Failed Back syndrome???

  I am a 35 year old female with history of back problems.  I had microdiskectomy in Oct. 95 followed by laminar exploration decompression in May 96.  Most recent myelography and CT tests were done in Nov. 96.  Myelography suggested collapsed disk space at L5-S1, questionable lateral stenosis at right L4-5, somewhat at left L4-L5 as well, and a suggestion of a central disk bulge at L4-L5.  CAT scan and follow-up shows collapsed L5-S1 disk space, with far lateral stenosis present, bilaterally, with minimal elevation of the S1 root at left L5-S1.   At L4-L5 there is early lateral stenosis present bilaterally with a central disk diffuse herniation, suggesting some increased mobility at L4-L5.  Symptoms continued for some time and after a while I noticed significant improvement.  Up until recently, I had noticed mild radicular symptoms in the left leg and was able to do almost any activity.  Occasional flare-ups were tolerable.  The other day, while hosing the deck, I bent slightly and felt a tinge of pain.  Since then I have had increase radicular symptoms in both legs which include pain behind the knees and in calves, increased difficulty in sitting and standing, some numbness after sitting for prolonged periods of time.  At the time of the last tests, my options were reviewed extensively.  Fusion was discouraged due to the age and the already present problems with L4-L5.  Since this last flare up, I have been on a course of Motrin (800 mg 4 times per day) with little relief.  I am concerned about my future outlook, particularly due to my age.  Given this "picture", what suggestions might you have?  I am certainly not looking for online diagnosis, but general impressions, comments, etc. would help me!  Thanks!    
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Dear L.,
It is difficult to diagnose these things without seeing the MRI's and myelograms
that have been done.  You may be having pain referable to the S1 root (pain
in the calves) along with pain from other compression, though the severity
isn't clear from the symptoms you describe.  A second cause for pain is from
instability of the vertebrae in your lumbar spine.  This could be happening
at the L5/S1 level and would manifest as low back pain.  Lumbar instability
can occur after diskectomies and laminectomies in the past.  Finally, you may
be having a component of muscular pain.  Your particular situation could be
any combination of these.
Whether you need another surgery is not clear.  You may be a candidate for a
fusion or simply another decompression.  It could be that more surgery isn't
in your best interest.  Again, one would need to see the latest films.  
Ask your surgeon what he thinks the cause of your pain is.  The response should
direct whether you need another surgery or conservative management.
Good luck.