Thank you Dr Corenman for you kind response. Whereas when I had follow up with my NS on 11/24 and I was having some pain in my lower back and brief messages to my ankle area, today, my pain is worse today, a 5 to 6 which is constant, whether sitting or standing. The locus of pain is perhaps half inch to right of the incision and half inch down from that which is running into my right buttock. Now having constant sciatica, chiefly the right side of my calf and towards the back of my right ankle. No sciatica in the thigh or feet. No muscle weakness, no tingling. I did the hamstring stretch you referenced. Both legs were quite naturally tight as all I have been doing is walking and no stretching out of fear of triggering that nerve root which is quite an eye opener when I do. So…tightness but the stretch did not cause any pain on either side
As I mentioned in my OP, the pains from the original herniation came on quite suddenly. My current state has been a slow progression up to this point from 6 weeks post op and I am now 9 1/2 weeks out which is really odd to me but I suppose herniations can come out gradually just as well as suddenly.
If this is chiefly due to scarring and not herniation, is there anything that can be done? Would an epidural shot possible be of any help (I’ve already had 3 pre surgery)? If re-herniated, would there be any merit in getting another epidural before considering another discectomy? Finally, I have read your responses elsewhere here where you have indicated that MRIs can be done fairly soon after surgery. My N/S had said at my meeting with him on 11/24 that it is too soon and would not show anything conclusive. Any specific method of MRI I could mention to him that would be the best…with or without galadnium? I really want to rule in or rule out the re-herniation quickly especially since my insurance calendar year starts again in January. Thanks again. Best