Ruth P
I've had the L4-5 partial discectomy twice. The first time I had absolutely no relief from the severe sciatica that caused me to seek the surgery. The second time I had some relief, but not complete. That was in Feb of 1999. I have had recurrent sciatica ever since. I am now under the care of a chronic pain doc who has been giving me epidurals with sometimes good temporary relief, and sometimes little relief. I'm quite uncomfortable right now. I had one of these injections about five wks. ago with good results until last week when the sciatic pain came back full force. I am on methadone and I use a TENS unit. I also have an interferential TENS treatment by the physical therapist once a week. Right now I'm searching for other options. I've heard that the cortisone patch with electrical pulses used to force the steroid into the scar area works pretty well. I'm going to try to find a doc who will do that for me. Good Luck.