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I can't get properly diagnosed and I'm spiraling

Neuropathy | Last Active: Feb 19, 2023 | Replies (35)
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@yojimbob

Thanks for your reply and well wishes @dave130
Lumbar stenosis is another malady I share with you .
My surgeon has talked about doing a lumbar fusion at a later date . I was wondering why ( since you are still having lower body issues ) you haven’t had the lumbar fusion .

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Replies to "Thanks for your reply and well wishes @dave130 Lumbar stenosis is another malady I share with..."
dave130 | @dave130 | Feb 16, 2023

Good question. The short answer is the surgery scares me to death. So I’ve done my own risk/benefits analysis.

My MRI shows severe lumbar stenosis at L3-4, L4-5, and L5-S1, plus spondylolisthesis, and degenerative scoliosis. My neurosurgeon said he would perform multi-level decompressive laminectomies and fusion. He said he could help me or hurt me, no promises. So, if it doesn’t go well I could end up worse off than I already am.

Currently, my lower back symptoms are the added walking/standing difficulties, and some occasional sciatic nerve pain, But, I can sit and sleep comfortably. I don’t know that I want to risk ending up with failed back syndrome from the surgery and risking that ability to continue to sit and sleep comfortably. So, for now I’m waiting and watching for any worsening of symptoms. My surgeon supports my decision to hold off on that surgery.

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