(Sorry, I have trouble posting my message, I didn't receive confirmation and can't see it, so I'll try again...)
This is a late follow up on a posting I made dec. 30, 1998 ("lumbar radiculopathy")
In brief: I am 26 y. old, had discectomy L5-S1 in 94 and was diagnosed with persistent chronic radiculopathy (pain, paresthesia, weakness and left foot drop); a spinal cord stimulator was finally implanted in 97, with good results.
Meds: Elavil (Imovane if necessary in order to sleep).
The weakness of left leg and foot now seems to worsen gradually and very slowly over months (in the morning or when waking up at night, I sometimes have difficulty putting any weight on left leg, it just gives way and doesn't support me at all for several minutes). Leg and back pain still increase with daily activity, especially if I have to stand for a prolonged period of time.
GP recently noticed spasticity and clonus (left leg only) in response to elliciting tendon reflexes. Knowing about general UMN and LMN signs (I am a vet student...), clonus and spasticity just don't seem to fit with radiculopathy and I also begin to worry about the seemingly progressive nature of weakness in left leg. GP seems concerned and thinks this could be related to my spinal cord stimulator, is this possible? Why and how?
I really don't know what to think anymore. If you have any insights as to possible (other?) causes (or any suggestions on what to do?), I would appreciate this very much. (I am also still waiting to see my regular doctor at pain clinic.)