Having Ankle Weakness after 2nd Surgery

[dailypain]

Hello:

I was wondering if anyone else has experienced any neuropathy after any spinal surgery for scoliosis. Immediately after my revision surgery (was T4-L4) now T3 to S1, I developed neuropathy in my right foot. Still have it 3 years later. (Spine Dr told me this happens sometimes when working with the spine).

Now I have been diagnosed with: Lumbosacral Radiculopathy (S1-Left Peroneal Muscle Weakness Left). Which feels like my left ankle wants to give out on me. I have had this issue for a long time but usually just got shots in it that had no relief. But lately it was getting worse so I went to a specialist. The doctor told me the area that I am having problems has nerves associated with S1. Which is the end of my new fusion. He told me it is permanent nerve damage and I am currently wearing a ankle brace for support.

Has anyone else had any type of nerve issues after their surgeries?
Please let me know.

Thanks.

[loves to skate]

Hi dailypain,

I am two years out and have residual pain in my ankle and neuropathy in my feet also. I saw my surgeon a few weeks ago and he said the pain should have resolved itself by now. He suggested a CT/Myelogram which I had three weeks ago. He just called me last night and said that there is some slight stenosis at L4-L5 and L5-S1 and suggested a nerve block. If the nerve block doesn't help, he would recommend an EMG test. After that, I don't have a clue. He did mention possibly a little more surgery to open up the spaces to give the nerve roots more room. At this point, we don't know if my nerve damage is permanent or not.

Did you get the shots in your ankle or in your spine? And is your specialist an SRS Doctor, and did he do a CT/Myelogram on you? Maybe you should get another opinion.

I hope this helps if only to let you know you aren't alone.

Sally

[dailypain]

Hi Loves to Skate:

Sorry it has been a while since I have been on this site.

I haven't been to my Spinal Doc but I do have Stenosis in L4-5 and S1. The foot doctor told me that the S1 is where the problem is that is causing my ankle weekness.

I have had cortisone shots in my ankle. And I did try to have a nerve root in my spine (mainly for my massive lower back pain that I can't get rid of since my second surgery). They were not able to penetrate my spine because of so much "bone grafting". I am fused from T3 to S1. They were trying to inject me close to my Ilicac Screws in my lower back/pelvic area.

So I just now where an ankle brace when my ankle is giving me fits. I don't walk much because of my back pain.

I will let you know what my spine doctor says. Not do to go back until next Spring.

Thanks for the info.

[jrnyc]

hi Sally
havent had fusion surgery..yet...but...am wondering whether an epidural might help the problem...?
the only epidural injection that ever helped me was recently..for sciatica that extended from left hip thru left ankle! i thought the pain doc would try a nerve block...but he said epidural injections are perfect for nerve related pain..it's the first time an epidural injection helped me...i was really surprised!
i am so sorry to hear that you both are having this kind of problem!

jess