Far lateral disc herniation

Just diagnosed with L3 L4 far lateral disc herniation. It’s a large protrusion off to the left side
These types are are not very common.
The discectomy requires partial bone removal to access the disc, which for standard discectomy is not required.
7 weeks in with acute pain left hip crossing to front of leg into the knee. Can’t get real pain meds prescribed due to federal intervention with the physicians right to treat a patient. Needed approval from insurance company for 2 week supply of Tramadol, which does not help anyway. Just so frustrating…..

Has anyone had this type of repair? Any advice appreciated

Post Edited (Fauntleroy) : 10/29/2022 3:03:52 PM (GMT-7)

Thanks Susie

Thanks for the reply
Yes to neurosurgeon. It’s a long drawn out process especially with the end of year insanity with physicians being booked up, as patients are scrambling to get procedures before the deductibles and co pays reset at the new year. Keeps getting worse and more costly.

Stick with your neurosurgeon, those guys are the best when dealing with delicate nerves during surgery. Before retiring, I saw surgeries done by both, hands down always a neurosurgeon for any spine surgery.

My husband has a lot of upper thigh pain, the surgeon said when you wake up from surgery you should be able to tell some difference in your pain. After he was put in his room, the first thing he said was he could tell some difference in the leg pain.

Another thing, he was sent home with this ice pack that was attached to what looked like a mini cooler. I put ice & cold water in it, it had a line that I attached to the cold pack & it circulated cold water throughout the pack. It was wonderful, it helped with his pain & swelling. He used it a lot. I hope you are given one.

You should be sent home with a script for pain meds & muscle relaxers. Take them on a schedule, don't try to tough it out. To this day my husband still takes the muscle relaxers as needed.

Surgery that high up is a little easier than down in the lower back. When we sit, we put a lot of pressure on the low back.

They will get you up to walk not long after surgery. Walking at home is the best thing to help you. Don't forget to get a stool softener, pain meds can plug up the plumbing.

What great news, yes it is possible for this to happen. There is still a chance the injection helps with swelling of the nerves at that level. I am happy that this worked in your favor, everything happens for a reason at times.

Ice packs did more for my husband's pain after surgery than the pain medication.

Keep up the good work.