@ccchang
I saw the neurosurgeon yesterday. He was concerned about L3-4, which is the level above the fusion that I had 2 years ago. He said the MRI looked unusual and that he has seen only 6-7 cases where the nerves are unevenly blocked. He is recommending a laminectomy and the tough part (for him) is convincing my insurance that I need it. Why? Because the radiologist said the following:
L3-L4: Disc bulge and ligamentum flavum thickening causing lateral
recess and mild spinal canal stenosis. Moderate facet arthropathy with
mild left neural foraminal narrowing.
The report says that the spinal canal stenosis is mild when in fact it is moderate to severe and warrants surgery. My surgeon is pretty certain that they will be able to deal with my insurance (Medicare).
As far as the symptoms go, this will help with the sharp, shooting pain in my buttocks that then travels down my legs and into my feet. It should help with the pins and needles sensation as well. It may or may not help with the charley horse cramps in my feet and calves.
We will be traveling in September so we are scheduling surgery in mid October. In the meantime, he has referred me to the pain clinic for an injection, perhaps 2 if there's time before I leave. That should help at least a little bit.