Question Title: Post-op Laminectomy

I am 27 with history of scolosis and recently numbness in left foot up to knee while walking and right foot all of the time associated with lower back pain and pain in hips radiating down legs. I have been on bed rest along with pain meds and anti inflamatories since the first week in November. 12-17-98 I went in for a Laminectomy of the L4-L5 disc that had ruptured. The dr was suprised to find two large chunks of disc the size between nickel and a quarter. When I awoke, I found my right leg was totally weak with much pain in my right buttock down my leg which was caused by nerve manipulation. That pain has subsided and I am able to sit up and get around better, but I still have the numbness in my right foot and pain in my lower back with the numbness in my left leg and foot when I walk. Will this go away? I would appreciate any input you might have on my situation. Thank you.

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Thanks for your question. I am sorry to hear that your are still in such
discomfort from your surgical procedure. The numbness and pain symptoms
that you are describing should subside over the next few week, if no permanent
damage occurred to the nerve roots. Usually the acute recovery period
spans the initial 2-4 weeks after such a surgery. However, if the pain
symptoms worsen, or persist beyond that time period, you should contact
your surgeon and consider the possibility of post-operative complications.
Symptoms that should concern you include fever, local edema/swelling, and
local erythema/"redness".

I hope this information is helpful. Best of luck.

This information is provided for general medical education purposes only.
Please consult your doctor regarding diagnostic and treatment options.

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