topic Re: SPINAL STENOSIS...now what? in Wellness

SPINAL STENOSIS...now what?

Flatbush — Sat, 24 Jul 2021 02:50:30 GMT

Diagnosed 7 years ago, became worse through these years. I now have very limited mobility and very little quality of life left. Will have another M.R.I. soon. I am considering options as to what I should do.

Has anyone else been so diagnosed and if so, what did you decide to do next, injections, surgery etc? Would appreciate hearing your decisions and how it helped or didn't.

Thank you.

Re: SPINAL STENOSIS...now what?

ALRATIBA — Sat, 24 Jul 2021 03:12:13 GMT

I was diagnosed with degenerative disc disease in 2013. In 2019 - ct scans showed the spaces were narrowing further.

Physical therapy - an exercise regiment - and remaining active (walking every day) works for me.

Tylenol and lidocaine patches for pain. And - it is painful - some days are good and some not so good - you just have to work through it. I have a high pain threshold.

A couple of friends of mine are going through the same thing - we're managing okay. Remaining active is key.

Re: SPINAL STENOSIS...now what?

Goodie2shoes — Sat, 24 Jul 2021 03:16:29 GMT

So sorry you are dealing with Stenosis, is it Lumbar or Cervical? I have a history of Lumbar stenosis for several years, diagnosed by MRI but fortunately it's not to bad at this time. I had a lumbar cortisone injection which helped. I still have low back left sided pain and left thigh pain on occasion but Tylenol helps a lot so I just deal with it, no need for surgery or any other tx. Pending your MRI results the MD will discuss tx options with you. Best of luck to you, praying for a positive outcome

Re: SPINAL STENOSIS...now what?

Flatbush — Sat, 24 Jul 2021 03:30:55 GMT

@Goodie2shoes wrote:
So sorry you are dealing with Stenosis, is it Lumbar or Cervical? I have a history of Lumbar stenosis for several years, diagnosed by MRI but fortunately it's not to bad at this time. I had a lumbar cortisone injection which helped. I still have low back left sided pain and left thigh pain on occasion but Tylenol helps a lot so I just deal with it, no need for surgery or any other tx. Pending your MRI results the MD will discuss tx options with you. Best of luck to you, praying for a positive outcome

@Goodie2shoes I have lumbar stenosis. Thank you for your help.

Re: SPINAL STENOSIS...now what?

Flatbush — Sat, 24 Jul 2021 03:34:44 GMT

@ALRATIBA wrote:
I was diagnosed with degenerative disc disease in 2013. In 2019 - ct scans showed the spaces were narrowing further.

Physical therapy - an exercise regiment - and remaining active (walking every day) works for me.

Tylenol and lidocaine patches for pain. And - it is painful - some days are good and some not so good
- you just have to work through it. I have a high pain threshold.
@ALRATIBA
Thanks for responding. Most if not all of the pain comes in walking or standing. So glad you still have good days and can manage.

Re: SPINAL STENOSIS...now what?

CathyNY — Sat, 24 Jul 2021 04:00:17 GMT

My husband was diagnosed with spinal stenosis and degenerative disc disease. He became practically incapacitated. He started with an injection which really did not help him.

He had surgery where they were able to actually widen the spinal canal to relieve the pressure on his cord and nerves. The pain was completely gone. Recovery was fairly easy. He had an outstanding surgeon and care team.

If you go the surgical route, just be sure to select a great surgeon.

Re: SPINAL STENOSIS...now what?

ALRATIBA — Sat, 24 Jul 2021 04:02:13 GMT

@Flatbush

Yes - standing and walking are the most painful w/o some sort of support.

You should think about getting yourself a rollator / walker. Check with your physical therapist. You can buy them at Walgreens - or from Amazon. You'll be surprised now easy and painless it is to walk!

I got my first one in 2013 on the advice of therapist - from Amazon - best prices there. There's help out there for you ....

Re: SPINAL STENOSIS...now what?

