Surgery for Herniated Disc

I was sexually and physically abused as a child and always had stomach problems as far as I can remember. It then turned into constant headaches and then urinary tract infections and now this (My subconscious mind has now got my attention). Anyway I am trying to work the program but I wanted to know when should surgery be considered?

It has been seven weeks and my MRI is unremarkable (in my opinion). My written MRI says that there is a desiccation of the nucleus pulposus at L5-S1 level. There is a large extruded disc at the L5-S1 level on the left causing displacement and edema of the left S1 nerve root.

There is also a far right lateral disc herniation at the level of the right L4-L5 intervertebral foramen. There is no evidence of central bony stenosis. The subarachnoid space and conus medullarius appears normal.

I have had two epidurals (the last one two weeks ago) and generally feeling pretty good especially after applying some of the program (I felt great after a one and half hour walk in the woods!). anyway I am scheduled for surgery for December 7th but my gut feeling is not to go through with it. I have numbness in one third of my left foot (it used to be half of my foot). This is my only concern - is the numbness and should surgery be considered? - Wendy

Hi Wendy, Before advising you, I have a few questions. First, is there are other info missing from the MRI report? This could be helpful. Also, could you please detail all the symptoms you are having in relation to the herniation? Please detail by location and expression as specifically as possible.Best, Sensei Adam Rostocki

Thanks for getting back to me! The only item I didn't write was that under Findings: Magnetic resonance imaging was performed of the lumbar spine in the saggittal and axial projection using T1 and T2-weighted images. There is a history of left sciatica. Impression: 1. Extruded disc at the L5-S1 level on the left. 2) Small far right laterial disc herniation at the L4-L5 level. I do have the MRI discs, however, the surgeon has them and I need to get them back from him.

I just got back from my rehab (sports/spine doc) today and he said I was getting better and he thought right now there is more cons then pros to surgery right now for me so I am definitely postponing it.

I have pain and tenderness in my left buttocks (it has gotten better - I can sit now) and numbness in about one third of my foot (the little toes on up to third toe). I have no reflex in my foot/ankle. I have some weakness in my leg but have gotten stronger since the second epidural two weeks ago. My reflexes in my right leg are excellent. I have a difficult time bending (i can reach down to a little bit past my knees then there is pain in my left buttock). I hardly feel any pain where the herniation is. I can do straight leg on my right but left is more difficult (I can't do it). Incidentally, I am a mountain biker that rode about 4 times a week/2 hours at a time and that's all I did - I never had much flexibility to begin with.

If you have any other questions, please let me know Thanks so much for your help and work and getting back to me!!! Best, Wendy

Hi Wendy, The symptoms mostly correlate with the diagnosis, given some individual discrepancy in nerve pathways. Generally, S1 is the heel, back of the ankle and pinky toe, sometimes last 2 toes. I never heard of it being last 3... Being that your symptoms are improving and you seem quite able to deal with them, I would skip the surgery. Remember, it is mostly not needed and will ALWAYS be available if it truly is. I advise keeping at the program for TMS and realize that some issues may be a combination of physical and emotional concerns. Hang in there. I think with your excellent attitude, you will be fine. Best, Sensei Adam Rostocki

Thanks so much for your help and inspiration! I do appreciate your spending time responding to me! Also thanks for the tips in your book on dealing with TMS. I going to begin writing in a journal. I haven't done that before (I have only been in and out of therapy for years but only have scratched the surface and think writing will help!). Thanks again!!! -Wendy