I am guessing that there is some instability in the spine where you had the laminectomies. Whenever there is instability, it is common to develop some spinal arthritis. The ligamentum flavum thickens. Bone spurs grow and there can be changes on the end plates of the vertebrae, among other things. All these things contribute to stenosis.

For these reasons, and others, it is not unusual to have stenosis recur as we age. One way to help prevent all these changes is to have a fusion which will stabilize the segment that is causing the problems.

You can read about stenosis here:
http://www.spine-health.com/video/spinal-stenosis-symptoms-and-diagnosis...

Long time since I've seen you here!

Sorry, don't have any info for you. I'm not that smart when it comes to lumbar spines. But, I wanted to say hello. Sorry you are struggling still.

Cindy

Although I've only had one laminectomy I can relate to what you are saying. My surgery was one year ago and I already have symptoms returning. I also have arthritis in my lumbar spine which I'm told has made my facet joints deteriorate. I have a lot of pain in my back and also pain going down my left leg.

Usually when I lay down and don't move it will ease up. Sitting is another story. I can hardly walk after sitting for any length of time. The sciatica makes it hard to stand up straight and I am usually kind of draging my leg.

I return to PM next Wednesday for another injection and I know its just a matter of time before he tells me its time to see my surgeon again.

All we can do is hope for the best.

I think I know deep down inside that I am probably staring a fusion in the face. There has to be a limit to the number of times they keep opening up the same area and nibbling away at it.

Hi Cindy - yes I'm still knocking around on here, usually in the background ..... you know how quiet and shy I am!!

Doof