[jenng]

for the L5-S1 fusion. I just need to see if this is a possibility of why my symptoms are worse on the left as far as the sensory symptoms and why I don't have full mobility of my toes. Hoping for the best!!!

I'll report back!

[Dr. Smith]

Hi Jenn,

I looked up your post on the Spinal forum, and am a little surprised there wasn't any discussion there.

Have you gotten a 2nd (at least) opinion on this? Has anyone discussed with you the risks particular to this procedure, and with lower back surgery in general? Alternative procedures?

Doc

[jenng]

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.

[Kitt]

Have they tested you for any kind of genetic peripheral neuropathy? A good neurologist should be able to help you with that. Anyone in your family experiencing any kind of symptoms such as you are? Hope you find an answer before you resort to surgery. Here's an interesting site:

http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/e...cle/000750.htm

[jenng]

No documented family history. My dad, who is 75, is experiencing carpal-tunnel symptoms right hand mostly, a little in the left, per an EMG. No arm, foot or leg symptoms from him. Because of that, my neurologist said the hereditary testing would most likely not be covered at this point by my insurance, which I verified is true. My damage is axonal (I know CMT type 2 is axonal, but still they won't order the full testing.) Also, because the large majority of my symptoms are on the left leg/foot only, steers them away from CMT. The huge sensory component steers them away from ALS.

So we've also ruled out CIDP, autoimmune bloodwork is normal, I have been corrected for low B12 and vitamin D & hypothyroid. Not a drinker and don't have diabetes.

I've covered the gamut of testing in the last 9 months. The only abnormal thing that hasn't been addressed is my lumbar/sacral MRI. I know this may or may not work. But if I don't do it, I will never know.