Post hemi-laminectomy nerve pain has increased.

Wow, it sounds like you have had it rough. How have you been doing since the fusion?

I have done exactly what you suggested. I asked for another MRI and this time I asked for a lumbar and pelvis MRI. Since much of my pain is in the sactum area, I thought it wise to get the pelvic MRI too. Also, there was a 3 month span from my original MRI until my surgery. Who knows what else could have happened in that amount of time. Surprisingly I got no pushback from the doctor. We will see if insurance approves it. They just sent in the request yesterday.

As always, I really appreciate the feedback and advice.

I’m not quite sure at this point, I know I participated in physical therapy, acupuncture, CBD oil, medical appointments that didn’t find the problem and medical marijuana. So, I’m guessing at least two years of hard work trying to correct a problem that was incorrectly diagnosed. When it was finally correctly diagnosed, I tried an unsuccessful injection and then scheduled surgery, which was about a six month process. I’m glad I tried all those interventions (even with the wrong diagnosis) as it gave me a stronger core and the opportunity to participate in therapeutic pool time, which I continue to do.

Do you have lots of nerve pain in your legs, feet, etc.?

I have nerve pain in my left foot but I have so many problems with this foot and this issue was also present prior to my back issues that it is impossible to know if it’s related to the surgery, Otherwise, I do not have any nerve issues.

Do you take Lyrica or anything for that?

No they got worse and I am almost nine months out. Drs will blame scar tissue buildup.

@ccollins Welcome to Connect. I know from my surgeries (spine fusion C5-C6, and ankle fracture fixation) that scar tissue does cause tightness which does cause pain. What you can do about it is to work with a physical therapist who does myofascial release to loosen the scar tissue. This would be something to request at your next follow up.

Here is a link to our discussion about myofascial release.

Neuropathy - "Myofascial Release Therapy (MFR) for treating compression and pain"
https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/myofascial-release-therapy-mfr-for-treating-compression-and-pain/
Have you heard of myofascial release before?

Jennifer

Thanks Jennifer. I have heard of it, but I don’t believe I have ever discussed it with a PT. I do have my first PT appointment next Tuesday, so I will ask.

On that note. The caudal injection and follow up MRI’s were all denied by insurance!

I haven’t had lumbar surgery yet, but I have had 4 upper cervical surgeries. On the last one, inflammation occurred 4-5 days after surgery, while I was still hospitalized. I got IV meds which are much stronger, so I imagine that's why it went away w/in a week. As the nurse explained to me, if you're in pain--take the pain meds. The stress of being in pain, does not help you. Give yourself time. Try p/t. The movement may make you feel better. If it hurts, tell them. They'll adjust what they're doing, or even apply heat & a massage. I hope you feel better soon. If not, there are pain mgmt. doctors too.

Thanks everyone for your advice. I have been feeling a bit better over the last few days, but I have gone back to taking pain meds a couple of times a day. I hated to do it, but it has helped me be more active, which then helps me mentally. The pain management doctor is still working on getting my injection approved. The insurance company is denying for ridiculous reasons. I am hoping if that gets approved it will really help me.