Post-Surgery Pain Management for L5S1 Disc Herniation: What to Expect
L5-S1 intervertebral disc herniation with spinal fusion surgery? Hello, I underwent surgery on October 13th for the removal of a herniated disc along with internal fixation. The area where I experienced pain prior to the surgery, from my right buttock to the back of my thigh, cur...
Dr. Lai Zhaokang Reply:
Hello, the surgery was not performed by me, and we do not have your pre-operative and post-operative information. Therefore, we are unable to answer your questions. Best wishes, Dr. Lai Chao-Kang, Director of Spine and Nerve at Changhua Hospital.[Read More] Post-Surgery Pain Management for L5S1 Disc Herniation: What to Expect
Post-Operative Concerns After Inguinal Hernia Surgery: What to Expect
Postoperative Issues After Hernia Surgery Hello, doctor. I had inguinal hernia surgery last week, and after the procedure, the doctor applied a cosmetic adhesive to the wound and covered it with gauze. Now, about five days post-surgery, the wound is not fully healed and is slight...
Dr. Li Zhonghuai Reply:
Hello! When changing the dressing, it is essential to perform a completely sterile procedure. Use 20cc of saline solution, and use one bottle each time. Try to express any blood or serous fluid using a cotton swab, and avoid contact with tap water, as it may cause additional pain...[Read More] Post-Operative Concerns After Inguinal Hernia Surgery: What to Expect
Understanding Discrepancies Between MRI and EMG Results in Back Pain
MRI examination shows a herniation at L5-S1 without nerve compression, but the electromyography (EMG) results indicate..? Hello Dr. Chang, In May 2014, I was hospitalized due to a persistent high fever. Despite several days of antibiotic treatment, my condition did not improve. ...
Dr. Zhang Junwei Reply:
In clinical practice, it is uncommon to find normal lumbar MRI results while electromyography indicates nerve compression. It seems that the cause of your pain is not entirely clear; why not consider trying high-frequency thermal coagulation therapy again?[Read More] Understanding Discrepancies Between MRI and EMG Results in Back Pain
Post-Inguinal Hernia Surgery: Understanding Groin Pain and Bruising
After inguinal hernia surgery, there is pain in the groin area near the thigh? Hello doctor, I underwent inguinal hernia surgery on September 7, and a mesh was used for repair. Two days post-surgery, I started to notice a tearing sensation and significant pain in the groin area n...
Dr. Ke Fangxu Reply:
Using a synthetic mesh for hernia repair surgery should theoretically not cause pain; any pain experienced may be due to tighter sutures. If the pain does not improve, it is advisable to have the surgeon examine the area. Mild bruising of the penile skin is considered normal.[Read More] Post-Inguinal Hernia Surgery: Understanding Groin Pain and Bruising
Post-Surgery Concerns After Disc Herniation: What to Expect
Postoperative Issues Following Disc Rupture Surgery Hello Doctor, I had foot pain for two months, during which I continued rehabilitation with slight improvement. After that, I underwent an MRI, and the doctor said I had a herniated disc and advised me to have surgery, warning th...
Dr. Zhang Junwei Reply:
1. Not necessarily. 2. Unlikely. 3. If there is improvement after surgery, mild foot pain can be considered normal. 4. No.[Read More] Post-Surgery Concerns After Disc Herniation: What to Expect
Post-Operative Recovery Insights After Endoscopic Disc Surgery
Postoperative care following endoscopic spinal disc surgery? Hello, after the Dragon Boat Festival this year, I experienced severe pain and swelling in my hip and thigh. An MRI revealed a herniated disc at the L5-S1 level, which was compressing the nerve. I underwent endoscopic d...
Dr. Lai Zhaokang Reply:
Hello, since you have completed the surgery at Youmin Hospital, you should consult the original surgeon regarding the postoperative issues. Wishing you a speedy recovery![Read More] Post-Operative Recovery Insights After Endoscopic Disc Surgery
Understanding Disc Herniation: Addressing Weakness and Numbness in Legs
I would like to inquire about issues related to herniated discs and leg weakness? A few years ago, I experienced back numbness and went to a large hospital where I was diagnosed with a herniated disc. The doctor advised me to be cautious during daily activities and to undergo reh...
