Hi btw,

I had laminotomies at S1, L5, L4 about 10 years ago. It was done to relieve sciatic pain (back of leg) and to remove a portion of the S1/L5 disc that had ruptured and detached from the main disc. The surgeon cut holes in the back of these three vertebrae, making more room for the sciatic nerve and relieving pressure, and to remove the ruptured disc material. Recovery went well and I haven't had a reoccurrence.

That said, I have all major pathologies in my lumbar spine - stenosis, scoliosis, and listhesis. It is a disaster area.

I saw a new surgeon a few years ago. He confirmed this diagnosis, and said the only thing holding my lumbar spine together is a very strong set of core muscles. I'm 70 now and I am in the gym everyday and I do some core work everyday. My weight is normal (160 lbs) for my height (5'10").

I don't know the condition of your core, or if strengthening it would spare you from more fusion. Just a suggestion - ask your surgeon. It sounds like S1 through L3 would have to be fused, but that's a last resort. You may very well need this surgery, I'm no doctor! But I have had problems, left and right rear legs, due to sciatica.

Again, check with your Dr. to see if there is anything you can do short of surgery. Finally, you mention being in pain the last six months. Is the pain in the back of your leg(s). This is where pain from a compressed sciatic nerve would manifest. If you feel pain in your lower back, it may be a muscle injury.

I hope this helps, and all the best to you.

Joe