Spine Surgeon Recommendation

I have severe spinal stenosis. Twenty years ago, I had a laminectomy and fusion at the L3, L4, L5 and S1. Because of the fusion, I have failed back surgery syndrome. Four months ago, I was diagnosed with peripheral neuropathy . I've been taking gabapentin and it's worked to relieve the burning sensation caused by the neuropothy. I also have nerve clumping. 

I've had MRI's of the lumbar, thoracic and cervical. 

The stenosis has really been bothering me and I'm going for an epidural at the L2 and L3 this afternoon. I hope that it works, but I'm pretty sure that I will end-up having surgery at the L2. This was recommended by the spine surgeon who I saw in April as the last resort. They can't go back in at the L3-S1 because of the fusion. (I recommended strongly against a fusion to anyone having spine surgery, but what's done is done.) 

Does anyone have a recommendation for a spine surgeon in New York? 

Thanks. 

Dr. Lawrence Lenke at the Spine Hospital at Columbia Presbyterian. He straightened my sister's spine last year and is a miracle worker, IMO. People come from around the world for this guy. 

I am 2 weeks post op from L4-L5 disc surgery I had at the Hospital For Special Surgey, done by Dr Patrick O'Leary.  To say he is a magician is an understatement

I had gone to a local spine center for pain in my back. In June 2015 I had an L4-5 laminectomy. June 2016 Laminectomy revision, spinal fusion.  I still had tremendous pain, then developed a surgical infection that Led to a Sepsis infection. All along I continued to let the Dr's know of tremendous pain, but was told my back is healing.  

I ended up at Dr O'Leary, he sent me to HSS for a CT & MRI scan and it  showed my fusion was not fusing.   (Part of my issue is with the MRI/CT scan readers at local hospitals are mediocre at best).  For the first time in 3 years I can walk without assistance, I no longer sleep on ice bags and walk 1.5 miles a day-without a cane

My mother just had surgery this morning with Dr. Riew out of Columbia.  She's been struggling for over a year with degenerative disc issues and she felt VERY comfortable with him, moreso than anyone else she's seen.  As it was just this morning, I can't say if the surgery was a success, but he could at least be someone else to add to your list.

Just wondering why you want to go to NYC, Cramer?So sorry to hear about your suffering. I know how much it hurts, and how it compromises daily functions. 

FWIW, I just had surgery performed by Dr. Reiger at New Jersey Spine Center.

wharfrat, 

I have heard only fine things about Dr. Rieger and he may indeed be the surgeon that I consult for a second opinion. Mine is a complicated case, because of the severity of the stenosis and the fact that I had a fusion many years ago. 

I saw Dr. Ilya Kupersthein of SMG in April and was very impressed with him. I was referred to him by Michael Cohen, a neurologist with SMG, who diagnosed my peripheral neuropothy. I have an appointment with Dr. Kuperstein July 18 to more fully discuss surgery. At my initial meeting with him in April, there was so much going on with my spine that it was almost too much to take in. 

I had an epidural yesterday and I am delighted so far. It was administered by Dr. Alon Terry, a physiatrist with SMG, who grew up in and lives in SO. I recommend him highly.He's wonderful.  I was in intense pain (my buttocks, left calf and I couldn't stand up straight, the "stenois stoop") and I really couldn't imagine that an epidural could work so well. I have a follow-up with Dr. Terry in a couple of weeks and the appointment with Dr. Kuperstein July 16. I'll see how it goes, but I'm optimistic. I'll have peripheral neuropthy for the rest of my life, but thank goodness for gabapapentin - it's a wonder drug. They don't know exactly how it works, but when it works, it really works. 

wharfrat said:

Just wondering why you want to go to NYC, Cramer?

The quality of MRI/CT/X-RAY Machines and people who read results, as well as medical staff is far superior to what we have here.  

If someone has dealt with local spinal specialists and not gotten enough or good results, you need to go the extra step

Cramer-I know how debilitating peripheral neuropthy can be. Hope you can address your health issues soon and feel better!