L5 - S1 Laminectomy post surgery

[Chu0728]

Hi,

I had my L5 - S2 laminectomy last September 2010.  After surgery, i developed foot drop on my right foot. The pain was gone after 2 months of surgery but the numbness on my leftfoot was still there. On my third month, i can feel some pain in my back probably because of the metals that was placed there.  is it normal to feel pain at the back near the titanium was placed?

My rehab doctor did emg to my legs to check if the nerves are still working. according to him, all nerves are still alive but it is below the normal level. Like for the foot, the normal level for the nerve is 2.5 but for my foot it is only .5. I really want to know if how long will it take to come back to normal?

Is there a happy ending for laminectomy surgery?   I really need help. I feel sad and depressed for my situation

[Chu0728]

Thank you for sharing your story. Anyways,  I had my xray after 3 months of operation.  The findings are as follows.

1. Present films show screw tract lucency at L5 and S1.
2. There is increase in the degree of dextrscoliosis of the lumbar spine.
3. The penrose drain is no longer seen.
4. Laminectomy defects at L5 and S1 are noted.

I'm really bother by #1 and #2 above. Does anyone know what it means.

I'm quite scared right now because i dont want another operation.

[squirtatious]

I had a fusion with instrumentation along with other things ten months ago. My fusion site is still tender, especially upon touch. But the major pain has let up substantially. There IS hope at the end of ur tunnel, hang in there!! *hugs*