Re: Nerve compression

Posted By Charleen on April 22, 1999 at 09:18:26
I posted back around the beginning of the month regarding continued symptoms following 3 spinal operations.  Back in Sept. of 98 I had a posterior L4/L5 fusion with a bone graft..no other instrumentation was used.
Around the 3rd month of my recovery and while I was still in my brace (tlso) I started having the all too familiar nerve pain in my legs and pain in my lower back.  Since that time, I have not been able to continue on my walking regimen and my life has become rather slowed.  I have quit my job, stopped driving and have filed for disability with SS.
I have had an ENG that clearly demonstrated L5 and possibly S1 nerve compression and demylination at the L5 location.  Yesterday I saw another orthospinal surgeon who did flexion and extension x-rays.  He said my fusion is solid, however he thinks I have nerve irritation.  I asked how he could substantiate that with just x-rays.  A MRI has been ordered.  However, this doctor yesterday felt my leg and back weakness are the culprits of my nerve pain.  I am not fully buying that.  I just don't see how just weakness could cause all my nerve pain.  I walk with a limp which had fully gone away until 3 months postop...I have a hard time standing up straight and my lordosis is so exagerated now it is not funny..again that was gone until 3 months postop.  Any thoughts would be greatly appreciated.  Thank you...charleen

[anonymous-user__0]

Posted By p.s. I meant EMG....and I also have trouble with my bowels on April 22, 1999 at 09:23:27
Several times now in the last few weeks I have trouble making it to the bathroom on time when I get the urge to go.  I often have small amounts of leakage.  It is like the urge hits me, no warning, then I rush to get the bathroom on time.  My stools are not loose or runny so I think that would rule out any other possibility with my stools.  Again thank you..charleen

[Judy__0__0]

Posted By Judy on April 22, 1999 at 11:08:45
Charlene---I too had L4-L5 compression surgery for periferal neuropathy in both legs and feet. I had little or no back pain however. It got to the point of either being in a wheelchair (burning pain in feet) or surgery. The surgery was in October 98 and since about 2mths post-op have had bowel problems also, doctor says this should get better with time, and I think I do see a slight improvement. The slight pain in my back though has turned into my main problem now, I hate to complain though because I can walk again although the burning is still there just not as severe. I use capsaisin and am taking 3 advil and 1 tylenol every 4-5 hours. The doctor did say a person can expect improvement for up to a year..good luck to you
Judy

[anonymous-user__0]

Posted By Excrutiating Pain in feet-ACM/SM-Nerve Damage?Disc? Nancee on April 22, 1999 at 14:25:08
Firstly, I would like to thank you for your very informative and concerned opinions regarding my previous posts.
Secondly, I would like to know if you believe that a small disc herniation at L5/T1 could be the cause of intense bottom of the feet pain and burning?  The EMG did say that there is a problem with the nerve in that location also....but would this small herniation cause me so much pain in my feet, walking and standing?  The pain is intense.  
Or, could this be a by product of my ACM surgery 3 months ago? (Decompression, partial laminectomy/duraplasty), or syringomelia damage?
Can the nerve compression at the brain stem and area of the syrinxes cause permanent nrve damage in my feet?  The syrinx is almost completely gone and I am 20 weeks post surgical, but the disc bulge in small.
I can barely stand up or walk for the pain in my feet.  I am taking 1800 mg on Neurontin.  I was also taking 50 mg of prendelesone.  The pain lessened for a couple of days and then came back with a vengance...through the prendelesone.
I have attempted therapy.  The pain intensified.
I am taking another MRI for clarity and verification of a thickened filum...tethered cord.  Could that cause this pain in my back and feet?
I intend to try a pain therapist for a pain block...I did try cortizone shots in my feet.  They did not work either.
I really would value your opinion!!  
Thank you again for all of your advice!!!!
Nancee Tomassoni

[Barbara__0__0]

Posted By Barbara on April 22, 1999 at 17:18:30
Charleen,
Just out of curiosity, what did they say caused your demeyelation?  Can the radiculopathy be causing that?










Follow Ups:


Re: Nerve compression CCF Neuro[P] MD, RPS 5/08/1999
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Re: Nerve compression Mary 4/25/1999
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Re: Nerve compression to Barbara and Nancee 4/23/1999
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Nerve compression CCF MD mdf 4/25/1999
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Re: Nerve compression Charleen///thank you to the M.D. yes I did see a neurologist 4/28/1999
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