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I had surgery in 2001 for L5-S1 bulge - they did a partial discectomy (SP?) and i've been great ever since!
Get in shape FIRST - it will help everything, even if you don't elect to proceed with the surgery. Get to a PT that knows about backs and can run you thru the exercises that won't do MORE damage, DO NOT JUST ASSUME THAT CRUNCHES ARE THE WAY TO GO!!
There are specific AB exercises that will strengthen and tone, and then if you do the surgery you will be stable POST-knife, and not re-injure yourself....or do more damage.
FIND THE BEST DOC YOU CAN - they are not all created equal. My guy works at the SF Spine Center, where botched surgeries go to get fixed. I can give you a referral if you need one -
And, while you are shopping around, remember that the neuro guys like to do neuro surgery, and the ortho-guys like to do ortho-surgery.....you are looking for the one that thinks surgery is the LAST result, not some cut-happy gungho surgeon!!!
I know your pain, and it is not fun.....hang in there and keep looking for the right option for your situation!
best wishes
td
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