So you initially had herniated discs causing left leg radiculopathy (“sciatica & numbness in my left leg, weakness in my foot and calf”). You don’t note if the weakness improved.
You then had the TLIFs but don’t note the reason for this surgery. Was it for recurrent herniation, foraminal collapse, isolated disc resorption or ???????
You also note “I also have massive weakness in my left foot and walk with a gait-(antalgic?). Does this mean the weakness never improved, became worse or improved but not much?
The radiologist noted “L4/5 level residual lateralizing disc bulge contributes to mild to moderate bilateral foraminal narrowing, improved. L5/S1 level residual disc bulge noted eccentric to the right with a smaller residual/recurrent central to left paracentral disc protrusion narrowing the left subarticular recesses and contribute to mild to moderate right foraminal narrowing”.
This means you have continued nerve compression but I can’t tell how much as these films need to be carefully screened and a careful history and physical examination needs to be completed. You need to see an experienced spine surgeon who will take the time to figure out what is going on and if there is any solution to your current state of affairs.
Dr. Corenman
Donald Corenman, MD, DC is a highly-regarded spine surgeon, considered an expert in the area of neck and back pain. Trained as both a Medical Doctor and Doctor of Chiropractic, Dr. Corenman earned academic appointments as Clinical Assistant Professor and Assistant Professor of Orthopaedic Surgery at the University of Colorado Health Sciences Center, and his research on spine surgery and rehabilitation has resulted in the publication of multiple peer-reviewed articles and two books.