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Four level lumbar fusion for primarily leg weakness

Spine Health | Last Active: 3 days ago | Replies (15)
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@bigmuscle72

Thanks for the stories and information. Saw my neurosurgeon today to discuss further. Strong medical background here, pushed for full spine MRI to verify no cervical or even thoracic lesions. He suggested a second opinion with a well known OS that does many complex spinal surgeries. I actually had an appointment with that OS but had to cancel due to another issue that came up. NS states unsure if fusion is right for now- told me I will FOR SURE have permanent back pain if a fusion is done. This threw me as I have family that had multiple fusions many years ago and have no back pain. As stated, my MAIN issue is leg weakness, CP deficits. I can walk, but I do have to monitor every step. He fells the legs are not conditioned due to last years multiple knee surgeries and time in brace etc- once elite level powerlifter here, so I don't buy it. My legs have always been very strong, and they are getting weaker-
MRI of rest of the spine and a second opinion are the recommendations now...
I am not classic for MS, but it is always on the list. I feel like I need to get these spinal nerves decompressed sooner than later, and he is not so sure on that.....

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Replies to "Thanks for the stories and information. Saw my neurosurgeon today to discuss further. Strong medical background..."
orloffjr | @orloffjr | Dec 26, 2024

Hello
I'm sorry for the problems you are having. I have had severe lumbar problems for about 12 years. Had my first surgery 5 years ago L4 to S1 fusion. My legs did get somewhat weaker but I think that was from lack of activity due to severe back and leg pain. Your condition with lack of pain and the degree of weakness is different. I'm glad you're getting a 2nd opinion and cervical/thoracic imaging. My 60 yo sister developed leg weakness like you describe and the issue was myelomalacia in the cervical spine. Best wishes to you

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brhodes202 | @brhodes202 | 4 days ago

Had C3-C6 fusion 4/24 and L3-S1 6/24. All felt good but weak until 3 weeks after lumbar fusion. Started to feel nerves zapping in thighs. Spoke with surgeon as condition just kept getting bit worse. He indicated this was normal from compression of cervical and keep up with core and other exercises. Well after a year my strength was getting better but thighs still had a lot of nerve action and lost flexation . All docs kept indicating lower extremities issues were from cervical. Then from 7/2024 - November lower legs and lumbar just pain just kept getting worse. I did exercises, chiropractor, injections and they barely worked and only masked the pain. Finally had MRI, X-ray and CT of lumbar, SI and found that adjacent L-2,L3 was the issue which I tried to convey for over 6 months. Had fusion completed with new rods to tie in previous fusion on 12/20/24. Within a day pain was gone except incision area. Legs feel much better but still have knee flexation issues and shins/calfs are numb. Hoping exercises good diet will get me back near normal except limitations of the fusion which I sure I can adapt to.
I myself would not wait for surgery as every day is possible long term damage. Just make sure to be prepared to put the work in to get muscles strengthen to support you and limit failure years down the road.

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