[Micodiscectomy, Laminectomy & Laser Decompression] Hi From Niagara Falls, NY (laminectomy and foraminotomy, L3-L4 & L4-L5)

[dionnfr]

Sitting here reading all the posts I can preparing for my laminectomy and foraminotomy on l3/l4 and l4/l5. My surgery is scheduled for July 20, 2010 at 110 am. My symptoms began Christmas Eve morning when I woke up with tremendous burning in my left leg, pain from my thigh down to my foot and as I found out drop foot. This all happen at my son's house on Long Island. Went home December 30th and went right to my family doctor who had no clue as to what was going on, he sent me to an Ortho who didn't know what the problem was, who then sent me to a Neurologist who diagnosed drop foot. Mind you I had no back pain at all. Neuro scheduled me for MRI and EMG and gave me a script for PT. Around April of this year I began to have back pain with my drop foot and severe pain in my left ankle, I was sent to Dr. Kevin Gibbons my neurosurgeon. (Just for info Dr. Gibbons is the neurosurgeon who treated the Buffalo Bill who was paralyzed during a game a few years back and was able to walk again) Around three weeks a go I took another MRI, CAT Scan and Xrays and I was informed by Dr. Gibbons that he could not really do anything for my back but gave me a 70% chance he could fix my drop foot and ankle pain by operating. I took this chance, I'm a 58 year man that has had various back and sciatic pain since I was 25. I will keep you posted as we go along. Scheduled to be in the hospitial 1 to 3 days Wish me luck.

Thanks

Frank

[Justin]

Hi Frank,

Welcome to the Spine Patient Society.

Good luck on the 20th! It sounds like this "chance" is definitely worth it considering your foot drop. I am excited to hear of your successful surgery--please keep us posted on your progress and, as always, we are here to support you.

[Gilbert P]

Hi Frank

To our family
I have had both procedure done Lam at L5-S1 for a herination and had a great 15 years of pain free and led a very active life sports and construction. Just had a Fora in Sept 09 at L5-S1 same side and little relief now dealing with scar tissue trapping the nerve.
Ask your Surgeon about scar tissue and how it may affect your outcome.

As always all spines are not created equal,

I Wish You The Best

Gil

[dionnfr]

Thanks All, will send you a post as soon as I wake up..

Frank

[Justin]

Hi Frank, how are you doing post-op?