Deling with foot drop after discectomy

[jmb1217]

Is there  a severity in foot drop. Meaning do you have some increase in movement at a slow rate or does it all come back quickly?
My back is hurting all the time. Leg is numb and difficult. Third week in PT and I think im ready to get rid of the afo and the can.  The  therapist agrees with getting rid of the cane but keep the AFO.  ANy info would be appreciated,

[philnoir]

It may be too early for SSDI, but if that time comes, get an attorney immediately to help with the process, as you will be turned down automatically with your first application. That's how our government works (or doesn't work.)

My previous recommendation stands.

[jmb1217]

Im just frustrated, I had micro discectomy in dec and really thought my life would be back in order by now. Only income and you cant get 6 figures on comp. Sad thing is my surgeon was going to send me to IME last week. That I would have a permanent restriction. I wined that would prevent me from ever going back to my company. So hes giving me four more months to improve. he has me going through my second round of therapy. I take medication for so many things I feel like a junky. don't know what ill do for income once mmi hits. don't think I qualify for ssdi. I don't know...

[philnoir]

I live with severe lumbar spinal stenosis -- I have these pains all the time, no matter what side I try to sleep on. They bother by every 2 hours or so, and I have to get up, sit down, and sleep like that for an hour. Then I go back to bed.

There could be a number of things bothering you -- stenosis, muscle weakness, facet syndrome.

You've been dealing with surgeons. Have you ever seen a real spine and pain doctor?

I suggest that you consult a board certified pain medicine specialist, credentialed with the initials MD, DABPM after their name.

These doctors are trained in advanced anesthesiology, treating chronic pain as a disease, the use of advanced pain medication, and in techniques that can deliver pain relief with injections and other non-invasive procedures to specific areas of the body.

They are also experts at diagnosis of rare pain syndromes, like central pain, CRPS, and RDS.

But the treat a hell of a lot of back pain syndromes, and the best at diagnosing them.

[jmb1217]

I did have a experience that maybe you could identify. other night while sleeping my left lower side just started killing me. lasted about two hours then subsided back . ever heard of that? since then im getting a bunch of spasms in calf.

[philnoir]

It sounds like it is getting better.

Keep up hope -- treat the depression if necessary. Attitude is very important to healing.

[jmb1217]

My doctor said there was a large herniation pinching the l5 nerve. My surgery report said it had to move the l5 nerve due to the herniated disc. The foot drop was a little worse after surgery. I have regain the foot pushing down and can slightly push out. I had terrible radiculopathy prior to surgery. It was about 10 and now it is around a 5. Not where I wanted to be but thankful. depression is making it all a little more difficult. I sure miss working. I loved my job.

[philnoir]

Jim, how was your neuropathy before surgery? Is your drop-foot worse or the same as it was prior to surgery?

What was your diagnosis -- any degree of spinal stenosis? Foraminal stenosis? Did the doctors speak of "nerve damage"?

Sometimes PT will push scar tissue out of the way and healing can occur, but it is never fast.

[jmb1217]

Ive had a post op MRI and it shows a broad base herniation and scarring around the nerve. This may be why I continue to have back pain and leg pain. I worked hard in therapy to get rid of the AFO so I could get back to work.
I go to the doctors appointment and he puts me right back in the AFO. Tells me that this is probably my second herniation and I will have a permanent  weight limit. I do power and everything is heavy. My career of 28 years is over.  Im the only bread winner so my family is devastated. Life really ***** after an injury.

[Dee1956]

Hey there,
A year ago I had a laminectomy, had the beginning of foot drop.  It took time for this to improve.  My doctor told me to use my foot to spell out the alphabet a few times a day.  I was also told to walk as much as possible.
Yes it takes time for it to return to normal.
Everyone is different.

[FlukeCspineInjury]

I've been told nerve regeneration is very slow, in 12 to 18 month's you'll either should see improved function.

Or God forbid it's permanently damaged...

Have you had a MRI on your back?