Any suggested alternatives to an ALIF at L5-S1?
I’m going for a second opinion in March after my neurosurgeon informed me that an ALIF is just a matter of time, and I must let him know when I’m ready.
The problem is that the nerve exiting on the left side (LHS) at S1 (L5-S1) is under compression because the disc doesn’t exist on the LHS, and is notably flattened on the RHS at the same level. This compression has been clearly pointed out on one of the MRIs I’ve had recently, which shows that LHS nerve as a flattened oval while the nerve on the RHS is circular and uncompromised.
The symptoms? Aching /pain left glute, aching / pain left calf muscle and pins-and-needles on the top of my left foot through to my toes. I can’t stand near-motionless for more than about 30 seconds and then I need to move, bend, stretch, etc. Lying flat (e.g. sleep) helps, but sitting upright exacerbates the discomfort.
I’ve had numerous theatre-visits for a nerve-sleeve root injection, epidurals, facet joint injections and, for localised pain, rhizotomies. These all provide limited relief, and only for a few weeks at a time.
Anyone here have any other ideas before I make a decision?
I want to avoid another spine surgery for as long as possible, and have even gone back to regular gym exercises for core strength improvement to help and delay the inevitable. As an added fact, my spinal issues are sports-induced.
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You are where I was a year ago.
Same spot as you, had minimally Invasive Decompression 8/25, Helped my left leg but not my right.
Talking to surgeon tomorrow about possibly doing a forminotomy on right side l4 nerve root since that is where majority of pain is coming from.
Trying to avoid fusion, but I have degenerative scoliosis above L2 and L2-L5 are all degenerated so it limits some options.
Surgeon would rather do a 3 level 360 degree fusion and I understand why as he can basically rebuild from scratch and open everything up, but even if things go all good it can mean residual nerve damage and other pain and most likely extending the fusion down the road.
My wife has had 6 fusions and was wrecked by incompetant Dr. so to say I am leary is an understatement. She is disabled and I am sole support doing mostly physical self employment.
I am just learning to adjust my work and life to the pain and do PT. I use cane at night and morning as that is when it is the worst and then can get around during day pretty good but like you can't stand very long. I have a chair with wheels in my warehouse and use that alot
All I can say is research, research,research.