Neurosurgeon or any one please note I have slow right leg progressive atrophy plus lumber spinal stenosis.?

Question

So far II was diagnosed with spinal stenosis of L4-L5. I am not sure if they are related or not. After seeing numerous surgeons and MRI's for last 24 years I am still confused if I should go for Laminectimy which means cuting off 2 vertabrae to give breathing room for compressed spinal cord at L4 and L5. Last surgeon that I saw he says I have clearly two different problems. First prob is back pain due to stenosis if pain gets intolerable he would perform Laminectomy, but for 2nd prob he has to do some tests etc to determine why my right leg was atrophied gradually over last 24 years. In fact since I cant walk too much or may be due to spinal stenosis my left leg has also just started getting atrophied. I have good insurance from Medicare but cant find a great surgeon who would take medicare and perform minimally invasive surgery rather then laminectomy. I shall be highly obliged if some one give me advise how to correct this disabeling disease.

Answer 1

Wow, what a problem you have. It's very possible that the problem at L4-L5 could cause your right leg to have problems producing the atrophy. I can understand your hesitation for such a serious surgery. It would be ideal if you could have minimal invasive surgery. That's the problem with the Medicare system.

I would suggest you see a chiropractor for another opinion. Many times chiropractors can help back problems that supposedly only could be helped by surgery. I've enclosed a list of chiropractors be in your area. Give this a try.

I wish I had a magic wand to make all of your problems go away.

Kind regards,
Billie77

Answer 2

I had similar pain from a broken back, I opted for the laminectomy and it was the best thing I have ever done. My pain is mostly gone (had some permanent nerve damage) but am doing great. I had some atrophy on the right leg but it is gone now that I can walk and perform normal functions again. Your doctor is right to check out other causes too as you never know what else could be going on as it has lasted 24 years. Please talk freely with him about your concerns and seek a second opinion if necessary. I am an active mother of 3 and was about useless for a while, now I am back to my old activities with some limitation but I feel like I rejoined the living people again. The surgery really wasn't as bad as I thought it was going to be and recovery was a lot of therapy but it was all worth it to me. Take care and I hope you find the answers to your problem soon. 24 years is a LONG time to suffer.