I am going for a lumbar discectomy 3 weeks after having a steroid epidural for back pain. is this ok or shall i leave the epidural.?

Right hand left hand: 1st i'd make sure both your surgeon and pain physician both know what the other doctor is doing. That always leads to best outcome. An epidural can be done before discotomy however if you're sure your having the surgery i'm not sure an epidural prior to would be of great use. Call both doctors' offices and let them know the whole plan!

It is ok if you have: Symptoms that have not improved with at least 12 weeks of non op care including physical therapy and imaging studies are consistent with a disc compressing a nerve resulting in your symptoms of predominantly pain down your leg. If the epidural were to work, it would have done so by now.

Surgery: If you have completed a proper work-up and have failed a reasonable period of conservative care ( at least 6-8 weeks ) and you are in significant pain that prevents you from doing your normal activities, then surgery is an option to discuss with your doctor. Check out spine-health.Com.