L5 S1 spinal fusion

Posted by dallison1961 @dallison1961, Apr 6 8:18am

I was involved in a semi versus semi crash. Due to at fault driver running stop sign. I had surgery on my knee in December of 2024. I had a L5 S1 spinal fusion on January 27 2025. I am having trouble with numbness in legs and feet. Enlarged prostate, erectile dysfunction and major trouble regulating my blood pressure. Chills on torso. And cannot drive for more than 30 min. My blood pressure yesterday was a high of 177/122 with taking meds. My primary doctor is trying to adjust. But a month at a time. I get many dizzy spells through out the day. I am getting very concerned about what my life will be like?

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dallison1961 | @dallison1961 | Apr 6 3:26pm

Will these symptoms go away? Should I get nerve test? Looking for anyone with similar symptoms. Thanks in advance.

dlydailyhope | @dlydailyhope | Apr 7 7:14am

@dallison1961
I’m sorry to hear of your accident and need for surgeries. I have had cervical (c5-c6) and lumbar (l3-l5) decompression/fusion surgeries. I need to have c6-c7 done next.

Did you have an EMG/nerve conduction study by a neurologist before surgeries? If not, definitely get them now. You may also want to get a neuropathy bloodwork panel and small fiber neuropathy skin punch biopsy.

Did you get pre- and post-surgery MRIs of your cervical and lumbar spine? Did you review the reports and impressions made by the radiologist in detail? Cervical spine injuries can cause issues below the level, including bladder/bowel/legs/feet.

You may want a vascular/vein specialist to ensure your blood flow is good and get an ankle brachial index test.

dlydailyhope | @dlydailyhope | Apr 7 7:19am

In reply to @dallison1961 "Will these symptoms go away? Should I get nerve test? Looking for anyone with similar symptoms...." + (show)

@dallison1961
Lumbar spine fusion can take a long time to heal. I had mine in August 2024 and it took 6 months to start feeling better and have less nerve pain. Nerve injuries take a long time to heal if it is possible.

Do you know if your spinal cord was compressed/injured or just your nerve roots/nerves injured? Did you have any broken vertebrae/bones or just soft tissue injuries?

jenatsky | @jenatsky | Apr 15 12:39pm

Was your spinal problem due to the accident? Was your BP elevated prior to the accident or surgery? Do you have a family history of elevated BP? Are you using a home blood pressure machine to track your BP and has it been calibrated with your doctors office to ensure accuracy?

jana133 | @jana133 | Apr 16 1:40pm

Hi
Does anyone know good neurosurgeon in NV, CA or AZ who can take out hardware after unsuccessful back surgery L1-S5 plus laminectomy. My girlfriend is in horrible pain non- stop after back surgery performed in 2021.
Thank you

ssa99 | @ssa99 | 6 days ago

Hi jana 133, Dr Pawl Jankowski is an excellent neurosurgeon In Irvine, California. My brother had a complex cervical spine surgery 1 year ago and we are very happy with the results. Please read his Google reviews and Yelp reviews. He is specialized in scoliosis surgeries. There is a 6 weeks wait time for the appointment and 8 weeks wait time for surgery.

sherrym25 | @sherrym25 | 5 days ago

In reply to @jana133 "Hi Does anyone know good neurosurgeon in NV, CA or AZ who can take out hardware..." + (show)

@jana133 Hi, Dr McClendon at the Phoenix Mayo Clinic is absolutely amazing. If you google him, there are several youtube videos of him talking about spine issues and surgery, etc.
He performed a T11 to L4 fusion on my back last December and my pre-surgery pain is completely gone.

annie1 | @annie1 | 4 days ago

In reply to @sherrym25 "@jana133 Hi, Dr McClendon at the Phoenix Mayo Clinic is absolutely amazing. If you google him,..." + (show)

Did he take out the hardware ? I have been told that I need fusion, but on the other hand I was cautioned that it might be a very bad thing for me with osteoporosis. I'm going to look him up and see if I can get an appointment to see what he thinks.