I have a herniated disc in my back - L5-S1 - I think I'm ready for surgery. Will I be totally healed?

Question

I herniated a disc in my back about five years ago. Sometimes, when my back is "out", I literally can't walk, and I'm in the most excruciating pain of my life. On a good day, I get constant reminders that my back is weak, but I can walk fine.

I really want to get back to where I was. I want to be able to wrestle and rough-house with my children. I want to be able to ski without being terrified that I'll fall and throw my back out. I want to be able to sit in the car for longer than an hour without wondering whether I'll be able to get out of the car. I want to start mountain biking again. I want my thoughts to not have to be centered around my back. I want my active life back.

So, will surgery "cure" me, or will I STILL have a weak back, and STILL feel like I'm going to throw my back out, and STILL have to think about my back and what I am and am not doing for it every hour of the day?

Answer 1

you may want to review this WEB-SITE...laserspineinstitute.com...also,if the DISC has to be removed, you may want to talk to ...DR.CARLOS ARCE,MD,UNIVERSITY of FLORIDA,SHANDS HOSPITAL, NEURO-SURGEON(904-244--3950...Please don't let an ORTHOPEDIC remove the DISC;my wife had two(2)surgeries with DR.ARCE(1988 & 2001)five(5)discs removed,58 years old an a walking,talking miracle(still a nurse)

Answer 2

Regrettably, back surgery does not come with any guarantees. Have a long talk with your surgeon about this very question and consider a second opinion as well.