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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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What Causes Numbness In The Pelvic Area Post Laminectomy Of L3-l5?

I am a 60-year old male, 6-months post-op of L3-L5 laminectomy for stenosis. I have been experiencing genital numbness and pain (left testicle & left side of penis), including diminished sexual sensation; numbness/tingling in left buttock & back of left thigh, along with dramatic increase in urinating frequency, but with hesitation in urinal flow. Symptoms began right after the procedure - well actually, I noticed them once the catheter was removed on day 3. At this point, the discomfort has not let up, and the only medical explanation being offered is that these issues should go away in time. Again, there has been no degree of improvement thus far, so please let me know if I should be seeking diagnostics or exams to help determine if a treatable issue exists, rather than riding out the hope that this unknown problem will eventually go away. Please help.
Tue, 20 Aug 2019
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Addiction Medicine Specialist,  's  Response
Hi,

The location and movement of a pain gives clues as to what is going on. This is a pattern consistent with one of the nerves going out of the lowest part of the lumbar spine. I cannot say in your particular case, but generally, nerve conduction studies are helpful at localizing where a nerve problem occurs and the type of problem (sick nerve versus injured nerve) and MRI's can locate where the nerve pathway from the spine could be affected.

I hope this answers your query. I remain at your disposal in case further medical assistance is needed.

Regards,
Dr. Matt Wachsman, Addiction Medicine Specialist
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What Causes Numbness In The Pelvic Area Post Laminectomy Of L3-l5?

Hi, The location and movement of a pain gives clues as to what is going on. This is a pattern consistent with one of the nerves going out of the lowest part of the lumbar spine. I cannot say in your particular case, but generally, nerve conduction studies are helpful at localizing where a nerve problem occurs and the type of problem (sick nerve versus injured nerve) and MRI s can locate where the nerve pathway from the spine could be affected. I hope this answers your query. I remain at your disposal in case further medical assistance is needed. Regards, Dr. Matt Wachsman, Addiction Medicine Specialist