Kachina624 — Sat, 24 Jul 2021 04:29:41 GMT

I've had lower back pain for years, stenosis for at least 20+ years. I also have other back issues. I've been treated by 2 pain management specialists and 2 neurosurgeons. I've been told surgery is not an option. I've tried every treatment suggested and nothing has helped. I can't stand or walk more than 3 or 4 minutes. I have a mobility scooter for times I must walk some distance, otherwise I just don't walk. I'm fine and in no pain when I sit.

I used to get some relief taking a NSAID but after years of taking them they were causing kidney problems so now I can take nothing. I tried steroid injections but after a brief time, they lost their effectiveness. I have a poor quality of life.

Re: SPINAL STENOSIS...now what?

Pook — Sat, 24 Jul 2021 08:03:37 GMT

@Flatbush I know many who were helped by laser surgery for spinal stenosis. It's painless and requires only an overnight stay but all were up and walking pain free an hour after going to their rooms after.

Re: SPINAL STENOSIS...now what?

Deb665 — Sat, 24 Jul 2021 12:59:51 GMT

@Flatbush I am so happy to respond to your questions! Back in October my PCP referred me to a Pain Management doctor. I have suffered with spinal stenosis, arthritis in the spine, Bone Spurs and just about anything else you would want to add to the list.

At my initial consultation with the Pain Mgmt doc he suggested a procedure for Vertiflex. This is where a small titanium device is inserted between the vertebrae that are causing the pain.

In December I had this procedure done on my L4/L5. It is an outpatient procedure and recovery consists of trying to remember not to over do on all the physical activities that you suddenly feel like doing! So, this past Monday I had L2/L3 and L3/L4 done. Recovery is a little harder on this one. But, after all, there were two devices inserted rather than just one. The pain has been greatly reduced! I would say my pain level went from an 8 to a 4 or 5. This is outstanding in my opinion! As I continue to heal the pain level will continue to decline.

The only catch in all of this is that Medicare appears to be the only insurance that covers this procedure. I don't know why. I just know I am greatfull I was able to have it done.

Please look up Vertiflex Procedure and read the information. This might be a solution for you. Just remember, this was all my personal experience. I'm not a doctor nor do I play one on tv!

Re: SPINAL STENOSIS...now what?

nana59 — Sat, 24 Jul 2021 13:33:44 GMT

@Kachina624 wrote:
I've had lower back pain for years, stenosis for at least 20+ years. I also have other back issues. I've been treated by 2 pain management specialists and 2 neurosurgeons. I've been told surgery is not an option. I've tried every treatment suggested and nothing has helped. I can't stand or walk more than 3 or 4 minutes. I have a mobility scooter for times I must walk some distance, otherwise I just don't walk. I'm fine and in no pain when I sit.

I used to get some relief taking a NSAID but after years of taking them they were causing kidney problems so now I can take nothing. I tried steroid injections but after a brief time, they lost their effectiveness. I have a poor quality of life.

i'm in the exact same situation as you......doctors and their treatments have never been successful....it's just awful to have to live this way...and i, too, have a poor quality of life....chronic pain....and depression....

Re: SPINAL STENOSIS...now what?

gaga — Sat, 24 Jul 2021 13:52:31 GMT

I feel your pain. I was diagnosed with Lumbar Spinal Stenosis 3 yrs ago & have had 8 Epidurals with no relief. Have had Theraputic message which I found to be very painful. I also have problems with Sciatica which goes down my right leg into my foot. I was offered a procedure which would burn the nerve endings but they wouldn't do it because I refused to have anymore steroids injections. I am a Diabetic & the injections made my Diabetes go haywire & also made my weight go up. I cannot stand for more than 10 min at a time & find it better to do stretching exercises during the day. When the pain gets too much I use ice & it calms my back. I aslo use Voltaren Gel which was formerly sold as Diclofenac by RX only. I was taking the Diclofenac tablets orally but it caused GI problems. I am now on Oxycodone for pain along with Tylenol every 6 hrs. But truly the use of ice bags are really the most relief I get for pain. So sorry for you, it is really debilitating. Hope you can find some relief soon.

