This is about my father's case who is 50 years old. He is in India. The
medical community in my home town is of different opinions which has left
us confused. We would appreciate if people could share with us, what
treatment has worked with them and inform us on pros and cons of different
treatments as well as make suggestions.
My father has always been very active till just a few days back when he had
this problem which is described as Prolapsed Intervertebral Disc (between
L5 and S1),because of pressing of root nerve of S1 as a result of which
there is weakness in defecation, urination and in reproductive region i.e.
proper pressure can not be exerted.
At first he was recommended immediate surgery, but there was some
improvement with bed rest, so surgery is deferred for 15 days to see if
there is further improvement with rest. Are there any alternatives to
surgery? what are the risks in surgery.
Some other doctors suggest the opposite of rest or surgery. They suggest
him to get back to his job (physical work).
I am enclosing his doctor's report.
A) c/o ( problem concern of) : HYPOAESTHESIA IN PERINEAL &
PERIANAL REGION( SEDDLE REGION) FOR ONE MONTH.` FEELING OF WEEKNESS
IN DEFAECETION AND MICTURITION ( PROPER PRESSURE COULDN'T BE EXERTED
)
B) on clinical examination ` NOTHING SIGNIFICANT EXCEPT
HYPOAESTHSIASIS IN SEDDLE REGION.
C) investigation done ` 1) SMALL ANNULAR TEAR AT L5-S1 WITH BULGING
OF DISC.
2) LARGE POSTERIOR CENTRAL EXTRUSION OF DISC WITH SEVERE CENTRAL
SPINAL CANAL STENOSIS .
1) & 2) are the result of the study of the MRI ( magnetic
resonance imaging) of LUMBO-SACRAL SPINE.
X-RAY OF LOWER SPINE DISC SPACE BETWEEN L5 & S1 REDUCED
Please reply as soon as possible. I am just a little worried because we
don't know what is the right thing to do.
