Had a minimally invasive lumbar decompression procedure?

I have not had the procedure done or even recommended. I'm very interested in what you find out because although I have a pain solution now, I want to know about options for if it gets out of control again.

I have L4-L5 problems that cause bilateral lower leg pain (shins and anterior tibialis) that is so severe sometimes that it feels like my legs are breaking. I had been diagnosed with a "slightly" bulging disc years before, but the doctors who saw the MRIs said it wasn't something to worry about. I was having lower back pain and anti-inflammatories, topical CBD, heat, ice, and physical therapy kept the pain bearable. It was only when the leg pain hit that I was unable to control or deal with the pain.

My primary care physician recently suggested I try gabapentin. It's not a drug to take without seriously considering the side effects. Also, one develops a physical tolerance rather quickly, which means that if you want to stop it, you have to taper off. The original dosage (300mg 3x/day) made me really dizzy and nauseous on a single dose. I gave it a week, taking 1 pill 1x/day, but the side effects didn't improve, so my doctor changed the prescription to 100mg 3x/day. I can get by with 100mg 2x/day, having only breakthrough pain now and then.

Has your orthopedic doctor suggested something like gabapentin or other nerve pain medicine?

Did the doctor ever suggest a lower dose? I know that mine originally started out with the 300mg dosage, which was too high, but I'm doing well now on the 100mg dose, 2-3 times a day.

I had surgery in that area in 2015. They gave me Gabapentin afterwards due to spinal decompression pain. It made me loopy and out of it too, so I stopped it. To this day my left leg is weak and I suffer from constant intermittent sciatica during which I can barely walk. The doctor wanted to prescribe Gabapentin again which I refused. Instead I got Baclofen which also made me dizzy and loopy, and didn't help, so I stopped it too. So like you I get by with Tylenol Extra Strength, and ice several times a day. Hoping for a second operation in the L5-S1 region to fix it, but only after the severe stenosis in my neck has been operated on. I was born with a narrow spinal cord cavity.
I tried the Mayo Clinic in FL where I had 4 eye operations for Glaucoma, but they said the waiting period is 3 years for neurosurgery!!!

@bbeebe1943 You would like to connect with members that have experience regarding "minimally invasive lumbar decompression procedure."

You will notice that I added your question to the Spine Health group. I did this so you could connect with members like @heatherm @wheelerma @ken82 @lindaferrara @jenniferhunter @rayreich3 @lilypaws @metalneck @wisco50 @user_chf56161a @ddister1 that may have experience with the topic and can answer questions and offer support.

May I ask if you are considering the lumbar procedure or if the procedure is already scheduled?

Already scheduled

Any info about MILD would be greatly appreciated

Agree. I too would like any info on MILD procedure. I have it scheduled for mid-August. Thanks so much.

I had MILD Procedure. Developed bleeding ,next day which was unbearable. Hospitalized 5 days. Was unable to bear weight.
MRI showed worsening ligamatum flavum. 4 months PT. I would Not recommend.