Minimally invasive lumbar decompression procedure

@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?

Hi what procedure are you talking about?

considering procedure, described to me as "mild, minimally invasive lumbar decompression" by North Shore Pain Management, Beverly, MA

I had L3. L4 decompression on 12/15/2020. Three hours, outpatient. I have gotten about 75% pain relief down my leg. I was led to believe it would help weakness but then told not so. I progressed okay for two weeks and the developed an overwhelming fatigue, very low blood pressure and what I was told was dehydration. Neurosurgeon said call your primary not surgery related. At week 5 I developed neurological issues with balance, memory use of hands. Again told not due to surgery. No concern or follow up until week six when again I was told not related to surgery. No therapy , no nothing. My six weeks turned into 8 weeks. My neurological issues have improved yet I notice not completely gone. I'm having an MRI of the brain this week to look for a watershed infarct that can develop from low BP. Don't use my experience to scare you. I was at a complex spine center with an exceptional surgeon who felt the minute he left the OR he was done. Everything was presented as go back to your primary. I was to follow with a C spine 5-6,6-7 fusion. I'm done with surgery. I couldn't survive this again. It took me a year and four doctors to find the best. He's the best and he knows it. When he's done he's done. This is one of the largest teaching hospitals with a comprehensive spine center. I wish you the best. Just make sure your pain is significant to need surgery. I don't know anyone who can tell you it was a 100% success.

Has anyone had the MILD (minimally invasive lumbar decompression ) procedure?

Hello @lioness2001. I found an existing discussion where members are sharing their experiences and thought you'd like to join, so have moved your post here.

Are you considering this procedure for yourself or a loved one? What else can you share that you may have concerns about and could use a member to provide support for?

Good Morning

The MILD procedure was recommended by my local Orthopaedic MD. I reluctant to have the procedure done without more information on its success rate . I would appreciate feedback from those who have had this procedure. Also, I have submitted an application with collaterals to the Mayo Spine Center for an appointment.

I've reviewed comments made by those who experienced the MILD procedure. My local Orthopaedic MD has recommended MILD to relieve my L4/L5 pain. I've yet to find a positive review from anyone who had this procedure. I'm also concerned that Mayo doesn't treat patients with MILD. I would appreciate hearing from those who had success with MILD. Thanks

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?

mar2a
Thanks for responding. My local Orthopaedic MD prescribed Tramadol for pain. I have not started it preferring to continue with Advil until I get a consultation at Mayo Rochester. I had an epidural last Friday which significantly reduced the pain. I hope to find a solution not so drug dependent. I will post results after my Mayo appointment.