Junior Warden,
I really feel for you and I'm sorry you're going through this.
I have had 4 spine surgeries and have had to change doctors, so I know how hard that decision is.
Having said that, you are always best to work with the same doctor if at all possible. Before just trying to change to someone else, talk to your doctor and be frank about your concerns. It's a good idea to make a list or type a few paragraphs about your concerns or current status and items you'd like to talk to the doctor about. That way you won't forget anything.
Doctors see dozens of patients every day they're in clinic, and it's easy for them to forget things you said at past visits or confuse you with another patient. They often assume you are doing well unless you are assertive that there are problems. If you're concerned about the weight restriction being lifted or your ability to return to work, you need to be firm that you don't feel you can do that because of your current pain level, and give specific examples of what causes you pain or increases your pain.
If you leg and foot nurabness is back, you should make an appointment to see your doctor regardless of whether or not you are scheduled for one.
Surgeons make most of their money doing surgery. Unfortunately, once surgery is done, some surgeons won't help you long-term since they can make more money helping others by doing surgery.
If you have done the above and your doctor is still unwilling to help you, then is the time to consider going to a different doctor. However, once you have had spine surgery, most other spine surgeons won't agree to see you until at least 6-12 months have passed.
On a side note, a CT scan is what's used to make sure you're fused, not an MRI. This is usually done around 6 months post-op to check for fusion.
So be assertive, specific, explain your concerns to your doctor, and see if he is willing to help you.
Best wishes!
