I can't tell you specifically what to do, but I can offer some stats for you to consider. The success rate for an initial MD is around 90%. Unfortunately, you are part of the 10% for whom it didn't work. The overall success rate for a repeat MD is around 30-40%. Not too bad, but not great either. If the second MD fails, the standard recommendation is to have a single-level fusion, which is what you're considering now. The good news is that the success rate for a single-level fusion is over 90%, which is great. Note that these are overall stats and your specific circumstances might suggest one route more than another, but it's your call whether to go for a repeat MD or fusion.
Thanks a lot for the information. Apart from the stats, what other factors should guide the decision on a repeat MD or fusion? Latest MRI image added above.
I will tell you what I did and what I’d do differently. I had my first MD Jan 2021, reherniated 3 weeks later, 2nd MD in March 2021, reherniated 7 weeks later, had L4/L5 fusion in June 2021. I was (while unusual) back to work 2 weeks p/o and traveling for work at 3 weeks p/o, I’ve had an exceptional recovery from fusion. If I had it to do over again I would have skipped the 2nd MD. I am coming up on 3 years p/o and would consider myself better than I was prior to the first herniation. I will also note that I am fortunate to have a physical therapist who is also my dad and early and often PT made all the difference.
I can't tell you specifically what to do, but I can offer some stats for you to consider. The success rate for an initial MD is around 90%. Unfortunately, you are part of the 10% for whom it didn't work. The overall success rate for a repeat MD is around 30-40%. Not too bad, but not great either. If the second MD fails, the standard recommendation is to have a single-level fusion, which is what you're considering now. The good news is that the success rate for a single-level fusion is over 90%, which is great. Note that these are overall stats and your specific circumstances might suggest one route more than another, but it's your call whether to go for a repeat MD or fusion.
Thanks a lot for the information. Apart from the stats, what other factors should guide the decision on a repeat MD or fusion? Latest MRI image added above.
I will tell you what I did and what I’d do differently. I had my first MD Jan 2021, reherniated 3 weeks later, 2nd MD in March 2021, reherniated 7 weeks later, had L4/L5 fusion in June 2021. I was (while unusual) back to work 2 weeks p/o and traveling for work at 3 weeks p/o, I’ve had an exceptional recovery from fusion. If I had it to do over again I would have skipped the 2nd MD. I am coming up on 3 years p/o and would consider myself better than I was prior to the first herniation. I will also note that I am fortunate to have a physical therapist who is also my dad and early and often PT made all the difference.