Good morning all! I am, once again, seeking info. You all have been so helpful in the past that I wanted to begin here.
My situation is this: I am 31. Last August, I had a fusion at L4-L5. The surgery did not help me. In fact, it has made my health worse. Before the fusion I had very bad back pain, very bad left leg pain and was unable to sit for more than a few minutes at a time. Now, I have INTENSE left leg, left hip, left buttock, low back pain and pain that now radiates to the right as well. I am unable to sit, stand or lay down for more than a few minutes without pain. I am on a very strong pain med called Actiq. Anyway, I had a discogram on Friday which seemed to reveal that I have problems at L3-L4, continuing at L4-L5 and also now at L5-S1. My Neurologist hinted of a Discectomy if the discogram revealed bad discs. Considering I've already had a fusion, is this the best way to go? Have any of you had to follow up a fusion with a discectomy? I need relief! My pain is constant and has ruined my quality of life. I can't work nor am I able to participate in social activities like going to a movie or out to eat.
I look forward to hearing from you all. Thank you for your time and for sharing your stories.