Hey doc – a few years ago at a different level I had an L3-4 microdiscectomy, a surgery that introduced an infection that required PICC line antibiotics. You were greatly helpful to me during that time with many answers on the forum. Thank you. The disc at that level eventually so deteriorated and causing me pain (bone on bone almost) that I had a fusion. There have been no other issues at that level.
The plan with the L5-S1 surgery seems to be to remove any extruded disc material, and also to do a procedure to remove part of the bone to allow the nerve more room. I will inquire about a laminotomy vs. laminectomy.
Thank you for the reply!