Dr. Lai Zhaokang Reply:
Hello, you may be experiencing issues related to lumbar spine and sciatica, but it could also be other problems. It is advisable to seek a personal evaluation from a neurosurgeon. Wishing you a speedy recovery. // Dr. Lai Chao-Kang, Director of Spine Neurosurgery, Changhua Hospit...[Read More] Understanding Disc Herniation: Addressing Weakness and Numbness in Legs
Understanding Abdominal Lumps: Lipoma, Hernia, or Fibroid?
I have a hard lump in my abdomen... Is it a lipoma, a hernia, or a fibroid? Hello Doctor: About six years ago, I underwent laparoscopic surgery for uterine fibroids. There is a 3 cm surgical scar located to the left of my abdomen, about three fingerbreadths below the navel. Appro...
Dr. Chen Jiaming Reply:
Most abdominal wall hernias that occur after traditional surgery with large incisions are caused by weakness or poor healing of the muscle and fascia layers, allowing contents from the abdominal cavity (which can include intestines or the greater omentum, a fatty tissue) to protr...[Read More] Understanding Abdominal Lumps: Lipoma, Hernia, or Fibroid?
Managing Disc Herniation: Tips for Students with Back Pain
Prolonged sitting for 90 minutes and resting in a prone position on the desk? Hello Doctor: A young female patient experienced prolonged lower back pain in mid-2014 and sought treatment from the rehabilitation department. Following the doctor's advice, she underwent rehabili...
Dr. Zhang Junwei Reply:
It is recommended that you consult a rehabilitation physician for better answers to your questions![Read More] Managing Disc Herniation: Tips for Students with Back Pain
Understanding Disc Herniation: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment Options
Herniated disc In 2014, I experienced pain in my lower back, buttocks, and the outer side of my thighs. An MRI revealed degeneration of the intervertebral discs at the L3-L4 levels, which was likely the cause. The doctor recommended physical therapy, but in January 2016, my sympt...
Dr. Lai Zhaokang Reply:
Hello: According to what you mentioned, <...after being referred and researching, you can undergo minimally invasive lumbar disc surgery, which is scheduled for June 3...> Since you have already consulted with other physicians for surgery, you should first ask the original ...[Read More] Understanding Disc Herniation: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment Options
Understanding Lumbar Disc Herniation: Recovery and Symptoms Explained
Herniated disc In April 2015, an MRI indicated an L4-L5 disc herniation, with the L5 protrusion being approximately 2:1, significantly compressing the nerve. This has caused pain in the outer side of my left thigh and the outer side of my calf. At that time, the doctor suggested ...
Dr. Lai Zhaokang Reply:
Hello: Based on what you described, your condition needs to be explained from two perspectives: 1. Your <symptoms (and your self-perception)> have improved. Congratulations. 2. However, the herniated disc and nerve compression in your body will not <disappear> due to ...[Read More] Understanding Lumbar Disc Herniation: Recovery and Symptoms Explained
Chronic Lumbar Pain: Seeking Solutions for Persistent Discomfort
Lumbar pain Hello Dr. Lai, I have a job that requires long hours of sitting. After two months of work, I began experiencing pain in my lumbar spine, and it has been over four months now. Since the onset of the pain, I have been undergoing rehabilitation treatment (electrotherapy,...
Dr. Lai Zhaokang Reply:
Hello, as you mentioned: "After undergoing an MRI, the doctor said there is degeneration and slight bulging of the intervertebral discs at the L4-L5 levels, but no other issues were found. It is not yet at the stage where surgery is required. The doctor said I can only rely ...[Read More] Chronic Lumbar Pain: Seeking Solutions for Persistent Discomfort
Is It Safe to Undergo Colonoscopy One Month After Hernia Surgery?
Can I undergo a colonoscopy one month after hernia surgery? Bilateral inguinal hernia, traditional tissue-to-tissue repair ~ it has been 1 month since the surgery! Can I undergo a colonoscopy? (I am concerned about whether increased abdominal pressure might cause the sutured woun...
Dr. Xu Kaixi Reply:
Due to the need for bowel preparation with laxatives for a colonoscopy, which facilitates the clearance of fecal matter from the intestines, and the fact that the colonoscopy procedure involves insufflation of the bowel, which can increase intra-abdominal pressure, it is recommen...[Read More] Is It Safe to Undergo Colonoscopy One Month After Hernia Surgery?
Managing Disc Herniation: When to Consider Surgery or Alternative Treatments
Herniated disc Hello Dr. Lai: My current symptoms include left lower back pain, weakness in my left leg, and weakness in my toes, which sometimes feel numb. Since I am abroad, the doctors here have recommended physical therapy. I have been undergoing physical therapy for three mo...
