Herniated Disk In Back

I am in my early 30s, diagnosed with a herniated disc L5-S1 large, with left leg sciatica symptoms that hurts all the time and it is very difficult to walk ... There are now five months, physical therapy appears to have been ineffective, and my first epidural, and it is now recommended that I had no epidural extra. Two weeks ago, could lift the leg 1 1 / 2 feet up, he is now about 6 inches. Only way to spend the day and do a little work, is to take about three spots Percocet pain on the areas most pain. Have my second neurosurgeon appointment shortly, expect a recommendation of surgery ASAP or no later than two months. Thoughts appreciated

I think a replacement disc ... according to this disc. L5-S1 has a tendency to take a lot of pressure. The discs you are very large, because they bare most of your weight. If you remove this completely it could put pressure on others and could cause more problems with others.
its also lead to your S1 thats so good sitting over your bones, and im not a doctor and havent seen much of this (im a student nurse in my clinical rotations), but it would be logical that it could affect a lot when you're sitting.

i wouldnt suggest a discectomy, I would go with the replacement disc ... Talk to your doctor if. I shared my thoughts on it and L5-S1 region is quite important. if it was something as T3-T4, so maybe.

hope that helped:)

My 19 year old son has had what you are going through now. His drug and physical therapy three shots of cortisone. We finally opted for the micro discectomy. The results were almost instantaniously success releaving pain. In fact, he went into surgery 6'1 "and was 6'3" tonight (no lie, it was considered at its last growth spurt).

In fact, he played college football at a low here and there for his senior year this year. He also made some games backetball varisity but basketball has been harder on him (discomfort) that football when he bailed out on this.

We discussed alternatives, but it seamed the best solution for him. Now he works 4-5 days a week centered on the core. I'd sure use our physical therapy sessions, educational learning time to take care of his back for the rest of his life.

For what it is ... V