I herniated my L5S1 back in August. It was agony for about 2 weeks and then started improving. I’ve had two big backslides but I’m at a point where I can live my normal life with a pain level of maybe 2 - and even that not all the time. I can’t walk loads and I have some foot numbness, but things are a lot better than even a month ago.

I had a follow up with my consultant and he sent me for a second MRI - I was expecting that, with my symptoms improving, it would be smaller.

It was a lot bigger - he called it a monster and seemed shocked I was walking around with it.

But then he said my body is coping, and to enjoy my life if I’m not in agony. He did not recommend surgery. He said it will probably resolve in the next 18-24 months, but if things change then to come back or go to the emergency room if they’re really bad.

I’m not sure how I feel about it. On the one hand, I’m making symptomatic progress. On the other, it’s clearly got ‘worse’ and I’m worried that will keep happening.

Has anyone else had this? What did you do?

I think I’m just shocked it’s bigger!