Dr. Lai Zhaokang Reply:
Hello: 1. Your description seems to indicate a lumbar spine issue causing sciatica. However, a detailed examination is still necessary, such as X-rays and MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging). 2. If physical therapy focusing on core muscle training is ineffective, you may consider lu...[Read More] Managing Disc Herniation: When to Consider Surgery or Alternative Treatments
Understanding Constipation: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment Options
Constipation issues? Hello, doctor. In the past, I used to have a bowel movement every 1 to 1.5 days, and it was always smooth; I would go whenever I felt the urge. However, around mid-February of this year, I suddenly experienced constipation (I hadn’t traveled anywhere and main...
Dr. Ke Fangxu Reply:
Since the colonoscopy results are normal, it indicates that the difficulty in bowel movements is not due to structural issues in the intestines. Herniated discs can indeed cause abnormal bowel control in very severe cases, similar to patients with spinal cord injuries. However, y...[Read More] Understanding Constipation: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment Options
Post-Surgery Complications of Lumbar Spondylolisthesis: What to Expect
Postoperative complications of spinal spondylolisthesis surgery? Hello Dr. Chang, on February 24, I underwent surgery for a herniated disc and spondylolisthesis from the fourth lumbar vertebra to the fourth sacral vertebra. During the procedure, three resin interbody fusion devic...
Dr. Zhang Junwei Reply:
It is evident that your postoperative pain is more severe than it was before the surgery, which theoretically should not happen. There may have been some issues during the surgical procedure. It is advisable to discuss this further with your attending physician or consider underg...[Read More] Post-Surgery Complications of Lumbar Spondylolisthesis: What to Expect
Understanding Uncommon Symptoms of L4-L5 Herniated Disc: Is Surgery Necessary?
Lumbar disc herniation I underwent an MRI, which confirmed that I have an L4-L5 herniated disc. The neurosurgeons all recommend surgery, but what's peculiar is that I can stand for long periods and walk without discomfort. When sitting, I experience slight discomfort in my b...
Dr. Lai Zhaokang Reply:
Hello: It is true that most people feel more uncomfortable when getting out of bed, but there are also cases where lying down is even more uncomfortable. This is related to the relationship between your herniated disc and the surrounding nerve structures, as well as the relative ...[Read More] Understanding Uncommon Symptoms of L4-L5 Herniated Disc: Is Surgery Necessary?
Understanding Left Lower Abdominal Mass: When to Seek Further Evaluation
Left lower abdominal mass? Hello Dr. Lee, about two years ago, I noticed a hard lump in my left lower abdomen, approximately 1 cm in size. It doesn't appear abnormal externally and doesn't cause any specific symptoms; pressing on it doesn't hurt, so I didn't p...
Dr. Li Zhonghuai Reply:
Hello! Based on your symptoms, it is possible that you have an abdominal wall hernia, which may not be apparent when you are not straining. Sometimes, if the abdominal wall is too thick, it may not be palpable, and ultrasound may not provide clear results. It would be better to c...[Read More] Understanding Left Lower Abdominal Mass: When to Seek Further Evaluation
Understanding Recurrent Disc Herniation: Treatment Options and Risks
Herniated disc 1 Hello, I had surgery for a herniated disc between the fourth and fifth lumbar vertebrae on January 12, 2016. I felt that my recovery was quite good after the surgery. After resting at home for a month, I returned to work, but not long after, I experienced pain an...
Dr. Lai Zhaokang Reply:
If there is a recurrence, and it is more than before... 1. Rehabilitation generally only helps to manage pain and does not provide a fundamental cure. 2. It is still recommended to consider surgery again. 3. However, this time you need to consider the possibility of an artificial...[Read More] Understanding Recurrent Disc Herniation: Treatment Options and Risks
Managing Sciatica Pain from Herniated Discs: Rehabilitation Insights
Herniated disc with left buttock pain? Hello, Doctor. I have a herniated disc, and due to prolonged sitting and standing, my left calf becomes numb and my left hip feels very uncomfortable. After walking for less than ten minutes, the pain in my left hip becomes so intense that I...
Dr. Zhang Junwei Reply:
There is a possibility of improvement, but it is not guaranteed. If there is no improvement, surgical treatment is recommended![Read More] Managing Sciatica Pain from Herniated Discs: Rehabilitation Insights