Rt Leg Pain

Posted by margiewoods51111 @margiewoods51111, Mar 28 8:23am

I had two spinal fusion in the last 10 months. L4 L5. L5 S1. Now the level above L3-L-4 has neural foraminal narrowing stenosis. Having severe Rt upper leg pain, to my knees. Surgeon states I need another spine fusion. Is there another way, to get out of pain without surgery.

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@joanland

There are nerve stimulators that can be implanted which might be worth learning about. I, too, am fused from L2 to L5. Now I have significant pain from L5-S1 and from both S-I joints. Those are the only remaining areas that can move in my lower back. Find a neurosurgeon you trust and ask about a spinal nerve stimulator. I think it would be worth asking about. Good luck and I'm sorry you are in so much pain.

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Do you have a spinal nerve stimulator.

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@margiewoods51111

Do you have a spinal nerve stimulator.

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I'm scheduled to get one in the near future; had to postpone the implant because of an infection.

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@margiewoods51111

I have moderate to severe left and Rt foraminal narrowing at my L-2, L3 level also. So scared I am going to need another fusion.

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I don't know your best course of action but I think questioning the necessity of a fusion is wise. I thought you might find this of interest.
https://www.beckersspine.com/spine/59101-surgeons-warn-of-overutilization-of-spinal-fusion.html?utm_source=email&utm_content=odysseypromo&oly_enc_id=7065D5097534B8B

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@joanland

There are nerve stimulators that can be implanted which might be worth learning about. I, too, am fused from L2 to L5. Now I have significant pain from L5-S1 and from both S-I joints. Those are the only remaining areas that can move in my lower back. Find a neurosurgeon you trust and ask about a spinal nerve stimulator. I think it would be worth asking about. Good luck and I'm sorry you are in so much pain.

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How long after the fusion did you start having pain L5-S1?

I’m 76, and for some unknown reason, My lumbar region look like a bomb went off in it. My surgeon wants to fuse L3 down to S1!! Will I be able even to pick up something off the floor after that?

Thanks!

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I had Rt Leg Pain, before surgery, I had a large cyst, surgeon, thought that where the pain, was coming from. Unfortunately. after surgery, still have the same leg pain. He fixed A problem, not THE problem. The Rt leg pain is excruciating. The only relief, I have, is prednisone. Just starting taking Gabapentin. My surgeon, stated I am falling in the 10% of patient, that my other level is breaking down. I have degenerative changes. Severe Rt foraminal narrowing with some impingement of the nerve root. Epidural only work 32 hrs. Now my surgeon , states my only option is to fuse L2 to L5. I am open to any suggestions. I just had to 2 spinal fusion in 7 months, Not looking to go that route. Can't live in pain either.

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@gsgnfl

How long after the fusion did you start having pain L5-S1?

I’m 76, and for some unknown reason, My lumbar region look like a bomb went off in it. My surgeon wants to fuse L3 down to S1!! Will I be able even to pick up something off the floor after that?

Thanks!

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Fusion of L3-L5 was in 2016; fusion of L2-L3 was before that, which left me fused from L2-L5. I started having steroid injections at L5-S1 within about 2 or 3 years, indicating that there was increasing arthritis at that location. When you say your "lumbar region look like a bomb went off in it" you are describing the results of a bone scan? I had a bone scan, using technitium, about 2 years ago and it showed significant arthritis at L5-S1 and at the R S-I joint.
Right now I'm reading a book recommended on this forum: Back in Control: A spine surgeon's roadmap out of chronic pain, written by David Hanscom, a spine surgeon. I haven't read enough of it to comment on its content, but it might be worth your while to read this before you move ahead with surgery.
My very best wishes to you.

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@margiewoods51111

I had Rt Leg Pain, before surgery, I had a large cyst, surgeon, thought that where the pain, was coming from. Unfortunately. after surgery, still have the same leg pain. He fixed A problem, not THE problem. The Rt leg pain is excruciating. The only relief, I have, is prednisone. Just starting taking Gabapentin. My surgeon, stated I am falling in the 10% of patient, that my other level is breaking down. I have degenerative changes. Severe Rt foraminal narrowing with some impingement of the nerve root. Epidural only work 32 hrs. Now my surgeon , states my only option is to fuse L2 to L5. I am open to any suggestions. I just had to 2 spinal fusion in 7 months, Not looking to go that route. Can't live in pain either.

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i have some pain or spasms in my right leg as well. It usually is when I forget to take my calcium and Magnesium. I have one vitamin pill that has both plus zinc.
Give that a try. Don't expect immediate relief but you should get some in the not too future. Th's if that is the problem.

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