Sciatica operation

[JustGotToKeepOnKeepingOn]

After months of horrific sciatic pain from hip to toe I had an MRI and appointment with an NHS neurosurgeon. The neurosurgeon said the scan showed prolapsed discs that were too far gone to respond to treatment and I now have a date for an operation in 10 weeks time.

In the last week the pain has decreased. Which is great! But now I'm having second thoughts about having surgery. Reading other posts on here, the general consensus seems to be that sciatica comes back again and again so would I be crazy not to go ahead with surgery? I don't know if I've got over excited with 'reduced pain' instead of the excruciating sobbing pain I've been experiencing.

The thought of a recurrence of the pain I've endured fills me with horror but likewise the idea of surgery doesn't fill me with joy either.
Do I go ahead with surgery?

I would, I had a prolapsed disc removed and recovery wasn’t as bad as expected. Back pain also went! Sciatica comes and goes as you said, so if you turn this down who knows when you’ll get another opportunity.

Thank you for your reply. It's good to hear from someone who's had surgery. How long did it take you to get back on your feet afterwards?

Agree, so glad I had my discectomy done. Pain was never going to end without the surgery

Thank you for your reply. I'm not very good at accepting when I need help! I've looked at other posts about sciatica on here and realise I'm very lucky to be in a position where I've had an MRI and have a date for surgery. I'll appreciate the downgrade in pain while it lasts and get the surgery done when the time comes.

The surgery will be so beneficial and you will be glad to have had it done.
The consultant would not have suggested surgery if it wasn’t necessary.
I was in agony with sciatica and taking copious amounts of painkillers etc.
After a discectomy the pain was gone. I wish you all the best for your surgery.

My consultant said operating is a last resort so it must be bad if he is suggesting it's the best option. I had a nerve block injection instead which has lasted well for me but I know one day the pain may come back.

My partner had it and he went from literally crawling around to strolling around like nothing had happened the next day.
Hugely beneficial and simple surgery that ended what was a horiffic 4 months of pain for him. We had to go private, if the NHS are offering I'd bite their hand off.

@Fergie51 how long did it take you to recover from the surgery?

You're right. I will go ahead with the surgery. I'm glad your husband is better now, the pain really is off the chart.

I had no pain after waking up from surgery. Before leaving hospital I was given a guide on reducing my prescription pain killers gradually and gentle physio to do at home, I had to rest doing little for a week and advised not to lift anything heavier than a kilo for a couple of weeks. The difference was amazing. I too remember crawling in pain like coraisky’s partner! I had the surgery during lockdown and I had to have it done privately as there was a two year minimum wait for the NHS.

Had it, brilliant, wouldn't hesitate to have it again
Mine was complex 5hrs as I had cauda equina. Walked an hour after, discharged less than 24hrs later and back on a horse 8 weeks later (it was a little too soon!)
I did a lot of rehab with a PT, miles of walking and loads of exercise
Surgeon said I was wilful and had a great recovery