Just wanted to let you know that I had surgery with Mr Speck a couple of weeks ago, for a severe disc bulge at L4/5, and it was a success. I still have a lot of work to do on my nerve, because it became badly squashed up to the time of the operation (it was being pushed against bone, and was quite swollen and irritated), but I have no leg pain at all, which is just wonderful. I’d recommend going ahead with the surgery - a nurse friend recommended Mr Speck, and I’ve since been told that he’s ‘the best in the industry’, and I certainly felt in very good hands, from the anaesthetist (Mark Langley), the assistant surgeon and the physiotherapist who assisted my post-op recovery. Things are looking really good at this stage (I can stand up straight!), and I’m starting to walk a lot, which is what the doctor highly recommends. My situation was so bad that I could barely walk, and I was squashed in earlier than my planned appointment, so I feel very, very fortunate that I was able to have the operation. Best of luck with whatever you decide to do! Regards Joanne