I can't find any threads here which provide the basics about who I am, so a quick repeat: axonal, length-dependent, idiopathic pn since 1996. In Feb, was diagnosed with a spinal cyst causing spinal stenosis and radiculopathy and had a laminectomy and fusion.

Since Feb I've been dealing with recovering from the surgery, and can say I've made great progress. I've used a lot of bodyworkers, and have found Feldenkrais, and deep muscle massage both very helpful. Yesterday I had my first acupuncture, and immediately was able to bend easily and put on my shoes to leave. My back had been stiff, and achy, and that totally lifted.

But I still have pain in my left butt, going down the left leg, which began several months after the surgery. I had an MRI in August which didn't show a cause, and a CT which showed I wasn't completely fused yet, but the rods and screws were okay.

Today I saw my neurologist, and he says that the butt pain is definitely due to spinal stenosis at the level of L4. He doesn't seem to think that this means surgical revision is the only answer, and tells me he thinks I'll be okay to take an active vacation with my kids in January. He thinks the MRI will show the docs where to put a needle for an epidural. But I can't help thinking that if it's spinal stenosis, there will be a re-do surgery in my future.

Yuch.

BTW: I am feeling very good. I've gotten back my flexibility and do not have unremitting pain. I just have pain with sitting (butt) and extension. If I'm a bit flexed, I'm okay. And my overall health seems good, so I am still optimistic. I think the healing from the surgery is near complete, and that's good.

If you can say you feel good (with all the stuff you have going on in your body), that is indeed a miracle. Way to go. Alan once had acupuncture treatments. He danced all the way to the car. I will never forget him doing the Teaberry Shuffle as we exited Coney Island Hospital. He danced right in the middle of the street. People were hysterical. He had had his first acupuncture treatment. He had been sceptical at first but it did work. So as long as he went, he felt good. Unfortunately his insurance changed and didn't cover it any more. But it did work, and that's the main thing.

Here's to continued feeling good!!!!!!

mel

Well, My favorite-est ever fortune cookie had the wise saying: "Patience is the Art of HOPING". In case you all have missed it, well, I try very hard to practice that, keep all things in perspective and try to constructively challenge my DOCS to want to DO me GOOD!.

Sounds like you may be there, tho not quite yet. Don't get down with 'setbacks', they are simply PART OF THE D****####$$$$!!! process?
The last 7 characters in that 'above' word kind of say it All?

As for the pain in the butt aspect....well, you and I are far from alone in that quarter. While there are times when the grumps make me well, beyond, I'd like to think that the pain keeps me sharper in most quarters. I keep 'coming to terms' with my pain[s], but it keeps on changing. I realize I am not a lab rat, nor a hot-house flower [incubating], I like to pretend I've a life out there, albeit different from what I'd planned or imagined. But, It is there for the TAKING! I plan on grabbing as much as my dullard fingers can hold!!!

Hugs and all the pain free moments you can stand! -- j