I’m sorry I haven't been around much. I've been thinking about you good people on NT and wanted to share what has been going on with me.

After much internal debate, I decided to go forward with the surgery that had been recommended to resolve structural problems thought to be causing most of my symptoms. For those of you who don't remember I have a level 2+ Spondylolisthesis L4-L5, stenosis and other issues that were causing a spinal nerve to be decompressed. Physical therapy, chiropractor, acupuncture etc gave some relief but did not stop the chronic burning and other sfn symptoms that have been going on for over a year and a half. All blood work and tests for diagnosis of non structural reasons for my symptoms have been negative.

So, on 8/9/16 I had a MIS TLIFT ( Minimally Invasive surgery and Transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion.) The awake part means no general anesthesia. The neurosurgeon I went with is the head of neurosurgery for a large teaching hospital. I chose him because of the technique he uses and because he is up on all the latest studies, research and teaches his craft in addition to practicing it. Coincidentally he turned out to be a close friend of a good friend of mine which made it even better.

It was a difficult couple of days right after surgery, but I am doing much better now. It is too soon to tell if this will do the trick, but I can say that some of the areas where I had burning are completely gone, and other areas are much diminished. I also have not had the twitching that was a nightly occurrence prior to surgery. I know how important having a positive outlook is for healing so I am trying to be as optimistic as possible but it is difficult.

Thank you for your support