L3 4 herniated Disc!

[SHLEETS]

Has anyone out here had this problem. I got my mri back today and it shows a severe herniation but my doctor thinks it can be treated with an epihderal shot. Has anyone gone through this and has it worked. Right now I am kind of scared but I need to be able to walk as I have been barely able to for one week. The sciatic nerve is a very painful thing. I plan exhausting all my options before I would even consider letting them cut me to fix this. What some options that have worked for other people. I would really appreciate the feedback!!

Thanks!!

[bkred]

I ruptured the L3-L4 disc in my back 10 years ago. I had surgery to remove what the neurosurgeon called a "floater". It was a piece of the disc that got up against the sciatic nerve and caused me severe pain. Pain would shoot up and down my leg like a bolt of lightning. A horrible experience. I feel for you. I would not wish that kind of misery on anybody.

My advice. Exhaust every option before going under the knife. I don't care what a surgeon might tell you, after they cut on you, you will not get back to 100%. I kind of rushed into the surgery, I was in a great deal of pain and it was going to take a month before I could get a second opinion. I've wondered ever since if I shouldn't have tried other options before having the surgery. Having said that I have learned to live with the discomfort and it has not been a big hinderance in my life. I wish you the best of luck.