Hi Doc,

I know, I was surprised that no one from that forum jumped in.

Yes, this has been a long time coming. The symptoms on my left foot started in December. I started losing motor function of my last 2 toes around March. I saw the third neurologist concerning my EMG/NCS results in August. He was sort of worthless in general. He shrugged his shoulders, said I had a good surgeon and said "could be." Another surgeon looked at my MRI and said it was true that fusion was the only way to stabilize the area--that with time it will continue to get worse. There is no lesser procedure that is worth opening up my back for that will help anything. As far as whether my left foot/leg symptoms will improve--no one knows. He said they often don't know the extent of impingement until they get in there and visualize.

I've read the risks. Lots of scary complications.

I just feel like I need to try. Time, exercise, rest, injections etc. have done nothing. I've got myself into a bit of a funk.

Thanks for your concern for me. I really do appreciate the feedback.