Lumbar Neuritis

[velezpr]

I had an appointment with my surgeon and I explained to I’m what side effects I was having from the lumbar microdisectomy laminectomy that I had on Jan 19 of this year. I told him that I was feeling needles and stabbing sensation in my left side of the leg, specially in the left side of my calf. I also told him that since the surgery my left side of my left leg has been numb (about three months now).

I also told him that I was having some weird penile sensations like tingling that last a couple seconds but he told me that It has nothing to do with the back surgery. By the end of the conversation he told me that is more than likely that I have lumbar neuritis. I have an MRI scheduled for this Monday to verify this situation.

Has anybody had this condition? What can you tell me about it?

 

[velezpr]

Any feed back?

 

[jlm]

I find that a focused stretching regimen helps a lot. I tried to stop all impact activities and ended up sitting around a lot. Felt better for a bit, but as my core muscles weakened, it got worse.

It's a balance game for me. I have a combination of nerve damage and impingement. I try to do low impact, not no impact. I went from doing nothing to working out 5 days a week. One side of the issue to the other. Felt good at first, glad to get back to doing something active. Realized I was doing too much pretty quickly. I felt great in the morning after working out, but about 11 or so everything started to tighten up and it was terrible for the rest of the day.

I found a good balance at about 3 days a week working out and stretching every day if I have time. I don't use free weights anymore, too much opportunity for something to go wrong. At the same time, I hate the fixed motion machines. I think the cable machines are best. You can do every exercises from a seated or standing position so you don't have to lay down, and the since the cables aren't on a fixed path, multiple muscles are engaged to stabilize.

Bottom line is, you have to find what works for you. And be very conscious of twists, bends, or any other possibly compromising position. Listen to your doctor, but more importantly listen to your body. When I started focusing on my stretching, I found what movements, bends and twists would pinch or irritate the nerves. If you can, get into physical therapy. I even do yoga in a small group sometimes and it helps. They can take your limitations into account and work around them.

I wonder about your groin issues though. Every time I went to the neurosurgeon he would ask if I was having any issues going to the bathroom or otherwise. I think it could be connected, but I'm not a doc. Second opinion never hurts. Sometimes it matters who you ask. A PM&R doc who specializes in nerve conduction issues would probably have a different take on it. Best to ask whoever you can and try to build the best all around picture. Then, after you ask them their opinion let them know what the other doctors have said. The more information and diverse professional opinions they have, the better picture they get.

 

[velezpr]

Thanks brother !! At least I was sent to the WTU, so I dont have to be doing all the "military stuff" that made my back cry. Some days are bad, some are good and some are just stupid. Thats the best way to describe it. But hopefully soon i will be able to work this situation for good.