Re: discectomy

If you have the option of a "micro-discectomy" I highly recommend it.
I had one last fall and am doing really well. For various reasons I
have not pushed it and haven't windsurfed this season but I plan to
ski this winter and get back in the water next year.

From your description I wouldn't hesitate except to find the right
surgeon. That matters a lot. You want one who does these things
all the time. (Where do you live, maybe someone can recommend a
surgeon.)

A regular discectomy (not the "micro" kind) is major surgery. The
micro kind is sort of similar to arthroscopic surgery and is actually
done as out-patient surgery. The difference is huge. If you have to
travel to find an expert in the micro kind, then do it.

Good luck and keep us posted!!!

Thanks,
Cliff (in Berkeley, CA)


windsurfher@xxxxxxxxx wrote:
I've read the historical discussions on discetomies on here and really
appreciate the info. It's been awhile since many of you had the
surgery so maybe you have insight for me?

With a 'huge' herniation @ S1-L5, (from uphauling on a day when the
wind died in the middle of a huge frigid lake), 4 months into
'healing', I finally got to see a surgeon who gave me a weak
recommendation to have a discectomy. I can't raise onto my toes on
right leg at all, is the most noticeable side effect. The fact that
the leg is numb isn't that big of a deal. He says weak recomendation
because the nerve has been damaged for 4 months now, he's not sure if
the surgery will help although without it, it has no chance. I take
CR2000 for the arthritis pain and it REALLY helps alot.

I know lots of you have been in the same boat... any of you regret the
surgery? I can't get into talk to any other Doctors about this, I've
been trying for 4 months. I need to make the decision right away.

All that matters is that I'll be able to windsurf the rest of my
life!! Help??

Feel free to contact me by email if you like. windsurfher at gmail
dot com.

Thanks,

Lisa

.

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