Spine Fusion with Pedicle Screws

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Dear Doctor, I

[etmercado]

i wish i would have seen this before now, but glad I did. I hope you read this and give me some info. Please. I am 30yrs. old and hurt my back 6 years ago. I've had 2 surgeries already and a Fauect nerve block. All surgeries were done on L5-S1. Now my doc wants to do the PEDICLE SCREWS.  I am in constant pain now, but from what I've been hearing is I'd be in worse pain after the PEDICLE SCREWS. My doc told me there is a RARE chance of nerve damage, paralysis, csf leak, death and sensory loss. but yet all I hear on the computer is nerve damage and the screws breaking. If this is very uncommon and rare than why i am hearing nothing but this?  I wasn't quite sur if I was going to have it, but you helped. I'm not getting it done. Besides there is NO info out there about this surgery. No library has books. and My doc doesn't even have info/pamphlets on PEDICLE SCREWS I was able to find info on other surgeries, but not this one. RED FLAG!!!!!!!!!!!
  I'm glad I read your note. Thanks.

[CCF-Neuro-M.D.-JT]

I read our previous communication and yes, the distribution of some of your symptoms for the most part do fit with a nerve impingement at the L4-5 area.  As I recommended before, get an MRI,formal neuro exam and consider an EMG by a neurologist to help localize the symptoms. We have seen patients near paralysis from a loose pedicle that hit against the spinal cord.  You shouldn't be in such pain after surgery in those particular areas unless there was something pushing on the nerves.  Talk to your docs about those things, and if they don't agree consider a second opinion. Please keep in mind I have not personally examined you and am basing my opinion on a paragraph of information.  But I think you should seek help and get to the bottom of this before other symptoms like weakness begin to set in. You shouldn't have to just "learn to live with it." Best of luck.