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Neurological surgery for chronic lower back pain after laminectomy
I am seeking consultation on the prospect of back/spinal surgery. I have been experiencing severe lower back pain for the better part of 10 years. I had back surgery (laminectomy) in 2018 at the Anderson Clinic; with 8 months of extensive rehab. The relief was temporary for about 3 years, but the pain returned with a vengeance; requiring periodical epidurals for short-term relief. My surgeon at AOC is recommending another surgery to "clean things up" but I'm not aligned with his thinking. Another medical friend of mine, familiar with my living/physical condition, suggested I seek consultation from a neurosurgeon before making a decision. I am 73 years old in good to excellent medical health. I am unable to stand upright or walk for extended periods of time and my balance and physical equilibrium are getting progressively worse. My primary medications, outside of vitamin supplements, are for short-term medium relief from pain (Celebrex, as well as a few others that have been relatively ineffective).
Please note that I currently spend the majority of my time living in the Dominican Republic, so communications can be challenging, which is why I have listed email as the preferred method of contact with me.
Looking forward and very anxious to hear from someone in your organization.
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@s3three Hello and welcome to Connect. Connect is a patient forum where we learn through shared experience. It is not staffed by doctors and is not a route to admission to Mayo Clinic. If you wanted to travel to the US, you my apply to Mayo if that is an option. The other issue would be insurance. You would need to have insurance that Mayo Clinic accepts. Would you leave the Dominican Republic to seek a consultation for medical treatment?
There are also some hospitals around the world in the Mayo Clinic Care Network, although I don't see any in your area. Here is some information.
https://www.mayoclinic.org/about-mayo-clinic/care-network/network-members
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What levels did you have your laminectomy surgery on? What levels would you now need surgery on?
Do your updated MRIs show herniated discs, hypertrophic bone overgrowth, bone spurs/osteophytes causing stenosis, shifting vertebrae (spondylolisthesis)?
@s3three
Your symptoms sound like mine before my surgery on L3-L5. I have severe stenosis, degenerative disc disease, neurogenic claudication which caused pain/weakness and numbness from my lower back, hips, buttocks, legs and feet which made standing, walking, sitting painful and difficult. Standing and walking was limited to 10 minutes or less.
My symptoms improved after my decompression and fusion surgery.
I have maintain residency in the U.S. (No. Virginia) and have medical insurance (AETNA) in the U.S. I am willing to seek consultation anywhere.
The surgery in 2018 was on levels 3-5 I believe. Updated MRI from August 2024 indicate stenosis, a shift in the vertebrae and a depletion of the cushioning substance between vertebrae. Not sure of the medical term for the cushy substance between the lower-level vertebrae was identified as the primary reason why I experience the pain standing upright and balance issues; although it doesn't entirely address the intense pain laterally down my hips and upper thigh.
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1 ReactionThanks....This was helpful.
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1 Reaction@s3three Here is the insurance page for Mayo where you may check if your insurance is accepted. https://www.mayoclinic.org/billing-insurance
There are 3 Mayo campuses. The main one is Rochester, MN. There are campuses in Jacksonville, FL and Phoenix, AZ. If you wanted to request an appointment, you may get started with this link. http://mayocl.in/1mtmR63
From your description, it sounds like there is an issue with a cartilage disc that provides the cushioning between vertebrae bones.