Herniated disc, Sciatica l4 and l5, no health insurance

[ChrisC1983]

I am 26 years old. My leg has been falling asleep for about 3-4 months. I have pain/numbness in my left buttocks, back, leg, calf, and toes especially when I stand. I can't stand on my feet for over 2 minutes with out going numb.  I had an M.R.I about a month ago. The report read read I have a herniated disk at L4 and l5. I had tried prednisone on two different accounts and it made no difference.  I had tried chiropractics for 5 weeks and made no difference. I have an epidural done last week($500 no insurance). my leg is still gos numb but there is now less pain. I also take 1800mg of Ibuprofen and 50 to100mg of Tramadol a day. I have been off my feet and out of work 4 weeks. ( I sat down all day at previous job) I currently have no insurance; should I put out the money for another epidural shot?, Can a 2nd epidural cure a severe case of sciatica that has been present for 4 months? Can physical therapy make this worse (when I try streching there is pain present). When my leg gos numb from standing or walking am I causing more damage to the nerve or disk? Do I sound like a typical discectomy patient?

[helenlegs11]

Hi Chris,
Surgery is always the last resort. Try physical therapy,  back exercises,yoga and pilates. Only do these exercises when you are in less pain. Pilates is the less rigorous exercise so maybe try this first. Try and strengthen your back and spine as surgery then may hopefully not be necessary.
Good luck

Helen

[kimpton]

Hi.  I'm confused.  You said, 'do I sound like a typical discectomy patient?'.  Did you have the surgery, because you didn't mention that.