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What Causes Pain In Lower Legs And Cold Feet After A Spine Fusion?

Posted on Mon, 29 Aug 2016

Question: I was badly injured in 2006. I underwent surgery to fuse my spine. The fusion never healed (hardened), even though I have a bone stimulator in my back.I underwent a second surgery a year later. It also has never hardened in the center. However, I now have 2 other discs injured from the first one not being stable. I am in constant pain, night and day. NY workers compensation, denied the surgeon requested to do a third surgery. I have pain down my legs, my feet are always very cold,and I have no reflexes in my right leg. They have taken most of my pain medication away from me at the request of workers compensation. They now want me to start taking a Neuropathy drug,(Which was already tried before, with no results. I could at least function, while I was taking the pain medications, now, I can't do anything, and it's getting worse. What can I do? I prefer the problem be fixed, but until it is, I need the pain under control. Any suggestions are welcome and much needed.

Answered by Dr. Bruno Mascarenhas (5 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Consult Vascular Surgeon. Consider Getting Operated in XXXXXXX

Detailed Answer:
Hi,

Welcome to HealthCareMagic.com I am Dr.J XXXXXXX Anto Bruno Mascarenhas. I have gone through your query with diligence and would like you to know that I am here to help you.

Pain Down the Legs + Feet Always Cold + No Reflexes can denote
1. Vascular Problems
2. Neurological Problems due to Spine Injury
3. Peripheral Vascular Disease and Neuropathy due to Diabetes

Please consult a Vascular Surgeon or Cardiovascular Surgeon for evaluation of Blood Supply to your Lower Limbs.

If You feel surgery is needed, but you are not able to get it done in USA due to Insurance and other paper works, you can consider surgery in XXXXXXX where these surgery (Spine Fixation) may cost your around $12000 (including travel and stay expenses

Hope you found the answer helpful.

If you need any clarification / have doubts / have additional questions / have follow up questions, then please do not hesitate in asking again. I will be happy to answer your questions.

Best Wishes for Speedy Recovery
Let me know if I can assist you further.
Take care.

-oOo-

PS 1 : After all your doubts have been cleared, kindly (a) Close this Question (b) Rate my Replies and (c) Give your Feedback.

PS 2 : In the future, for continuity of care, I encourage you to contact me directly in HealthCareMagic at http://bit.ly/askdrbruno

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Raju A.T

Follow up: Dr. Bruno Mascarenhas (26 hours later)

In 2006, Dr. Capacitor, in XXXXXXX NY, attempted to fuse together L5, to S1. The fusion never healed. The second attempt at fusing the was done a year later. The Bone Stimulator,was left in place,as it still is. (That concerns me somewhat. Especially since the battery is also still in my back.) The fusion, once again was unsuccessful. The fusion is still soft in the center. Now, L-4, and L3, are bulging badly. The Dr requested to fix those, and make an another attempt to fuse the other ones. The request was denied. I'm concerned about the fact that I have all of these discs injured. Am I eventually going to lose my ability to walk?

The Dr was Capicotto. I miss-spelled it in the last question to you.

Answered by Dr. Bruno Mascarenhas (19 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Injury to discs will not lead to make you lose your ability to walk

Detailed Answer:
Dear Sir

Welcome Back
Thanks a lot for the detailed history

Coming to your question
Q1
I'm concerned about the fact that I have all of these discs injured. Am I eventually going to lose my ability to walk?
The reply would be
A1
Injury to discs is quite common in many people
That will not lead to make you lose your ability to walk
Please do not worry about this

Hope you found the answer helpful.

If you need any clarification / have doubts / have additional questions / have follow up questions, then please do not hesitate in asking again. I will be happy to answer your questions.

Best Wishes for Speedy Recovery
Let me know if I can assist you further.
Take care.

-oOo-

PS 1 : After all your doubts have been cleared, kindly (a) Close this Question (b) Rate my Replies and (c) Give your Feedback.

PS 2 : In the future, for continuity of care, I encourage you to contact me directly in HealthCareMagic at http://bit.ly/askdrbruno

Note: For further queries, consult a joint and bone specialist, an Orthopaedic surgeon. Book a Call now.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Arnab Banerjee