arachnoiditis

[texastech]

Ln 2001 i had my second back surgery. A fusion at l5 s1. I woke up with no feeling from my waist down. Terrible shooting pains from my back all the way down to my feet. Muscle spasms that are constant. Pain that is at times agonizing. My left leg is so weak that i limp badly. And because of this i keep tearing muscles in my right foot. At times i can barely even walk. I was diagnosed with arachnoiditis in 2002. My report states that the thecal sac is an empty sac with the nerves being clumped and attached to the spinal canal. I had an mri and the doctor said it did not fuse and that he neeRAB to go back in and redo everything. My question is, is this safe considering its the same level where my spinal cord is already exposed. And i already have trouble getting the drs to do anything for the terrible pain i already suffer from. Also i have had a neck surgery that also did not fuse so he wants to go back in and try to redo it. I am confused and very worried about this next back surgery. Does anyone have an opinion on this, if so please give me some advice.

 

[maltluver]

>>>>>>>>>>> I strongly urge you to get a second and even a third opinion before making up your mind. Have you seen an Orthopedic spine specialist? In my opinion, they are the most understanding and more apt to give you the time you need. Of course, that is just my personal experience. It doesn't sound to me that you have a lot of faith in your surgeon, so it would be to your advantage to shop around a bit. Believing in your doctor is so very important to your well-being, both mentally and physically. This dr. doesn't seem very empathetic to me, allowing you to be in so much pain and unwilling to do anything other than take the knife to you again.

Please let us know how you are doing and feel free to ask as many questions as you want. That's what we are all here for!

Carol