Laminectomy surgery for Lumbar Spinal Stenosis

[OLDSTER]

In early October, I'll be treated to Laminectomy surgery to help relieve pain caused by my severe Lumbar Spinal Stenosis. This image is my MRI showing scary "pinching" at L3, L4, and L5. Has anyone had the opportunity to enjoy this operation, and if you have can ya give me some thoughts, etc. ???

 

[bgrafsr]

I've had 4 laminectomies on L-4 and L-5. Each time was easier with less pain. The last one the Dr. took out the disc and replaced it with an artificial one, and then used a titanium rod and screws to shore up the spine in that area. Other than some loss of motion, I don't have any problems. Last surgery was at least 15-20 years ago.

 

[ladder13]

L4-L5 laminectomy
L5-S1 discectomy

12 years ago. May need a tuneup but not eager to get it done.

 

[fordson]

Just had this procedure done (3 weeks ago) for my L3,4 &5. Almost 11years ago to the day, I had similar surgery for S4/5. Three weeks into recovery mode and pretty much pain free. Soreness and minor back ache (mostly around the incision area) are still there but improves daily. The sciatic pain, which prior to the surgery was pushing an 11 or 12 on a scale of 1-10, is gone. Occasionally there's a "shadow" pain, briefly, as the once irritated nerves Heal and recover, but even that gets better daily. Muscle relaxer and Tylenol has been all I've used. PM me if you want to get into more detail. Glad to help.

 

[H Richard]

I've had 5 back operations, all in the lumbar region. The last one (in 2011) fused L2 to L3, and L3 to the previously fused L4, L5 and placed a titanium rod and screws to stabilize it all. I am doing great, except don't bend at that region. Makes it difficult to pick up my brass, so I bought a 24" grabber and found it is easy to pick up brass without bending over.

 

[Sistema1927]

My wife had a laminectomy 28 years ago. She has not had any problems since. However, from what i can tell, much depends upon the skill of your surgeon. Hopefully you can do some research on yours.

 

[mckenney99]

In 2011 I also had L4 &L5 fused with rods & screws installed to stabilize. I had a congenital defect that ultimately caused additional problems. I had lived with severe pain for over 20 years. 2 falls off a ladder, the last, off the roof finally did me in. Started to experience unbearable pain and failures of certain bodily functions. Got a second opinion from a Neurosurgeon and was in surgery 3 or 4 days later. The Neurosurgeon was amazed that I was still walking. He told me the nerves that had been impinged were almost completely severed and he wasn't sure how much they would regenerate or how long it might take. I was almost completely pain free immediately upon waking up after the surgery. I followed the post op and physical therapy instructions to the letter and have had a phenomenal outcome.

 

[Rule3]

Had L4 and L5 years ago. Not to bad. It was worth it.


Actually recuperation from shoulder surgery was MUCH worse!

 

[ol777gunnerz]

I had similar operation in the same area 8 yrs. ago, the very small incision felt much bigger, probably because I got a top notch surgeon who spent an extra 2 hrs. inside taking care of numerous bone spurs, etc., wife was going nuts because I was in so long. Surgeon said he wasn't about to close me up with so many other things needing attention. I do great, just cannot lift anything heavy, or too often.

 

[Dougaz]

I had a L-4/L-5 repair back in 1996. Best thing I ever did! The doctors and surgeons at Barrows Neurological Institute here in Phoenix were awesome!

 

[Scott in NCal]

L5 S1 in 1983 again in 1996. I got relief both times. Horrible pain and my leg was nearly paralized, no muscle control, no reflex. I kept falling .
I dont think I would have had the will to live without the surgery.