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Laminectomy And Discectomy Done. Having Lower Back Pain And Bladder Problem. Is This Serious?

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Posted on Tue, 30 Apr 2013
Question: I had a laminectomy/discectomy at L5-S1 in 2009. It seemed to help for a short time but for the past year I've been in a lot of pain in my lower back. Had an MRI late 2012 with results showing disk degeneration and narrowing of T12-L1, L1-2 and L5-S1. There's a 4mm (AP) central leftward protrusion with mild to moderate left lateral recess stenoisis. Also on the L1-2 there's a 2-3 mm posterior leftward protrusion indenting the thecal sac with central canal stenosis. Several other things mentioned as well. I have extrusiating pain in my tailbone, buttocks and lower back. When I sit, I'm in pain and even worse when I try to get up. In addition, it hurts to do just about anything. I've also recently found that I'm having trouble controlling my bladder. I just can't hold it in. I'm 51 years old, 5'9" and weigh 135 pounds. Does this sound serious and is there really anything that can be done to fix it or is it just aging?
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Answered by Dr. Saurabh Gupta (5 hours later)
Hello and Welcome to XXXXXXX
Thanks for writing to us.

Your MRI report suggestive of spinal stenosis. Your bladder involvement and severe excruciating pain suggestive of more severe involvement and pressure on the spinal cord and cauda equina. You might need surgical decompression to reieve pressure over spinal cord. I suggest you to get a new MRI done and consult spinal surgeon for thorough examination and appropriate management.

Hope this helps you. Please do write back if you have any additional concerns.

Wishing you good health...

Regards.
Dr Saurabh Gupta.
Orthopaedic Surgeon.
Note: For further queries, consult a joint and bone specialist, an Orthopaedic surgeon. Book a Call now.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
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Answered by
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Dr. Saurabh Gupta

Orthopaedic Surgeon, Joint Replacement

Practicing since :2004

Answered : 5930 Questions

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Laminectomy And Discectomy Done. Having Lower Back Pain And Bladder Problem. Is This Serious?

Hello and Welcome to XXXXXXX
Thanks for writing to us.

Your MRI report suggestive of spinal stenosis. Your bladder involvement and severe excruciating pain suggestive of more severe involvement and pressure on the spinal cord and cauda equina. You might need surgical decompression to reieve pressure over spinal cord. I suggest you to get a new MRI done and consult spinal surgeon for thorough examination and appropriate management.

Hope this helps you. Please do write back if you have any additional concerns.

Wishing you good health...

Regards.
Dr Saurabh Gupta.
Orthopaedic Surgeon.