Hey Gal! I didnt pay attention to the date of your posting, but I was gonna say great timing! I just saw the surgeon today.
I brought all my lovely photoshoots over the years in my impressive gold portfolio for him to see! The CT was my brightest and shining moment if I do say so myself! hahaha!.. He asked me tons of questions, gave me the usual once over, told me NOT to tell him what my other surgeon's thoughts were. He wanted to draw his own opinion. I totally respected that.
He said that he believes the left side numbness that I woke up with post surgery, and improved some but still there, is probably permanent at this point (and my other surgeon said the same thing, so no surprise). I have some residual numbness in my calf, ankle-weakness (very minor..no footdrop), and part of my foot remain numb.. and my big toe often feels like I have daggers being shot out of it. This is the least of my issues as I told him.
He then said that my surgeon did an excellent job on the surgery. He said that it takes very skilled hands to do the type of surgery he did on me (mininally invasive fusion) and normally he doesnt comment on a doctor's work, but had to say what a good job that was done. I was glad to hear that, especially since I have post surgery issues and now new issues (was a tad concerned that maybe it wasn't a good surgery afterall).
As to what is possibly causing the nerve pain in the legs and the new sciatica post fusion.. is unknown just yet. He cited some possibles which we all know the possibilities.
He ordered an MRI with contrast of the lumbar spine to see what's going on. IF the MRI doesnt show us enough, he will then order a Myleogram CT Scan next. He said that hopefully it's something we can treat conservatively.
I have an MRI scheduled already for this Sunday! Is that fast or what? BUT, my insurance requires precertification for this and the timing might screw up the schedule and have to resched it. No biggie.
I got what I expected and there were no surprises at all. I liked him. He was a bit typical in his approach.. very direct, non aggressive but sort of fast in asking questions and did not want you to digress in anyway.. he wanted step by step his way. Which was fine. With this guy's credentials.. he could easily have been one of those really arrogant types but was not. A good thing for me! And he seems genuine in wanting to help me and not once did he treat me like a "newbie".
The pain alters things doesnt it. I am a weirdo though.. I never get angry, rather I get very quiet when I don't feel well. My smile is less and will disappear if Im in a lot of pain, then it shows in my eyes. Other than that, you would not know anything is different. If I can find a muzzle.. you want me to send to you? ruff ruff! lol. No, I feel for you. This is so hard on us.
I liked the crack about your anniversary gift NOT being a herniated disc. hehe. I agree. I am psyching myself up to be prepared to hear bad news when the MRI comes back. So if another one is going.. I gotta remind myself.. that it might not get as bad as the one they had to fuse and all will be well again. PSYCH!!!! lol.
The disc looks crooked??? egads.. what does that mean exactly, did it fuse oddly? Hopefully the new MRI will prove it to be properly aligned.
Hey at least you only gained 15 pounds. I am ashamed to say I have gained a whopping 35-40 pounds since I injured myself 3.5 years ago
. (That's a 4 year old kid Im lugging around! hahaha
) Before, I weighed about 105
and was so fit. I miss being able to work out, but with this new stuff.. I dont get very far
. Hopefully things will be identified and they can stick me a few times and I can return to my PT once again.
Yes I am somewhat dissappointed that I am not where I wanted to be in my recovery but I am also not surprised to have new issues. Like you said.. might be the domino effect or my facets as well.
I love the idea of ADR always have. That's how I found my surgeon due to the fact he did ADRs. Course insurance wouldnt pay for it.. and why I ended with the fusion.
I am still on my regular meds and only took the one tab of cymbalta then took no more. IF i have to take a nerve med, I will hold off as long as I can, or at least until my schooling is done. Otherwise.. I may not be able to complete my studies, while my body tries to adjust to the meds. And I was in school when I hurt my back, and I ended up not finishing my class because my brain was in a fog. Can't afford to have this recurrence. The schooling is for a new business and total career change. So this is a big deal for me to be able to complete my studies and do well.
Well I better get to bed, work in the morning. Thanks for asking about me gal, and let's keep each other informed on what's going.
Night fusion twin! (for those that dont know.. we had our fusions done the same day.)
Let me know when your MRI's scheduled.
