laminectomy for spinal stenosis

[patsypotts]

On October 3, 2008, I had a laminectomy of L2,3,4,5, and also a fusion.  I have 7 screws, 3 rods, and a bone graft.  I had this done because of leg pain when walking which had gotten worse over the past 2 years.  I am doing physical therapy, swimming, however, my leg pain (which is burning pain) is the same or worse when I walk about 20 feet.  I have to stop and rest, stop and rest.  On Monday, January 26, I go back to the orthopedic surgeon, who told me this would take time.  Will it?  Does it?  How much time.  A neurosurgeon performed the laminectomy, the orthopedic surgeon did the fusion; they work as a team.  I am very, very disappointed and very scared.  However, if this is normal, then I will do whatever it takes.  Please advise.  Is this common?

[Dr_Nassim]

First of all, and before giving you my personal advice, please inform me where (in which country) you did your surgery. It is really not typical a fusion with 3 rods, normally it should be with 2 rods only !
I am also eager to know why the ortho did the fusion and not the neurosurgeon, is that because you did it in any private center or because any intraoperative complication? !

Please, do a lumbar MRI with contrast and a lower limb EMG

[Dr_Nassim]

I am glad by your contact, you are very optimal and bios look to this life woman , I liked your philosophical ending of your letter :)
Okaay, this third rod is what we call DTT, and that's great that your surgeon would do an MRI. Lately he may be conviced by the EMG if it will be necessary. I just proposed that exposing you all profitable options..but please dont worry about the activity of the nerves; they are alive ! of course because if not you could not walk any single step.
the EMG could test "how many voltage " you lower limb muscles are getting from the spinal cord. this is a very specific exam and should do by smart technician. Now as your surgeon said no need.
My friend Patricia, hope you will tell me teh result of teh MRI
best of luck

[patsypotts]

Thank you for your very prompt reply.  I had my surgery in the USA.  These two surgeons work together on some cases.  The neurosurgeon did the laminectomy; the orthopedic surgeon did the fusion.  I do have three rods, but two are on the side and one crosses in the middle.  I have a curved spine (which I never knew I had until I was 64).  Have always been a very active woman, I have always been slender. I saw my orthopedic surgeon today and I know he is concerned, but didn't seem overly.  He is sending me for an MRI with contrast, but he said nothing about a lower limb EMG.  What is that?  Does it test the nerves?  That is something I would like to do just to see if they are alive and working at all.  This is very frustrating for me.  I so appreciate your reply and I am amazed that we live on different sides of the world.  How awesome is the internet.  Patricia