Have You Had Decompression Surgery?

[SteveE]

I would like to hear the experience of others who have had decompression surgery to reduce sciatic leg pain. Based on my myleogram which shows a lateral recess stenosis, a spine surgeon has recommended micro surgery to correct my sciatica pain. It is my understanding that this is one of the largest causes of failed back surgery so I'm trying to confirm that the L4 nerve root is causing my pain.

Before having this surgery, has anyone had a diagnostic injection (selective nerve root block or other) to confirm that the nerve root (suspected of causing the pain)was actually causing the pain? Has anyone had a transforaminal epidural injection for any reason, but in particular was this done instead of a selective nerve root block for some reason?

I would sure appreciate hearing your experience if you have had this surgery and /or diagnostic injections. Please tell me how successful it was in reducing the pain and would you repeat it? Steve