Many surgeons also want to make sure you have tried at least 6 months of conservative treatment, before they will do surgery, unless there is an emergent situation that requires immediate surgery. PT, acupuncture, medication and injections are all considered conservative treatment.
But hopefully you won't have to wait too long to get some relief. I know that it has been much longer for me, though my pain is only moderate, and I have still been able to work (almost full time), though my social life is non-existent. But I wanted to try as much conservative treatment as possible before I even considered surgery.
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Cathy
46 years old. 12-15 years of intermittent pain, 2 years with constant pain.
DDD, L4-5 and L5-S1, pain confirmed by discogram.
PT, ESI's, Facet injection and block, Acupuncture - all no help.
2-level (Prodisc-L) ADR surgery with Dr. Bertagnoli, May 26, 2009.
Currently taking Opana-ER (tapering off) and oxycodone
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