Laminectomy/Discectomy Complications

[Robinson14]

I underwent a Laminectomy and Discectomy surgery on Monday for a re-herniation. Everything was going pretty well, with most of the pain being in my low back untill 2:30AM this morning. I log rolled out of bed and stood up when it felt as though someone was stabbing me with a knife in my right buttock/hip area. I also have stabbing pain from my foot up to the back of my knee and it feels as though my knee is coming apart so to speak. I called my doctor and his PA told me it may be swelling and wrote me out some steroid and is going to examine me next week. I really hope the disc didn't come out again. My doctor told me that I didn't have much disc left and that if it did come out again, that I would have to have the fusion. Has anyone ever experienced this? Any advice would be greatly appreciated! Thanks.

[Harrison]

Robinson, I think most folks here have had experiences where there are odd pains or sensations in the legs; though many (like me) had pain that was confined to the back. Your question is more like, "great -- now what do I do?"

Well, I have more questions for you about which discs are affected, your most recent imaging studies, etc. So maybe when you are feeling better, you can update/insert your signature with a few lines describing your spinal condition.

How are you today? Are you taking anything for pain management?

[Robinson14]

Harrison,

Don't know if you got my reply it was a bit lengthy. I feel awful man. I've been taking so much medication that I can't think clearly. They don't help much either. As far as the disc that is affected, it is the L5S1, and possibly the one above now. My surgeon says I don't have much disc left after my discectomy/laminectomy on 1-3-11. He said the vertebra settled down and put pressure on l5s1 and smushed the disc out, causing pressure on the one above. (Gotta take it easy now) I am still having the debilitating pain in my low back shooting down my leg and out my foot. The medrol so far hasn't done much for it.

I see him next week, hopefully he can explain more. I am taking lortab, medrol, valium, flexeril, percocet. I'm afraid I wont be able to avoid the fusion. Im just a 23 years old man, and I enjoy working and being productive. Also, I don't like to complain, because I realize there are people out there and on this board that has it way worse than I, but this has been a nightmare man. Any advice would be sincerely appreciated. Thank you all!

[Harrison]

Robinson, does your doc have lots of experience in spine surgery? Spinal arthroplasty? Try to find out, and also get much more information on your spinal condition. If you haven't already obtained your medical imaging and radiologist report -- do!

[Robinson14]

Harrison,

My spine surgeon is one of the top ranked surgeons at the University of Kentucky, with 37 years of experience under his belt. He is big on minimally invasive surgery, and also a christian man-great guy! I have obtained all reports and imaging studies, but he has my ct/myelogram study. I've never heard of spinal arthroplasty, what is it exactly? I am truly incompetent when it comes to spinal terminology man. What is your email address and I will send you my reports? Thanks!

[Harrison]

Robinson, sorry about the use of terms -- arthroplasty means preservation of joint motion.

Sorry that I cannot receive/review any documents, as I am a patient like you. I was encouraging you to read your radiology reports. As you come across terms you may not understand, look them up online or ask us here. When you can, tell us more about what the report says, for example: a key question is the degree of instability, stenosis or arthritis (especially in your facets joints).

Gotta run.