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30 yo FLD herniation
I'm a 30 yo male, with a Far Lateral Disc Herniation at the L5-S1 level, and a Broad based disc buldge at L4-L5. At 21, I had a laminectomy/discectomy of L4-L5. I have been in pain for 2 years with the pain getting progressively worse over the first year and then being on pain managmenet (lyrica) a good portion of the second year.
I have tried physio (in the first year, made it worse), Chrio (did nothing), medication(works but makes me drowsy and foggy) and nerver block (worked for maybe a month)
I have met with 2 surgerns each with their own recommendation.
1. Try to do a discectomy on the FLD and the same on the broad based. (I'm told 50-80% success rate as is it l5-s1and accessing the disc from the back would be difficult)
2. Fusion of the effected levels.
While option #2 is longer recovery time, dr. #2 says that it should reduce/eliminate the requirement of further surgeries and discomfort.
I don't know what to do. The pain is mostly manageable with medication, but I cannot walk more then maybe 3 city blocks (pain returns), I cannot play with the kids very well, let alone being active like I used to be, even after the original surgery. I am foggy on the medication, tired and not feeling as productive at home and at work as I should be.
I don't want to be on mediaction for ever, I don't want to have surgery every 10 years, but I also don't want to be in pain for ever.
Is there anyone who has had similar and had fusion or discectomy?
Any suggestions would be appreciated?