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Hi all
I just joined this group as I am waiting for an appointment schedule for a second opinion at May Phoenix. I have herniated disc l5-l1, spinal stenosis, ddd and as a result have had serious lower back pain over the last 6 years, with excrutiating sciatic pain down both legs starting about a year ago.
I see a great pain doc in Chandler AZ and he tried everything, steroid injections, blocks, nerve ablation. Nothing helped. I saw a surgeon at Barrow, and he said that while he can do a laminectomy on three of the discs, he is worried about the impact on spine stability. Now waiting for a second opinion from Mayo.
I am a 53 active female and I feel my life has been taken away from me. I am on gabapentin and duloxetine, tylenol, aleve, THC, CBD ... do reformer pilates 5 times a week ... and I still cannot walk more than 100 ft without pain.
Anyone who has looked at a three disc laminectomy vs fusion in the L5-L1 section? I have not looked into stimulators at all.
Any advice is appreciated.
Replies to "Hi all I just joined this group as I am waiting for an appointment schedule for..."
Hi germangirlvt- I'm assuming you are talking about a potential fusion of L5-S1. If not, please explain where the fusion will be taking place.
I am fused from L2 to L5. I have considerable back pain coming from L5-S1 and from the two SI joints. The neurosurgeon I saw said that a fusion at L5-S1 was guaranteed to fail because that is the only level of the spine that currently has any movement. If that level were to be fused, my lower spine would be totally w/o any ability to move. He said he could guarantee that a fusion at L5-S1 would be a failed fusion. Perhaps you are talking about a different level?
@germangirlvt - Good morning and welcome to Mayo Connect. This is a great place to get new ideas, share common experiences, and converse with those who are going through or have gone through medical situations similar to yours. You already have gathered some good input!
I had a four-level lumbar laminectomy/fusion (L2-5) in May 2023. My situation was somewhat different then yours - which is nearly always the case with every spine patient. It's a great idea to get a 2nd opinion from Mayo.
I'm not sure I follow your discectomy vs fusion question? In my case, the two procedures, though separated in the OR by 48 hours, were connected. The discectomies dealt with the spondy and stenosis while the fusion helped with the spondy while creating a point of stability in my lumbar region. In other words - one begat the other.
Are you attempting to avoid a fusion? In my case, I don't think having one vs both would have made any difference in my recovery while doing both improved my overall spinal stability.
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My problem is in my cervical spine. According to one surgeon I will become paralyzed without laminectomy and fusion. I have dealt with this off and on for 30 years. Do not want spine surgery. Going for second opinion with chief of neurosurgery at Univ of Penn Friday. Best thing you can do is second opinion and don’t go to orthopedic surgeon. Go to a neurosurgeon. I worked in orthopedics for 20 years They are trained differently. Good luck