Herniated Disc...

I am writing to ask if anyone has had any non-surgical sucess in releiving a herniated disc? I have been struggling with this for almost 1 year, I have pain in my lower back, recently my feet began to hurt really bad, at about 1 month post op. I saw a foot dr but he felt it was my back. On and On.... I have a herniated L5-S1, I have pain all the way down into my arch and big toe. The specialist is recommending one more test then sending me to a surgeon. The concern is I cannot have surgery with my unstable weight, and from what I read they do alot of back surgeries through the stomach. I don't think I"m healed either, I'm about 2.5 months post op, I lost track of the weeks. Any suggestions help, a miracle worker, etc. I've kept this pain to myself because I figure people don't want to hear about my ache's and pains. I have pain med's, two heating pads, 2 ice packs, a tens unit, I've been to PCP, Chrio, Accupuncture, and more stuff I cannot remember, so I'm kinda scared my time might be up. Thanks, Jennifer PS - My weight loss is amazing - I couldn't imagaine I'd have such a wonderful recovery and weight loss. I am so greatful!!

I dont really have any advice, Jennifer....just sympathy. I have three herniated discs in my lower back and they have caused me untold misery for the last 20 years. I have been told time and again that weight loss will seriously help with the problem and I am holding on to that hope. Lisa L. 380/344/170

I don't know if it's relevant or not, but I had horrible hip pain and sciatica for years before the surgery. The hip pain has totally gone now that I've lost 110 lbs and the sciatica only acts up occasionally. I hope that your continued weight loss will either alleviate the pain you're in, or make it easier for whatever treatment you decide on. Pam 5'2" 282/172/145

Hello Jennifer, I broke my back a few years ago , and after a major surgery ( not via the belly , but the cut was from the snapping area of the back of my bra to my butt) , I am doing soooooooo much better , it has been five years and the pain still flares up at times but no where like it was with 5 broken bones L 1, L2, L3, L4 & L5. I think once you have a back problem you will always have problems, for me surgery did help, if I may suggest go see a good doctor or 2 , and allow them to help you. Funny thing with me , when I lose weight my back hurts more, since I have a bad foot , when I lose weight I walk different , and that in turn makes my back hurt , or at least that is what my doctor thinks. I am so far 8 weeks out, and I have lost 63 pounds, and I hurt worst than before GBS . Take Care, Allison

Jennifer, I am so sorry to hear about your pain. I have no advise either, but I want you to know I will be thinking about you. Good luck on your new life as a loser. J Lo

Thanks for all the support. I am still at a loss as to my next strategy. However, like pug mom, my back is hurting as I'm losing weight. I thought this was just me. The dr kept saying with recent surgery I couldn't have back surgery until the surgeon clears the ok for back surgery. I will drag this out as long as possible, I heard that the recovery isn't guarantted to work after back surgery. Unlike our WLS which does work. We are all proof of that. Jen

Blessings Jen...I do feel your aches and pains. I have been in major pain with my hip and back more so now than before loosing all my weight. I had 3 cortisone shots that worked for awhile then when the last of the 3 only lasted a few weeks then my pain management Dr. in Asheville wanted me to have the RFL (radio frequency lession) or so to say...buring of the nerves. Don't go though that pain of the proceedure for to be in worse shape than before. I ended up not being able to walk for over 6 months from the proceedure. I spent a week in the hospital then sent home in a wheel chair. I was referred to a Rehab specialist in Boone and she has helped me better than anyone. If worst comes to worst for you...please get in with a neuro surgeon...Have you tried neurotin? It helps me with the burning to my toes. Have you had epidural blocks? I had one Dr. tell me my joints had to readjust where I lost so much weight so fast. I don't know how true that is, cause I have been told so much junk it isn't funny. My sister had back surgery and they replaced disc and put in rods, she hasn't been able to work a day since and she sleeps in a recliner. It terrifies me to even think of surgery. If I can help you in any way please email me at: [email protected] Blessings, Sandy