Lumbar MRI Results Question

Dear Soccer1477 - So sorry you're experiencing the leg and hamstring pain. I recall it well! I struggled to sit in the driver's seat for extended (sometimes even short) drives. My legs were going numb several times a day and randomly. I was slipping down an increasingly slippery slope. I haven't compared MRI's with yours - but I had lower lumbar decompression and fusion almost five months ago and all that leg discomfort is totally gone. I'm still recovering from the surgery (L2-5) but the original catalyst for surgery has been rectified. As "hvannort" suggests: Get a diagnosis from a great medical facility with the latest equipment. Discuss strategy with the best neurosurgeon you can find. Set a plan and execute. I am also a Mayo "graduate" and huge fan...

I live in Northern Kentucky, If I could get care at the Mayo or Cleveland Clinic I wouldn’t hesitate. What are your thoughts Orthopedic Surgeon vs. Neurosurgeon Thanks . NA

Thank You for your comments. I sound just like you . Epidurals have worked for me but my pain Dr. told me I’ve reached my limit. Other than going into PT sites with questions about outcomes do you know of any way to find this information. Not many Orthopedic PT’s will let you ask these questions. Thanks . NA

I have found all PTs may not give the most direct answer but when asked about specific surgeons the often say “oh yes he/ she is very good! We have good outcomes” or “I don’t know about (or have not seen) many of his/her patients.”Some were very direct when asked for a recommendation and gave me names. I also chat with other PT patients who are in rehab from surgery. They gave me a lot of info. I am not sure if this is the most acceptable way to gather info but (along with interviewing 4 surgeons ) it worked well for me.

Thank You for your comments. I sound just like you . Epidurals have worked for me but my pain Dr. told me I’ve reached my limit. Other than going into PT sites with questions about outcomes do you know of any way to find this information. Not many Orthopedic PT’s will let you ask these questions. Thanks . NA

I had similar issues. I am not a health professional but my MRI sounded a lot like yours. Epidurals worked for about 3 years. I was terrified of surgery. Finally the pain was too debilitating and I gave into surgery at Mayo in 2020. I am 100% after the surgery. My suggestion is interview as many surgeons as necessary to find the most competent and experienced surgeon you can find. Ask the physical therapists who rehab back surgeries. They know who has good outcomes. I wish you the best with this journey.

Hvannort, may I ask your age? Recovery is often related to one's age. I'm 75 with similar symptoms and considering surgery, but am concerned about my body's ability to heal/recover and get back anywhere close to 100%. Thoughts, anyone?

I am 77 and had surgery early this year. Based on two MRIs, the amount and type of pain I was having, I don't see that I could have avoided surgery. I was not however, prepared for the recovery period since most people I spoke to and my surgeon made me think that relief would be almost immediate. Eight months later and I am still dealing with nerve pain in one leg that makes it difficult to resume everyday activities. I was progressing to the point that my pain was limited to one small area until I foolishly attempted to lift a piece of furniture that was quite heavy. Within one day I regressed to the previous level of pain I had several months earlier. It was a hard lesson to learn but part of it comes from having to accept that the recovery process takes time and patience but it will come eventually as long as you respect where you are in it.
As I subsequently did more reading, I learned that everyone heals at a different rate. For some, that may be a few months. For others, a year or more. And, of course age is a factor. If I had it to do over, I would still have the surgery because eventually the nerve pain will go away and my back has been totally pain free since I had it.

Hvannort, may I ask your age? Recovery is often related to one's age. I'm 75 with similar symptoms and considering surgery, but am concerned about my body's ability to heal/recover and get back anywhere close to 100%. Thoughts, anyone?

I am 77 and had surgery early this year. Based on two MRIs, the amount and type of pain I was having, I don't see that I could have avoided surgery. I was not however, prepared for the recovery period since most people I spoke to and my surgeon made me think that relief would be almost immediate. Eight months later and I am still dealing with nerve pain in one leg that makes it difficult to resume everyday activities. I was progressing to the point that my pain was limited to one small area until I foolishly attempted to lift a piece of furniture that was quite heavy. Within one day I regressed to the previous level of pain I had several months earlier. It was a hard lesson to learn but part of it comes from having to accept that the recovery process takes time and patience but it will come eventually as long as you respect where you are in it.
As I subsequently did more reading, I learned that everyone heals at a different rate. For some, that may be a few months. For others, a year or more. And, of course age is a factor. If I had it to do over, I would still have the surgery because eventually the nerve pain will go away and my back has been totally pain free since I had it.