Post-op Fusion, 1 year 10 months - Hardware Removal, 1 Year

It's been a year since my hardware removal. I learned some things about my surgery last year that was a little disconcerting in that I had a full revision done at the L4/L5 level. I guess its not that big of deal because my back is very stable. My nerve issues have somewhat worsened over the last 6 months. I had an EMG test earlier this year that indicates that I have significant nerve damage to the nerve roots exiting my spine. My PM Doctor is trying to be optimistic, but is now laying the ground work that this may be as good as I'm going to get. My right leg now causes me a moderate amount of discomfort.

• My ankle stings 24/7 with it being very minor in the morning and getting more severe by the end of the day.
  
• Still have some numbness in the big toe and a little bit of burning in that toe occasionally.
  
• Numbness and stinging on the top of the foot

My left leg just plain sucks to have. Its very frustrating, cause that leg exhibits all of the same symptoms that my right leg has but more extreme.

• From the arch forward, approximately 75% numb
  
• Numbness and stinging on the top of the foot
• Numbness deep inside the ankle
• The ankle gets very painful as the day progresses (about 6-8 on the pain scale)

As stated above, my PM Doctor wants to be optimistic that my nerves will get better. Today, he made the suggestion that I might have to consider going the route of a Spinal Cord Stimulator. My biggest problem is that I'm having difficulties taking the nerve prescriptions out there. They have adverse effects on my memory and mental state. It should also be noted that I hate having to take opiates to control the pain in my legs.