Kathy,
This July 1, I had a double lumbar fusion (L4-L5, L5-S1) and disc replacement at both levels, all in the same surgery. I only expected SINGLE fusion/disc replacements but my surgeon found more damage than MRIs showed. I am a 44 yr old healthy and athletic male who "tolerated" (sometimes poorly) the 12 plus years of pain, occasional bed confinement, and even bowel, bladder, and ED problems. Conservative therapies provided only temporary relief. Peripheral parasthesias and neuropathy were the norm for me.

After 12 years of nerve root compression, the "relief" of this pressure has brought about a whole menu of pains and complications as these nerves regenerate themselves. My feet get very red, very hot, and very hyper sensitive. BUT, I can feel them now.

I continue on my prescribed regimen of Lyrica (75 mg TID) and Motrin (800 mg QHS) which considerably reduces these symptoms. Without them I feel the new painful sensations are every bit as bad as the pain which led me to surgery.

I work in the medical field in Administration--I have learned to ask, research, and even question my neurologist about changes in post surgical treatment (specifically, medications, restricted activities, etc...) if I am concerned about my post-surgical results. Educate yourself as much as you can--"google" topics of post surgical neuropathies and lumbar fusion aftercare. This will arm you with the information you need to ask the questions you need answered.