Question: hi I t had an MRi c and s contrast for lumbar pain. 18 yrs ago I had an L5S1 discectomy. My MRI results read
L1-L5: Normal (this I understand.

Then it says
L5-S1 moderated to severe disc space and height loss, moderate degenerative endplate signal change. (this I do not understand) Mild diffuse disc bulging and minimal retrolisthesis of L5 relative to S1 ( my understand is diffuse being, bulging 360 degree around where it should be, but not herniating up or down. and retrolisthesis out of place in alignment for S1 alignment.) no evidence of spinal of stenosis or recurrent disc. there are postoperative findings on the right. What is meant by "post operative findings?

then it states no abnormal enhancement, or abnormality of conus. para spinal tissues are normal.

impression post operative findings on the right. there are disc and endplate degenerative changes at L5 S1

I am a nurse so you don't have to use basics. Also, what is the standard treatment for this as it already had a discectomy.

Thank you,
XXXXXXX XXXXXXX LPN

Negative for stenosis, foraminal normal. Daily activities for the first 2 hours are excruciating and takes about an hour to feel my feet after waking, 3 hours for my back to ease even with vicodin 7.5/500, voltoren gel, and a XXXXXXX it is agony. stride is half what it used to be do to pain. sitting too long, standing more than 20 minutes or sitting in a chair where butt is lower than knees is excruciating. I often need the head board to help me roll over in the morning to get out of bed. on a pain scale1-10 first thing in morning I am a 9,I force myself to move to walk even if its five step steps and then sit down again leaning forward. as the day progresses if I stay moving I am an 6-7 on pain meds, at night right back 9. getting up from standing and using stirs my R leg shakes.
Laying on my stomach causes instant searing pain, increased numbness and

All images I posted are up loaded under reports side view of MRIs c and s contrast, and xray s c oblique's.
pain is bilateral but more prominent on the R side, numbness is inner thigh, down inner calf, and thigh. and the bottom and top of my feet,

When I went to physical therapy for evaluation, at he end he said he couldn't help me he felt I needed an orthopedic and an MRI.

I don't feel I am artificial disc candidate as hurt my legs have weakness.
would steroid injections help at all?

I am aware there is artificial discs, however given I am young how long do they last ( I know there no set time. However, I read that it is difficult to treat when they go bad due to scar tissue around the spinal cord). Also, I heard of butterfly spacers. Not familiar with this one, given this portion of the of the back bears most of the weight would it be a viable option, or does the same problem apply with wear and tear and scar tissue. Forgive me, I am a nurse in family practice. Also, my mother suffered from OPLL in her hey never discovered what caused her OPLL as it is mostly found in oriental heritage and we do not have that demographic in our family.

What is the standard recovery time for a fusion?

Thank you, XXXXXXX