Laminactomy

    
      Re: Laminactomy
    


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Posted by CCF NERUOSURGERY MD on September 19, 1997 at 11:01:20:

In Reply to: Laminactomy posted by Hussain Mahmood on September 16, 1997 at 07:51:07:

: Sir I have had lower backache for several years. I am a seaman (35 yrs) so my job involves a lot of walking,standing and physical labour.
  On my last ship I started having some backache and then pain in my right leg I came home after about a month and went to see the doctor. Clinical examination revealed wasted right calf muscle and some lost reflexes of the ankle
  MRI revealed seriously herniated L5/S1 disc compromising S1 nerve root, and moderately herniating and dehydrated L4/L5 disc. Doctors advised immediate surgery which they called Laminactomy. Apparently the surgeon has removed L5/S1 disc completely and the prolapsed part of the L4/L5 disc.
  It has been three months since the operation but the pain in the back is still there, my lower right foot is kind of numb and the right leg is very week.
  I do a lot of physical exercises etc. I would like to know if the procedure was right for me and how long would it take to recover and if I should go to a devoloped country like the US or UK for further treatment
  Thanks
  Hussain
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Dear Hussain,
You may  need another MRI.  It sounds like your surgeon performed the
correct procedure at surgery.  The problem is your persistent back pain.
Two questions arise.  First, did the pain get any better after surgery?
Second, is it the same pain or a different one?
It is also important to rest after surgery.  We typically recommend a month to
six weeks of an easy regimen.  This includes walking only (no running)and
lifting no more than a gallon of milk in the daily routine.  This may be
difficult in your particular line of work.
Your persisting problem could be from the same problem for which you had
surgery, or it could be something new.  You should contact your surgeon and
discuss your concerns.  He may choose to order another imaging study to
evaluate the situation.
Good luck.