How can you tell when you may have damaged your nerves beyond repair

this is really something you should talk to that neurosurgeon about. this last one who says you don't have to do fusion. that's if you like and trust him. start with him. then if need be get more opinions on it. please keep me informed if you'd like. good luck, d

While not a medical expert, I am experienced in pondering your exact question. I faced the same dilemma: How to know when the risk balance shifts between (1) The risk of surgery vs (2) The risk of surgical delay which could lead to permanent (and maybe unreversible?) nerve damage.

In the end - no matter how much research and opinion-gathering I did...I found there was no exact answer to that question. For me - when the nerve problems degraded to the point where I felt I was placing myself in undue danger (falling down steps for example) the risk management balance shifted to "surgery". I would think if the nerve problems lead to a significant negative impact on your life style (in whatever is an important way to you) or an increased risk of personal injury, then it is time to seriously consider surgery.

Good luck. These are very difficult and nuanced decisions that are unique to you. Keep digging. Talk to medical professionals and friends who've been down a similar path. Stay connected to this blog. Cross your fingers. Maintain a positive outlook on life - no matter how daunting.

Thanks for your comment. So I do have a date for surgery, a surgeon at Columbia Presbyterian and who teaches at Columbia University. Yes my life has been going downhill and I can't really walk more than 5 or 7 minutes before my calf muscles start throbbing and twitching.
Did you end up having surgery ? What procedure ?

First off - good luck whenever your surgery is. I suggest setting your expectations high and while you understand recovery can be a slow process...depending on what you have done. What are your surgical plans?

Step #1 for me was a four level ACDF almost a year ago. That work is 98% resolved and I'm so glad I had that surgery.

Step #2 was two-parts with a four level lumbar decompression followed a few days later by a four level fusion in the L2-5 area. That was 8+ months ago and I continue to recover but with a positive outlook (my outlook that is...).

Happy to discuss post-surgical issues and learnings? One strong recommendation is to maintain a diary. I was irritated at times when it felt like I was making no progress. But maintaining a diary helped me keep a perspective that progress was being made...plus the diary is a great emotional tool to help cope with the post-surgical stress.

My best!

@annie1 Annie, that sounds like progress. I know it’s human nature to worry that you’ve waited too long but that is fear talking. It’s better to talk to your hope and imagine and visualize a recovery where you will be walking much better. That is your goal and what ever else you define it to be. Phil’s suggestion of a journal is great toward your goal. Go ahead and write down your goals, and your progress as you go along. It will take time and you need patience, but believe that you can do it, and you’ll be able to say you did it your way. (I’m my mind, I hear Frank Sanatra singing.). Go ahead and pick out your own theme song for your journey and listen to it any time you need encouragement.

Congratulations on this important decision and steps toward your future.

Jennifer