New member, probably not new questions

Hello everyone -

I am using a mobile device, so please pardon any stupid grammatical/spelling errors.

I’m not sure if I should be starting a new post, or continue looking through the others first, but here it goes:

I am a 57 year old male that started having severe issues from DDD at age 47ish, but could have been exacerbated by a traumatic brain injury from a fall of about 6ft on my head in 2008.

At age 47, the first symptoms of DDD were extremely severe sciatica in left buttock, severe pain left leg and severe pain and numbness in left foot. Besides the sensory nerve pain, I did also develop drop foot on the left foot. I went through the “mandatory” physical therapy and chiropractic route for many months. Symptoms got steadily worse. MRI was performed and the results showed disk herniations, stenosis and spondylosis at L4/L5. Other levels from L5/S1 were “iffy” but surgery was not recommended for those

Laminectomy and Discectomy performed at L4/L5. Recovery went well and life seemed good for about 6 months. Following that, in the following 7 years (through 2021), I had multiple laminectomies and discectomies between L4/S1 totaling 4 surgeries. Additionally, a large disk protrusion impacting the spinal was discovered at C4/C5. That was surgically corrected with a fusion at C4/C5. In July 2021, I started having
Radiculopathy the lower left extremities again. Additional MRI showed additional herniations and stenosis at levels L4/S1. A 3-Level fusion was then performed 9/2022. I recovered extremely well. I was walking one mile (within the hospital halls) within 4 days post operation. PT went very well and I almost felt human once again. Neuropathy was significantly reduced over the following year. This was a a great victory, especially mentally. Sadly, within the past 9 months I started experiencing neuropathy issues on left and right lower extremities, including a new symptom of my feet going between numbness and extreme sensation of coldness. My previous provider performed an additional lumbar MRI and essentially stated “because of existing fusion, we can’t really see anything”. I’m paraphrasing, but the end result was they did not not see anything to warrant any further action. Of course I’m NOT making this up and it is/was new since the fusion. Unhappy with their actions or lack thereof, I changed providers. Last week I had and EMG of left leg and some motor nerve deficit was found. I have an MRI and CT tomorrow (2/27/25)of lumbar area.

Whew. With all of that being said: will an MRI and CT STILL come back with being “inconclusive” because of the existing fusion causing issues with MRI, and should there be a better diagnostic that could be used to work with my existing fusion? I have gone through PT and chiropractic care again for the past 4 weeks and symptoms are getting worse. I am PRAYING for an acknowledgement from my new provider that something is still going on. I know it seems weird to want something to be found, but I am mentally, and now physically, tired again. I am hoping this is not something I just have to live with. Again. I am 57 years old. I am in pretty good shape otherwise. I am not overweight. I do not, nor have never smoked. I rarely drink alcohol. I went from being physically fit and confident to being demoralized and not wanting to even walk fast or exercise in any way for fear of causing more, or adding to existing situation. Is anyone else in a similar situation? I can’t imagine I am, but this is the first time I’ve ever corresponded in a digital forum. I apologize in advance of the “book” I’ve written, but I think I’m starting to lose my mind.