@smn1 Thanks for taking the time to share your story. And like many others here, it seems you are still in the midst of what may a "neverending story." As to your questions, I didn't see a neurologist for 9 months because it took that long to get in to see one. In the meantime, my podiatrist did a skin plug biopsy on my feet... and she referred me for an EMG.... which revealed there was probably still some compression of nerves at some point. The skin biopsy revealed the "beginnings" of neuropathy. When I did FINALLY get in to see the neurologist, he did a number of exams and in the end simply said that he felt it was more likely that I was experiencing issues from radiculopathy rather than neuropathy. My numbness and tingling is in my feet... and a bit up into my ankles, but not, the feeling doesn't run down my legs to my feet. I don't have real pain in my feet.... just the numbness/burning/tingling and at times it's worse than at others. It's typically a bit better first thing in the morning.... before I have stood or sat and put the weight of my body on my spine. I saw four different surgeons for the laminectomy before I decided on one.... and in the end went with one who I feel to be very competent... and young enough to be up on newer procedures. The laminectomy was L2-S1. One of the consults I had was with a neurosurgeon at Emory and he said he would do the same laminectomy but he would put a spacer between L5 and S1 (where I have no disc left). If not, he said I would be back within a year. The surgeon I chose did NOT add the spacer.... and didn't do any vertebral decompression/fusion at all. Afterwards, with the numbness and burning in my feet, he said that if he had done a fusion that may have solved those issues. And he is willing to revisit that if and when I decide. Just not sure I want to go through a fusion of L3 to S1 on the assumption it "might" help. My laminectomy was a relatively easy recovery... but I understand a fusion will be much more daunting. And if it doesn't help my foot issues? And if it makes them worse? The neurologist I saw does not do surgery.... and I saw him primarily because I wanted to rule out things like ALS, MS, etc. Again, I thank you for sharing.... and I hope that you, too, will be able to find some answers and get some relief. And I'm sure your story will reverberate with others here, as well. My lot could be a whole lot worse.... and I try to remember to be thankful for my blessings. I've learned over the years with any issues I have faced that one has to be his/her own health advocate. Doctors can be great... but they can get busy and sometimes overlook things. I live in this body, so I'm aware of it every single day, while they are only concerned with it when I present to them seeking help. And there are times when we have to be that proverbial squeaky wheel .... to get some grease! Best wishes to you in your journey!! Mike