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Back spasms and leg numbness


Hello, 47 yr old female,not in best of condition due to immobility for the last 3 yrs weight gain, I had multi level surgery 02-2013  L-1 L-2, L-3 L-4 fused and immediately I noticed The numbness and pulsing electric shocks in upper left thigh, and top of left foot. The back spasms originated lower levels, 2 months later now in middle thorasic. I cannot stand longer than 10 min. or walk more than 2-3 car lengths without spasms, and needing to sit down. When I sit for longer than 30 min, the pulsing shocks starts and spasms as well. I take according to my pain management doc the tops on all my meds, the Zanaflex 4mgs 4 times a day helps take the edge off. hydromorphone, hydrocodone, lyrica, all keep me around an 8 for pain, at my worse it's a 9. When I try to move in bed it is horrible even now I scream it hurts so bad. My surgeon thinks I may have addtl damage done in my neck as well this time it is DDD. I also have a more recent issue of body temp control? past menopause already, I constantly sweat at night, wake up soaking wet, Cant get a straight answer about that. The pulsing and throbbing of left leg is concerning surgeon seems like he is perplexed, I cant lay on that side either get same results. I have seen neuro, my surgeon is ortho. I had mild stroke after 1st surgery left side affected, 2nd surgery 2 weeks ago to remove battery and electrode, in order to be able to do a 2nd MRI.  If the numbness is due to stroke how long would symptoms last? and advice would be appeciated. I have gotten overall worse miserable.
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Avatar universal
Hello Thanks for your response I have set up appt with my md to have a hormonal work up, I am sorry it took me so long to get back to you. I am in so much sciatic nerve pain, now its affecting my right left front thigh pulsing, sparks of heat it feels like some times. So anyway thank you.
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351246 tn?1379682132
MEDICAL PROFESSIONAL
I am sorry to hear about your medical problems. Since you are past menopause, I suggest you get a complete hormonal checkup: estrogen, progesterone, LH, FSH, thyroid hormones. Sometimes a problem in their levels causes numbness and body aches. Other than this a nerve conduction study and an EMG will help locate the nerve being compressed. Nerve blocks can be tried. Pain relief patch, physiotherapy, manual traction, swimming etc should also help. Also, you can wear specially designed corsets to immobilize your spine. Please discuss with your doctor. Take care!
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