I've had two back surgeries myself. I had a spinal fusion 14 months ago, a lamenectomy a year before the fusion.
After the first surgery I was still having numbness and would fall often. It was from the s1 nerve root. I knew the surgery wouldn't fix it and wanted a fusion but no one would do it. I continued to get worse and finally I found a new surgeon that agreed to do the fusion. I feel a lot better now. I still hurt some and have a stiff back but am a lot better off.
I wouldn't worry about the emg test. It doesn't hurt much unless the person has a fear of needles. The only test I found to be painful was the mylogram. I screamed and cried.
I don't know what kind of surgery was done but it doesn't sound like a fusion. Some pain will always stay but any kind of crippling pain is a sign that something still needs to be done.
You really have to keep after doctors when it comes to back surgery and get second opinions.
Good luck and email if you want to ask questions. Don't let anyone scare you either. Some people do good and some don't. Most of it is up to the person following directions and keeping a positive attitude. I know it's hard but it has to be done, the rewards are worth it.
Oh Neavon! I love that description!! The leaky hard boiled egg!!! It made me laugh out loud...that's exactly what it looks like on a CAT scan!
It's called HNP (or Herniated Nucleus Pulposus)...when the soft material inside the disc ( the nucleus pulposus) actually oozes out of the herniation and puts pressure on the spinal cord or the nerves. I had that at level L5-S1.
The other discs are called "bulging anular herniations", where the sac that holds the disc material ..the anulus..sort of develops a bubble...and herniates outward into the spinal canal or the nerve space...but the pulp stays inside the disc. ( I had those too, at L3-4, and L4-5)
It was always my left leg too...so driving wasn't affected by the leg weakness. I'm glad he doesn't have any pain. That is a blessing.
You can call his doctor, and see if he will perscribe a valium or someting like that before the EMG if DH is anxious. As long as you are driving, I don't see why he shouldn't. My doctor let me do this my first time. And by all means, he should pre- medicate with tylenol or motrin if he wants to, this is someting else my doctor lets me do, because I have fibromyalgia, and the needles sometimes bother me.
Whatever he decides, good luck with the EMG...I hope the tests show that all is temporary! I will keep your family in my thoughts on Thursday. Please post to let us know how it goes.
I am SOOO sorry I forgot to post and tell you about the EMG! The other day this just popped in my head! Please forgive me. The emg showed no damage. We have gone back to the dr. that was treating him before the surgery (she is super) and we will do a new test this week. Mylogram? or something like that. Anyway, thanks again so much for your support and prayers!!
The other day this just popped in my head! Please forgive me. The emg showed no damage. We have gone back to the dr. that was treating him before the surgery (she is super) and we will do a new test this week. Mylogram? 
or something like that. Anyway, thanks again so much for your support and prayers!!
