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?