Large L5-S1 disc extrusion and microdiscectomy experiences?
Hi everyone! I’m hoping to hear from anyone who has dealt with a particularly large lumbar disc extrusion and ended up having a microdiscectomy.
I have a large L5-S1 extrusion that extends cranially about 2.5 cm (25 mm) behind the L5 vertebral body. It measures up to 1.2 cm (12 mm) thick and 2.5 cm (25 mm) in transverse dimension. It’s primarily left-sided and is compressing the left L5 nerve and contacting the S1.
I’ve been dealing with significant back and leg pain along with neurological symptoms, including weakness with heel walking. Microdiscectomy has been recommended/discussed, and I’m trying to get a better idea of what recovery and outcomes have been like for people who had a similarly large extrusion.
If you had a large extrusion (especially 20–25+ mm), I’d really appreciate hearing about your experience. Did you have a microdiscectomy? How quickly did your nerve pain improve? Did weakness or numbness resolve, and if so, how long did that take? What was the first few weeks of recovery like? Any complications or reherniation? And looking back, are you glad you had the surgery?
I know everyone’s situation is different and I’m not looking for medical advice, just personal experiences from people who have been through something similar. Thank you!