Ok so after going thru a few hospitals in Massachusetts and getting no response to a response of “Dr is not taking on complicated cases “ I tried a dr in New York with a social media follow and have followed for the past year . Got call yesterday that Dr Riew has accepted my case! So, besides after surgery care, what else do I need to worry about being out of state?
Quick summary. Had microdisectomy for L4/L5 herniated disk with drop foot, weakness in left leg April 2025. 7 days later laminectomy to repair spinal fluid leak which left me with continued drop foot and weakness in left leg/foot, right calf and foot weakness, neurogenic bladder, incontinence, saddle anesthesia, lower back spasms, inability to walk for more than 10/15 min.
Because my symptoms worsen with activity I had a cervical spine MRI and stenosis was discovered. This has quickly progressed, numbness in shoulders, tinging in both hands, tremors, pain in neck and between shoulder blades, headaches. Also have knee weakness and legs give out. Balance issues. Dexterity issues. Pain from any unevenness in my hips can be excruciating! Sharp pain with spasms.
So my problem is, I use my upper body to shift, transition, transfer my body due to lower body weakness but now I have upper body weakness and pain with these movements. Surgery is planned and I’m even more worried about movement and pain! I know how to log roll, but obviously arms are needed. I try to leave out arms and legs and use my core but then that causes muscle spasms! I really don’t know what to do.
I see a pain management specialist. I was taking gabapentin and tried lyrica but weaned off because I couldn’t even read a book and remember what I read! I’m still taking duloxetine and use THC/CBD Betty’s gummies, muscle relaxers. They push injections and spinal cord stimulator (started this process to see if it’s a good fit). Honestly, I have so much anxiety about anything sharp near my spine!
Sorry so long. Any advice is greatly appreciated
I would love to hire a medical professional, someone to go thru medical records, connect dots. All the specialists I’ve been too and problems keep adding up! Mass general has a 2nd opinion program but it costs $$$$. Has anyone used this?