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

Wow.. you are brave! I hope you continue to improve.

I have the grade II spondo too, but if I don't bend over much and just use my picker tools, it doesn't really flare.

Thanks MrsD. I guess I am brave but really what made me make this decision was the news that I am going to be a grandmother in December! It definitely was the motivation I needed because I so want to be able to take an active role when the time comes.

So happy to hear you are becoming a Grandmother ! Wonderful news !

The role I cherish most is as "Grammy"

Debi from Georgia

Congratulations! I have 5 grandsons and can confirm that Activity multiplies with each addition to the family. So good that you may have hope to improve your health so that you can really enjoy your little grandchild!

How did the doc diagnose your condition? MRI with contrast?

A regular MRI. I also had an extension/flexion x-ray to see if the slippage is stable. I've had this condition (Spondylolisthesis) for years without symptoms so I've had a few MRI's over the years that were used to compare.

Very happy to hear about the improvement after the surgery and about becoming a grandmother

Thanks for the update, Pinky. Stay positive! I'm rooting for you, and I know I'm not the only one.

Pinkynose, it is great to read that things are looking positive after the surgery .

Pinkynose,

This is wonderful to hear! I am so happy for your positive outcome. It is very encouraging that a mere 3 weeks out from surgery you already have areas of improvement. That is good sign and a blessing. I hope that as time passes and the area settles you get better and better.

I'm sure you are taking exceptional care of yourself right now. You keep that up along with the positive attitude. It WILL make a difference. Keeping stress down, having a clean diet, holding on to hope and small gains (and maybe a few antioxidants to boot) will all have a protective effect on your nervous system.

I am wishing the best for you, as so many here, and send thoughts for continued healing.