Discectomy surgery spinal surgeon ,now Neuro ?
Posted , 5 users are following.
after having suregery on L3,4,5 six months ago(previous discussion I put on) I have had numb toes(right foot 2 -3 toes varying) and sometimes right lower leg.These only happened after the surgery as a permanent issue but I am unable to run at all ,walking ok but after 1-2 mile tend to get numb thigh,sometime unco ordinated walk too,,cramps at night and if I do cramp in foot for example got to use other foot to bend it back no strength (all right leg only)
?I need to stress pain free generally so I deem this a success and I am over the moon with the results six month on.
?I was a keen sportsman before but now can't do any at all due to co-ordination and leg strength issues but also have a couple of thorasic discs that are compressing.
?So I asked to see my spinal surgeon and he has got me to have a MRI on thorasic and lower spine (1 hr 10mins in chamber) but has indicated he may have to pass it to a neuro surgeon...(this was before MRI)
?My questions is why are they different and what are orthapedic surgeons allowed to do surgery on ?
?I wondered if anyone had an opinion on why he cant deal with the issue himself.
?I dont want to pester him too much and sound rude asking him why he cant do it.
?thanks very much
?Paul
0 likes, 7 replies
Zapamania paul32508
Posted
paul32508 Zapamania
Posted
Thanks Zapamania for that makes sense if he thinks it's a nerve issue
scott17436 paul32508
Posted
I would say the total opposite. I've had two surgeries with an Ortho which were, 1 total success and the other partially successful (still recovering) and one with a Neuro that was a total failure! I'm about to go for a fourth with Ortho. I wouldn't thank you a Neuro surgeon. Trust my Ortho completely and I'm happy for him guide me to the right solution.
It's up to you who you are more comfortable with. However, most Ortho's will only work on your lumbar spine as your spinal cord isn't present! Plenty nerves but no cord. He maybe referring you on as it's Thoracic issues you have as well.
paul32508 scott17436
Posted
gabriella44865 scott17436
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Hi Scott that's interesting to know. Where does the spinal cord end please? I have slipped disk L5 - should I ask to see an ortho or neuro surgeon please?
scott17436 gabriella44865
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Full cord stops L1/L2. After that it's root nerves. If I were you I'd be seeing a Ortho. But depends what's in your area and who you trust. L5 is the last vertebrae/disc space with S1. Weigh up your options and take plenty advice.
melm1972 paul32508
Posted
Don't ever feel like you are asking too many questions with your dr and when it comes to your spine. My opinion is a neuro deals with the spine and the nerves that carry the signals to your brain for many kinds of function. I always think of ortho as your outer extremities, I'm probably wrong but I personally would not see an ortho for any type of back issue unless that was your only option. I would also make sure the dr you choose is board certified in their field of medicine. Get a second opinion, it can't hurt.