Only 1 good leg now......

[Michael EE.]

In November of 99 I had the neck fussion surgery on C5 and C6,
upon awakening I noticed there was no pain in the area where the graft was taken. o me this was very odd and strange sense I have had surgery before on a foot where a graft was needed and I much remember the horrible pain. I had and still have trouble walking and the entire left leg is numb.  I told my surgeon of this and of back pain in the lower back area fianlly a MRI was ordered and it was discovered there were buldging disc....after the usual treatments of rest and medicines more surgery was proformed. The L-5 disc was removed......now 3 weeks later still no feeling in the entire leg.
     I don't fault or blame no one.....my doctor is the greatest but there is lots of questions left unanswered.  Is this normal..
what am I to do?  I only want to get on with my life but unfortunately don't know which way to go as I feel the doctor is out of answers as what or why causedd all of this.  I went in the first surgery with two good legs and now have only one!!!!!  This is very scary..........please help.  I am still unable to work and honestly don't know if I can as the pain in the lower back is still there ....so is the numbness!

FORGOT TO SAY.....about the leg.....there is real flashes of heat that generates down and through the leg and sharp jabs of pain.  When walking the hot sensations run through the leg as a boiling pot of water and a really wierd feeling of the leg just giving away.......and upon sitting in a chair the same feelling occur!!!!  PLEASE RESPOND!!!!!!!!
     Would welcome any replies as what to do.......
thanks......
Michael EE

[CCF Neuro[P] MD, RPS]

Dear Michael:

I am not sure how to answer you as I did not do the surgery or have not examine you either prior to either surgery or after either surgery.  Although it seems that your lower back surgery was rather rapid after the MRI and whether rehab was allowed to have it's effect will never be answered.  You are only 3 weeks out from surgery, and there may be (very likely) alot of serious rehab ahead.  I would not predict based only on the first 3 weeks post operation. It is very likely that you will need months of rehab before any decisions about the future can be made.  Most of the time, many months of rehab are needed to produce any benefits of back problems.  Hang in there, spend alot of time with your rehab specialist and PTs they will lead you in the correct techniques and exercises for best recovery.

Sincerely,

CCF Neuro MD

[debbie maynor]

I POSTED YOU A LETTER BUT I CAN NOT FIND IT

[debbie maynor]

I LIVE IN FAYETTEVILLE N.C. AND I HAVE BEEN DIAGNOSED WITH CHARCOT MARIE TOOTH SYNDROME, MY QUESTIONS IS WILL ANY TYPE SURGERY RELIEVE THE HORRIABLE PAIN I ENDURE, PLEASE RESPOND

[Michael EE]

DEBIE MAYNOR....
     Thank you so much for your reply.  I only wish I could explain all the feelling and emotions I am going through but I don't think it's possible.  By trade I am a 51 year old farmer and work at a steel plant doing heavy lifting all day and using torches etc.
and quiet honestly I don't think I'll be able to return to either of these jobs.  As far as rehab there has been none except daily walks which are very short but I try and it seems there is no getting better.  I forgot to say the sugeon said there was severve arthritis in the lower back area in which nothing could be done and this makes for most things very painful.  
     I am trying not to get on a pitty pot for I know that is no good for anyone but I know the pain is real.  The doctor said there was the possiblity of disability and I may have no choice in this matter but what does one do in geting some results in this area......again thanks.....
michael ee

[CCF Neuro[P] MD, RPS]

Dear Debbie Maynor:

Sorry to hear about your CMT I disease.  There are some surgeries for pain syndromes, most do not help completely.  I would speak to your neurosurgeon about these.

Sincerely,

CCF Neuro MD

[kate bell]

i had right knee replacement and woke up with left side numb and immobile (from hip down).  had spinal anesthesia. now can move leg more, but still numb and foot drop.  EMG showed sciatic nerve dead.  what could have happened?

[CCF Neuro[P] MD, RPS]

Dear Kate Bell:

The foot drop may be from the surgery.  This is a different nerve than the sciatic nerve, the peroneal nerve.  Many people, as they age loose function of the sciatic nerve.  Likely, yours is from aging.

Sincerely,

CCF Neuro MD

[Ava Nodell]

I had a total knee replacement on my right knee and there is scar tissue that now they have to do a forcefull manulaplation what is involved in this procedure? they told me and i will have to go through it but what can i expect and will i have use of my  knee/leg afterwards?
Thank you for any information.
Ava

[CCF Neuro[P] MD, RPS]

Dear Ava:

I am sorry but without knowing where the scar tissue is and what needs to be performed, I can't tell you anything about the outcome or procedure.

CCF Neuro MD