Hi. I have previously suffered with prolapsed discs at L4/5. I had a discectomy in 2012 but this did not fix the problem. I now have more prolapsed discs all in the same region with severe sciatica and numbness. Some days I am able to manage the pain but others it is terrible. My question is firstly, would you recommend further surgery? Secondly, i have two children but would like another. Would I be able to carry a baby to full term and have a natural delivery with my back problems or would this make it worse? Thank you
Hello. I have been through your question and understand your concern. Lumbar disc surgery is sometimes associated with recurrence of disc herniation at the same level. This is because it is impossible to take out all the intervertebral disc. If you have back pain and sciatica, then you need to have a lumbar MRI, which I presume you did. If there is a herniated disc that explains your sciatica, even in the level of your previous surgery, then you should consider a second surgery. But there should be a clear radiologic and clinical correlation. Pregnancy with its weigh gain and increase in the normal anterior bending of the lumbar spine can worsen the back problem. So I recommend a Neurological or Neurosurgical consult to evaluate the radiologic finding and your symptoms to see if there is any indication for a second surgery. Hope this helps with your question, please feel free for further questions.