Hi all, and happy new year to everyone!

I have sort of a dilemma. In a few days im scheduled to see a neurosurgeon about possible lower back surgery. The doctors keep telling me that it needs to be done because I drag my right foot. But I think it may not be from my lower back problems.

I am not real sure the problem is from the lower back, or from what caused the RSD.

What I think is that back in 2000 when the femoral artery was blocked for a week, and then the terrible surgery to remove the man made clot is what caused the foot drop problem. Since I have had trouble with ankle weakness ever since.

Could that cause foot drop?

The back was hurt after the embolectomy while I was still trying to work. I picked up a full keg of beer and twisted wrong because of the leg and ankle weakness in my right leg. It hurt the back pretty bad, but like I said the leg was already bad, and the ankle was already real weak.

I cant remember if it the foot was dragging or not before the back injury or not, but suspect that it already was because the ankle has been what has been giving me the most trouble from the start.

It would be terrible to go get surgery, then find out that it wouldnt have helped. The doctors wont even listen to me about my theory, and I am hoping the surgeon will at least let me tell about my theory.

This is a pretty scary thing im confronting, and would love any input. I did not know where else to go with this, but knew this is the best place because there is so much knowledge here.

I would hate to make the RSD worse, but if this might help me out of other pains it might be a good thing???

Allentgamer.... KS here..

How are you today..After reading your thread..I am at a loss as there seems to be so many angels to be considered in your history..althought if I can add and hopefully help..but I do know pain..the relentless pain from RSD can cause dropping all in itself... I have the dragging and drop of my right foot also... I would be interested at what your surgeon has to say and contribute...sometimes I know our Dr.'s seem to be just grabbing at straws with our pain and the orgin of our problem in order to help us..when all said and done..push comes to shove..we are the ones living with this horrible disease....I am sorry..I wish I could have been a better help...I hope your day is a less painful one.....

Allen,
Happy New Year to you!

I think you should approach this much as you would if anyone asked you for advice.
We're all mostly paranoid about surgery, getting the anesthesiologist on board to keep the rsd from spreading, etc.
That must be talked out, and should be signed on.

But, in your case, how long have you known these doctors? Are they your "regular" docs, or in conjunction with your Neuro?
Is this an orthopedic surgeon, or a neurosurgeon?
(Obvious reasons, I'd want a neurosurgeon at least in the OR with you).

I'd be really looking for another opinion if you don't "know" these doctors, and, keep looking for a better, and better doctor, even if you do know them, why?
Because You're obviously Not Comfortable with, their proposal,
and,
Their lack of listening to your theory!
(If they can't make you comfy before surgery, what are they gonna do after?)

For the Buckos they're gonna make, they ought to take 20 minutes and think it out, and talk it out with you, or however long it takes...
Ask then the TOUGH Questions! How many RSD people have they operated on?

If I were you, just by your own questions, and the tone in which you phrase them, I'd look further than the doctor(s) you have in place.
You make it sound as if you're seeing "Mass Production" surgeons, and anyone with RSD, does NOT want that! YOU don't sound comfortable with this team!

All the Best, Brother Allen!

Pete
asb

Hi Allen,
Happy New Year !
I am sorry you are facing the new year with an important decision, which, furthermore, is a dilemma.

If there is no immediate urgency for this surgery,(i.e. emergency, horrendous pain, life or death) I would, as Pete suggests,
try and get another opinion, if at all possible. I know it can offend/irritate some docs if the patient pursues a second opinion, or questions the purpose or outcome of a surgery, but there seems to be too much doubt in your own mind, to go through with the surgery, without further research, further consultations with past doctors, or a fresh perspective from a different doctor, etc.

It concerns me that the team will not hear your concerns..after all it is your body/foot, and you know best the history of your injury and condition.

It is a dilemma, but you need to proceed in a direction that you feel comfortable and confident with, assured and secure.
I hope I haven't added conflict to your dilemma...
Hope4thebest

Hi Allen, it's Loretta-I'm concerned too about your surgery. To me, you seem hesitate and not fully confident. My neuro had back surgery and talked to his professor in New York and checked out surgeons at the Barrows Neurological Institute. The surgeons technique was longer and more tedious than the normal' back surgeon' it protected the nerves-less damage.
I agree with Pete and others concerning 2nd opinion. I want my Dr. to respect my opinion and research-we need to be listened to. I know you'll consider everything to keep from getting worse. Take care, loretta with soft hugs

Hi Allen,

Neurologically, drop foot is usually an L5 nerve root problem or perhaps a peroneal nerve injury possibly at the outside of the knee. But from what you shared previously, specifically your MRI, it probably is your lower back. There are other reasons for it though, compartment syndrome to mention one.

From what you mention, your RSD was as a result of a femoral artery issue, which is located in the front of your upper thigh. The femoral nerve, which travels next to the femoral artery at that point, does not carry neurologic information to the muscles that hold your foot up. The sciatic nerve does which travels down the back of your leg. There are mutliple reasons for foot drop and you should really rely on a combination of MRI, neurodiagnostic tests and clinical findings for instructive guidance as to whether or not surgery makes sense for you!

Good luck, my friend!

Thank you all for your great replies

I am on my second opinion lol. Seems both neurologists come up with the same answer as Dubious.

Dubious, when they did the embolectomy part of the clot (collagen plug) broke off and traveled down to the outside calf and lodged itself. The doctor told me that if he was to go after it he would destroy the leg worse than if he left it alone.

Could that have caused foot drop???

Thank you sooo much for the answers because you all are helping more than you all know!

Allen,

I am not a vascular specialist. But the pathophysiology sounds plausible...bring this up with a vascular surgeon. They may shed some light on this for you!

Thank you sooo much!!
I will do that, and also bring this up with the surgeon. Im not sure if all of it would be worth it if the RSD gets worse. Tripping over everything all the time is annoying, but having the RSD spread or get worse scares me more than just living the way I am.

This week is a busy week with a trip to the neurosurgeon, the urologist for kidney stones, ear nose throat for the osteoma they found, and the regular doc for the monthly.

I guess it works out ok because im flying off to Florida for a few days, and at least all the appointments will be out of the way.

Back before all this happened to me I was sooo healthy, working out 4 days a week in the gym. Enjoying all that life had to offer...who knew that in one day the world could turn upside down LOL!

My heart goes out to all of you, this RSD is a world changer for sure. We just gotta keep fighting the good fight, fight for every little step forward, fight to hold the ground we fought for, and fight to just have a semi-normal day. You all are my heros, my role models. Your stories of your trials and tribulations with this dreaded RSD are my inspiration to keep fighting.

Luv you all

Allen....

As well as you are our role model and hero too.... Keep fighting and looking forward and know you are not alone!!!

Have a safe trip!KS