I have been unable to walk around the block for a year and have had a fusion of L$ and L5 a year ago and now my L5-S1 is dessicated causing hip pain and leg pain , no standing or walking for any period of time. I also have spondylolisthesis with L3-L4. Basically I am looking at another surgery and I am moving to South carolina from Salt lake city and have no leads on good doctors, ie neurosurgeons. Any help would be appreciated.
Hi Thomas,
I live in Arizona and a place to start is with certifying organizations:
American Board of Neurological Surgery www.abns.org Click on the tab "verify a surgeon" and then just enter the city where you're moving. A list will come up.
American Association of Neurological Surgeons www.aans.org On the home page, to the right, is a box to locate surgeons.
I too had surgery a year ago - L4, 5, S1 fusion, spondylolisthesis corrected at Barrows Neurological Assn. in Phoenix. Surgery went really well and I'm really pleased. Still have some muscle issues and trying to exercise and walk more. I'm 67.
I know what you're going through.
Good luck with your move and I hope you can find the right surgeon once you get settled. I firmly believe in neurosurgeons for the spine, rather than orthopedic surgeons. Nothing against them but when my nerves are being disturbed, moved, etc., I wanted the specialist who knows the most possible about them.
I am lucky to have options for board certified neurosurgeons in SC. My question is has anyone had a previous fusion of L4-L5 and then 5 of so years later had to have L5- S1 fused. I have spondylolisthesis above my L4-L5 fusion as well. I can sit without pain but can't stand or walk for more then several minutes without wanting to sit down!
I opted for the full major surgery to fuse and to correct the congenital spondylolisthesis in the hope that I won't need anymore surgery in the future. My neurosurgeon did say that it's possible the next level could develop a problem because the fused area doesn't flex. So what is happening to you isn't uncommon. Not much consolation as I can imagine going thru a procedure again is stressful.
Another opinion once you get to SC will likely help you to make the best decision for you. Good luck, Thomas!