2nd discectomy

[moi]

Hi Just wondering if anyone has had a 2nd discectomy? and what the outcome was ? I am due to go in for another one in the next 4 weeks,
Thanks
Sandra

 

[Nicole M]

Hi sandrac
Just in case you have not done so already, you may wish to have a look on the Discectomy - After the Operation thread. There are a number of posts on there from people who have had a 2nd discectomy op.

 

[Lilah]

Hi there,

I have had a second microdiscectomy 4 weeks ago this tuesday.
My disc (same one) prolapsed again not long after my first operation,causing the usual pain, and weakness in my right leg. Along with needing a ton of painkillers and needing crutches to get around, and i haven't worked in 4 1/2 months.
However, this time, there was a lot of scar tissue and adhesions causing the nerve to be stuck down, resulting in me needing to be on strong painkillers now still....but i definetely feel like this operation has worked.
I still get residual sciatica from the nerve having been stuck down for a long period of time, but my surgeon is confident that the second operation has gone really well and that things will settle down and the disc should now be fine and stay put!!

I find that, due to having had one operation already, that i was prepared for it and knew what was going to happen, how long it took before i could get around etc,when i would start physio,I knew the routine. This helped me a lot.
Of course it wasn't good that i needed to have a repeat operation, but i definitely am positive that all is well this time round.
The physio also told me that with patients who have had more than one spinal operation, they do more work with them, which is really good as i found the first physio, didn't really do that much with me.

I nearly didn't have the operation, as i had just had enough, particularly as i had an operation already....but i weighed up the pros and cons, and opted for repeated surgery. I don't regret it at all, and am glad i went for it.
I am looking to returning to work, on a slowly slowly basis on the 30th December, i am a bit nervous, but its a step in the right direction.

As Subi said....there is a lot of good advice and supportive people who have suffered with lumbar,disc and sciatic problems for some considerable time, and other 2nd time post-oppers over in the 'Discectomy-After the operation' thread, Hope to see you over there

Love Ali xxx