My first surgery was done with MetRX system. It worked great, but there was only one doctor in the area that used it, so I did not have that luxury the second time around.

I am in central Texas. I am currently going to Scott and White in Temple. I will ask about the MetRx tube at my consultation.

My first one was done in Temple, by Dr. Garrett. I believe he is the only one at S&W who uses it. He did a very good job on my first operation.

I only have your radiologist report to go when formulating my understanding of your condition. But he will obviously want to look at the images as most neurosurgeons will. I would think that you would only need a two level decompression which can be done through a single incision that is 18mm. With this tube through this single incision, they wand the tube in different directions.... if you can imagine the skin incision being the center of a circle and the tube rotating like the arms of a clock rotate to get to where you need to in the spine. You can probably see a video on youtube.

I have not heard of Dr. Garrett and was told that most likely Dr. Rahm would do my surgery if necessary. I will check into Garrett.

I've heard a lot of good things about Rahm.

Shihitemuslim... i have my microdiscectomy scheduled for Tuesday and my lower back is now sore/tender on the spine where it hasn't been for the last 6 months of this injury.

Additionally, the pain level in my leg has gone down, slightly, over the past week or so - a progression that coincides loosely with the soreness in my back.

To be short, i am nervous that my condition has changed, albeit slightly, so close to the surgery.

Can anyone shed any light?

You can always hold off. That may irritate the surgeon but I don't mind when my patients cancel on me because of second thoughts. The decompression is done mainly for leg pain. Is your pain localized on one side or another? If so, this could be a proximal component of your pain. Did you do anything different during this time?

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"Is your pain localized on one side or another?"

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Yes, only on the left side. And there is still radiating leg pain, but i just have little less than say 2 weeks ago.

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"If so, this could be a proximal component of your pain. Did you do anything different during this time?"

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Loosely, yes... I went back to stretching (press-ups) and a couple of core exercises (leg lift from all fours) from the PT - I would only do this once a day in the late afternoon when pain was close to unbearable. I did find some immediate relief from doing these things.

I would say that the herniated disk regardless is still bothering you if that pain in the lower back and buttock is localized on one side.

Thank you for all your help and advice. It is greatly appreciated.

Any recommendations for Drs in The Woodlands or North Houston area?

Had X-Ray and MRI done already. Can't hardly walk. Sitting is just okay for short time periods and laying down isn't much better. Muscle relaxers & steroids from the Primary care dr haven't done anything.
Now having to ride in a wheelchair to get into the dr office. Almost passed out on the MRI table trying to get up afterwards.
Shooting pain from the hip, down the leg, into the foot with overall severe leg weakness.

Radiologist report from the MRI:
L3-L4, minimal disc bulge seen
L4-L5, minimal central disc protrusion slightly indenting the thecal sac
L5-S1, there is a broad-based central disc protrusion extending to the bilateral paracentral regions, indenting the thecal sac and effacing the lateral recesses bilaterally, with some mass effect on the traversing bilateral S1 nerve roots. Moderate central canal stenosis and mild bilateral foraminial stenosis.

I know Dr. Kareh and he has an office up north in Cypress. Is that too far?

If you are willing to make the trip more centrally on the west side of Houston, I would be happy to see you.

If your pain is down the back of the legs, it is likely related to the herniation at L5-S1.

Dr today ordered steroid shot into the back and PT (including traction) for a couple weeks. See if that makes any difference.

Just ruptured a disc yesterday. Most pain I've ever felt. Has anyone endured this? What is the recovery time? Did you have surgery or some alternative treatment? I'm really uneasy.

Following...BTW Dr. Mark Rahm in Temple is an Aggie. His partner Dr. Chaput, while not an Ag, is also a great guy.
Another option in the DC area could be Dr. Joe O'Brien at GWU.

Bravo

I saw Dr. Thomas Cartwright . I had 2 ESI done at his Red Oak location. He prescribed Gabapentin and it worked wonders.

2005 I ended up having the surgery on my L4 and L5. Before that I tried a multitude of things to avoid surgery and had a few epidural shots that didn't help.

It sucked the 1st week after the surgery. Lucky I haven't had any major problems the last 10 years.

Good luck

Mr. NiceGuy, did you have a fusion done with the l4-l5?

No, it was a lumbar discectomy I believe. They just removed the herniated portion to relieve the pinched nerve pain it was causing throughout other body parts.

How did people injure their backs, just curious.

shihitemuslim
Where do you practice? I was told this morning I have a herniated disc at L5 and need immediate surgery, but i do not have any leg pain. I do have my MRI results (just not with me) and my X-Rays.

12121 Richmond ave suite 104, Houston tx

Our office number is 8325297289

Had a laminotomy microdiscectomy performed by Dr. Andrew Roeser in Houston on Thursday. I was up and walking within hours of the surgery with absolutely no leg pain. There is some pain in my back from the incision. I also had some issues with headaches yesterday when sitting up or standing. I called in and was told to lie down the rest of the day. Today I haven't had any issues with headaches yet. So far I am pleased. Hanging around Houston through the beginning of next week to make sure the headaches stay away and then heading home.

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12121 Richmond ave suite 104, Houston tx

Our office number is 8325297289

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Hey @shihitemuslim

I called your office today. I'd like to make an appointment for my wife to see you to get a second opinion. If I can get my schedule straight, hopefully next week. BTW, whoever answered the phone was very courteous and helpful.

Sounds good. Look forward to seeing you.