Microdiscectomy: A Patient's Perspective

Two days before my surgery. I'm preparing for my pre-op appointment tomorrow. Here I'm essentially talking about having tried everything prior to deciding a surgery was necessary. I believe that when you have surgery it is especially important to do your research. Talk to medical professionals who have seen the outcomes of different surgeons work. Talk to other patients if you know someone who has been through it. Use every resource in your ability to obtain. It is your body and you have to be your own patient advocate.

Category:

People & Blogs

Tags:

• Microdiscectomy
• Lumbar
• Surgery
• Laminectomy
• Spine
• Disc
• Herniation
• L4/L5
• Cauda
• Equina
• Syndrome
• Slipped

[HealthyLifeMentor]

@missbliss1818 I am actually making a video about what got me into this situation. I've been in constant pain for 2 years but only recently had my MRI. I do have questions you need to ask your surgeon that I had not thought of earlier but would be important to know. He was prepared for every potential situation but no one can promise everything will go as planned. You just have to hope it does. I think too often people expect perfection from doctors. I'm better but it will be a long road.

[HealthyLifeMentor]

@missbliss1818 That is interesting that Youtube places my location in San Bruno. I'm actually from the Boise, Idaho. I definitely have my regrets from my situation. This should be a workman's comp situation but I was given a cheeseball diagnosis after hurting my back at work. I should have pushed more for an MRI because I've been in constant pain for 2 years. Four months after my injury I got pregnant and I'm sure that is what really finished me off. Too much weight up front.

[missbliss1818]

That is great that you are already feeling better. I hurt myself over time at work and my discs are shifted to the left and hitting my sciatica. I have been out of work for 1 1/2 and like yourself tried everything, rest, cortisone shot, acupuncture and lastly chiropractics. Also, I noticed you are in San Bruno; I happen to be in Livermore. We are pretty close. Who is the group you work with? I am with Webster Ortho.

[HealthyLifeMentor]

@missbliss1818 Btw... I will continue to post as I'm healing and rehabbing. I will also put together a little better visual description of the surgery from my perspective. I like it when things are explained in english rather than medical terminology yet not dumbed down too much. I'm glad it helped someone! Good luck with your surgery! You will do great! Check out everything you can about your doc too. Recovery depends a lot on you but also on finding a surgeon who has a good record.

[HealthyLifeMentor]

The best way to access the disc during a microdiscectomy is by performing a laminectomy. Basically the drill a small hole in the lamina which is part of the vertebra that forms the ring beside the spinous process (the part that sticks out off the ring like a spike). In my situation the herniation was to the central but ever so slightly shifted to the right so they entered through the right lamina. I had my surgery this morning and feel so much better this evening.  I have no regrets!

[missbliss1818]

Wow, this is really informative! Are you also getting a laminectomy? I was just approved today through worker's comp. for my microdiscetomy with a laminectomy. I will be getting it hopefully before the end of this month. I look forward to watching more of your videos. Thanks.