In my case, not the best result. Was diagnosed with both peripheral neuropathy and spinal stenosis. Vanderbilt specialists were saying one thing (peripheral neuropathy) and an other prominent neurological surgery group saying spinal stenosis. Tried to get in to Mayo and John Hopkins to get another opinion to break the tie but I guess because I had been seen and diagnosed by two competent groups of specialists, I was turned down. I finally had to make a decision as I was beginning to fall down.

So, in mid-May of last year, at the age of 67 I had both a spinal fusion and laminectomy performed. 12 hour surgery from T-10 to S-1. Brutal. The first month I was in so much pain even under medication I just wanted to die.

So, fast forward to today, 13 1/2 months later. Am really no better. While I advanced from a wheelchair to a walker to a cane, I am still in considerable pain even though I am on muscle relaxers and pain medication (Oxycodone) under the supervision of a pain management clinic. I am still very unstable and feel as though I don’t have the connectivity in my back / spine to be able to walk.

Have done the electronic stimulator for six (6) months to promote bone and nerve regeneration, continued physical therapy and also recently a laser therapy that is fairly new technology and not covered by insurance.

Bottom line is is that after all that I have not improved my quality of life and probably have added to it extra pain and discomfort, fatigue, and continued lack of stability on my feet and mobility.

Just had an MRI done yesterday for a third spine specialist to look at my back to determine if a grant else is going on. He mentioned when he looked at a regular e-ray last week that I might have some screws loose which might explain the continued pain after over a year.

Am not complaining if it sounds that way. Am grateful to still be hanging around. So may other people have is a lot worse then I do. Just trying to encourage anybody who is contemplating any kind of back / spine surgery to prayerfully consider the potential risk and the fact that you may not be any better and maybe worse after the surgery.

Mayo Connect is a life saver. To have a forum by which you have others and a support group to talk to who have been through similar experiences and can relate has been extreme helpful to me.

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