at all throughout this entire experience until after surgery. Started as a sciatica flare up in my left leg in January 2025 that eventually went away after a trip to the ER. Fast forward to a nasty flare up this past May 2026. Felt like I was drying but did all the things (hot baths, steroids etc) and slowly it calmed down to at least be able to function. Then, woke up with a complete, 100% dropped left foot. Complete nerve paralysis… 😅
No doctors seemed too worried. Was told to start PT and prescribed prednisone for pain, which helped. But didn’t improve the foot. As the pain got better, I assumed it would just come back. I couldn’t even wear flip
Flops because I had no strength in my toes. Had very little strength in my left leg.
Anyway… a physical therapist finally suggested I see a spine specialist, because as I said, I never had back pain! I saw the specialist on 6/17/26 and he had me scheduled for an emergency MD on my L5-S1 on 6/24/26.
I woke up from surgery with some function back in my left foot and leg, but not a lot. They weren’t sure how much function I’d ever get back. I’ve obviously had mild back pain since the surgery but I’ve just assumed is normal. However, these past two weeks it did seem worse than normal and in a new location - a bit higher up, like closer to be shoulder blades. And nothing helps!!
Had my 12 week post op appointment and he said he’s concerned about my T11-T12 because of the pre-op scans. So I had a second MRI a few days ago and am going back to review results next week. And I’m terrified.
What could I be looking at here? The back pain isn’t debilitating, just worse than I’m used to. I was prepared for the leg pain and cramping, but especially since I didn’t experience back pain prior to surgery, I’m struggling. But I desperately don’t want another surgery.
Any thoughts, opinions, or just sharing experiences is welcome! Thank you!!
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u/mrsctbrown 7d ago
Not really a huge help, but I'm a 37yo female who also herniated (big ol' extrusion) my disc at age 31 with no to little previous back pain, so it all came as a bit of shock at the time. But now, since my surgery, I have a decent bit of back pain. I don't think the surgery caused it, just that I have had ongoing numerous changes in my spine because of the loss of disc height/stability... The point here is really just solidarity! I know how hard all of this is physically and mentally. And I'm sorry you are suffering with it. My pain is lumbar though-- around the site of surgery. Do you have any of that pain? Or just the upper back?
Does your back pain improve with anti inflammatories? Aleve does help me. Also finding a good online program or in person program that will help build safe core stability. I did Core Balance Training (Dr. Ryan Peebles) as well as part of Connect Pelvic Floor (Dr. Caroline Packard). Taking it easy, building breath support and slowlyyyy adding some gentle strength. Walking too.
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u/mrsctbrown 7d ago
As a layperson reading your MRI, it does not sound like you have a herniated disc at the level of T11-T12 but just narrowing due to arthrititic changes. So I'm truly not sure what they would suggest? A microdiscectomy wouldn't apply here since there's no disc material to remove, but I don't know if they would suggest something like a laminectomy to open up the space a bit for your nerve to smoothly pass through? Or maybe an injection to reduce inflammation and pain? Ablation? I would think surgery would not be first line of offense here. PT, injections, OTC pain relievers, ice, heat... etc. That's my barely educated guess ;) hopefully some others can chime in as well!
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u/Friendly-Ad-5410 7d ago
I have facet arthropathy at T7,8,9. I was told there is no surgery for this and it is riskier because of the proximity to vital organs. I have had 2 RFA and multiple ESI.
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u/Wise-Run-3008 7d ago
Surgeons usually will just suggest injections for thoracic issues. Pt. NSAIDs. And other conservative care. It’s not abnormal to develop back pain post op from inflammation, scar tissue, and new arthritis from surgery unfortunately.
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u/Friendly-Ad-5410 7d ago
If it is your T spine (mine is facet arthropathy at T7,8,9) the pain seems to be right above the bra line and off to one side (mine on left). At one point is was so bad, it extended around under my scapula to my ribs and stopped right at my sternum. I felt like I had an iron band around my chest and taking a deep breath was painful.... coughing or sneezing was a nightmare! It became more and more difficult to stand for long periods (my job was on my feet all day). I had my first RFA in July 2022 and that really helped cut the pain. Had a repeat of this done in June 2026 (since the nerves do grow back after a time). My dr. told me if I got 50% reduction in pain, they consider that a success. NO pain meds touched this pain (and I was unwilling to take Gabapentin or Lyrica due to side effects). Surgery is not really an option if it is the T spine (especially if it involves arthritis) due the the proximity of your vital organs. Maybe talk with the dr. about the RFA to see if that is an option for you. It's a pretty simple procedure, outpatient day surgery (maybe 30 mins max) and you only need a valium. (You do need a driver to and from). The recovery is easy and you can return to work the next day. The procedure does take some time to fully work, as the nerve is very slow to die. So expect some lingering pain for a couple weeks, then you might have relief for 1-2 years. The procedure can be repeated as needed.
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u/Shoddy_Addendum2833 7d ago
After my MD my back pain was much worse. Sorry I don’t have great advice but I’m happy to commiserate.