Failed Back Surgery Syndrome

I had surgery for a severe herniate disc in the L4-L5 area, I had spinal Stenosis, degenerative disc disease, loss of reflexes ankle and feet, in both legs, complete loss of sensation right leg to foot, also my bladder was "leaking." My G/P dx me with Cauda Equina Syndrome and had me see a N/S at immediately.  

MRI showed Large Central to Para-central Herniated Disc at L 5, Myelogram showed almost complete blockage at L 5...tried to avoid surgery, but when Myelogram was done and I was pulled out of Scan after 10 min, and told to sit up for 5 ins and turn completely over twice before scan was taken...when my N/S saw the film he all but shouted "You have almost complete blockage and it is Serious Malpractice for me to NOT Strongly Recommend Surgery". I knew he was right, surgery was performed in '98.

Following surgery, there was a return of moderate to severe back pain, constant muscle cramps, electrified sciatica with severe and constant fasciculation's in my right calf and toes, now in the front area of where my ankle joins my foot, and my feet, I experience "shock waves" and a "locking sensation" in my ankle that prevents walking, fortunately the ankle episode lasts about 5 min, but getting more frequent.

I had an MRI in 2001 that showed a small herniation at the L5-S1,significant dx of Epidural Fibrosis...I have had different dx, including Arachnoditis, Failed Back Syndrome, Residual Cauda Equina...what is your opinion and is fusion in my near future per my N/S saying in '98 was a good probability?

[CCF-Neuro-M.D.-CS]

Without examining you and reviewing yor scans it is difficult for me to form a clinical opinion. It would be reasonable to have a second opinion at a large academic spine center, such as the one at the Cleveland Clinic Foundation. They can review your findings and tests and then make the appropriate recommendations for medical or surgical therapy. Back surgery can fail for all the reasons you have listed. A follow-up MRI with contrast and a CT myelogram may be beneficial in determining the cause. Also other non-spinal disorders should be excluded. For this reason the evaluation at a large multi-disciplinary spine center is recommended. Good luck.

[tabisman]

I am 30 years old, and have had 3 surgeries in the last 2 years on my lower back. Every  surgery I have had was just a Laminectomy all 3 times. I have had NO pain free days since. My NEW surgeon now says he want`s to do,  what he called " The Final Surgery" which is fusion of the spine with rods, and screws. My biggest fear with that is the very low percentage of recovery, like 30 or 40%. I hurt like hell all the time, but is it worth taking the risk with the fusion surgery? I have also been in ,and out of the emergency room, and urgent cares for servere pain. I just want to have at least 20 % pain some times, and not 80-99.9% all the time. Is fusion a good idea after 3 sugery`s already? I don`t want to be in a wheel chair, or in even more pain after the surgery because I know if I think it won`t or can`t get any worse then right now, I know that`s wrong, because I can get ALOT worse. If anyone has been through this kind of case, please feed me some information on how it went for you.