Hi,
I am a 40 year old male, and I am going through my second bad bout of
sciatica. The first time was earlier this summer, and it took about 4.5
months to make a recovery. The sciatica was restricted to my right side
and was due to a disk herniation or rupture, and subsequent nerve root
compression at L5-S1 .. I Had drpoped foot, numbness, etc - really a
pretty bad case. Eventually almost everything came back - much weaker
in some areas, but came back nonetheless.
This time, I injured the same disk lifting weights (as part of my
recovery process) and probably aggravated the condition, when
immediately after I developed a severe case of bronchitis and coughed my
guts out for a week.
I guess when it rains, it pours eh ?
I have been out of work now since early December on
short-term-disability. Bills are piling up, etc While I am able to get
around ok, I am a long way from being able to return to work. I have
had one cortisone injection with good results, and probably will go for
a second.
I think this time around, I am not going to be able to benefit from a
conservative approach, and I am seriously considering surgery. I have
an appointment for surgery scheduled for Januuary 5th - and I guess what
I want to know is, what is the state of the art in discectomies ? My
surgoen is planning a laminectomy, (micro discectomy) and I am NOT
thrilled about the prospect. I have read some material here on the
Internet about Endoscopic Percutaneous Discectomies. I understand this
surgical technique is new, and not widely used.
I would appreciate ANY information and opinions regarding Endoscopic
Percutaneous Discectomies - also advice, and referals, to reputable
surgeons who are doing the operation, I am a very active man, and have
two beautiful children - a boy age eight and a little girl age 2 and a
half. I have a LOT of living left to do, and if I DO have to have
surgery, I really want to maxmize my chances for a fast and
uncomplicated recovery.
Thanks in advance,
Sean O"Halloran
--
Sean O'Halloran Artel Systems Inc. EMAIL: seano at teleport.com
Send compliments to me: seano at teleport.com
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