Re: SPINAL STENOSIS...now what?

zitawins — Sat, 24 Jul 2021 15:01:07 GMT

I, too, have spinal stenosis. There is no cartilage between lumbar bones. My ortho says there is no solution, no surgery possible. I have had a couple of injections, but they did nothing and I'm nervous about the tech hitting the spinal cord. So, I make do. Patches, ibuprophen. and exercises given by the P.T. I did find a small and inexpensive Tens machine on Amazon, which helps enormously on the days when the pain radiates down my legs.

Good days and bad days. I use a cane when I'm out and about becaise I have balance issues. (My daughter and my niece made me great cane covers -- to match all my outfits!)

I am heartened (is that the right word?) by joining in with all of you who also suffer. I am not alone! Thanks for your posts.

Re: SPINAL STENOSIS...now what?

msgb — Sat, 24 Jul 2021 15:40:01 GMT

My father had this. He would have an epidural shot every three to four months. He said he felt so much better after the shot. It has been a few yrs since his passing so that is the best that I can tell you.

Re: SPINAL STENOSIS...now what?

hckynut — Sat, 24 Jul 2021 18:32:41 GMT

@Flatbush

No stenosis, but minus 3 lumbar discs. First surgery in 1974 when I was 35 years old. Removed L-5/S-1 discs. Went back to my playing hockey and my heavy lifting factory job.

But! I worked hard to get back my strength and flexibility, and I still do 47 years later. Ruptured my L-3 in about 2008, and my friend, a Spinal Surgeon, removed that ruptured disc via invasive surgical procedure.

Did you take care of your back to help protect it over the 7 years since your diagnosis? I can't speak from experience, but I can tell you what my doctor friend has told me about Spinal Stenosis.

There are many different causes, including genetics. Those with have a predisposition from genetics should protect their back at first knowledge of their genetics.

Stay at a weight that does not put extra strain on the spine. Do regular and consistent exercises that strengthen all your abdominal core muscles. Do stretching exercises for all of the muscle groups on the rear side of your body, which include the "thigh biceps(hamstring muscles)".

Success if one chooses surgery depends on the level of one's stenosis, and how much work the patient is willing to do to help themselves be independent. He said it can become a "disability", but most he has seen that follow the above have a better and lasting result.

Hope you find what is best for you at your level of stenosis. I know spinal and Sciatic pain quite well, and it can makes ones life very painful. I still have an occasional flare up, but usually after my 2 hour ice skating sessions. If usually is gone after I stretch and use my Inversion Table.

My best to you with dealing with this issue,

hckynut

Re: SPINAL STENOSIS...now what?

chrystaltree — Mon, 26 Jul 2021 00:54:39 GMT

I have lumbar spinal stenosis diagnosed about 8 years ago. I had the injections for several years to relieve pain. The injections don't cure it and since yours is affecting your mobility, injections can't help with that. Due to Covid, I haven't had injections since March 2020. I use heat packs, ibuprofen and Tylenol for some pain relief. I also take Neurontin which helps me sleep at night. I get too drowsy to take it in the daytime. I believe the only treatment when it gets as bad as yours is surgical. A lumbar decompression procedure or a spinal fusion. Every case is different, you should consult with a spine specialist.

Re: SPINAL STENOSIS...now what?

Flatbush — Wed, 28 Jul 2021 06:31:09 GMT

I want to Thank everyone who posted to me and shared their experiences .

I am deeply touched. and will research all your responses, that I copied down.

Now I just have to wait for the upcoming M.R.I. and get the results.

I am grateful to you all.

Re: SPINAL STENOSIS...now what?

Ro340 — Mon, 16 Aug 2021 06:37:57 GMT

hi. I also have spinal stenosis and arthritis and after trying every available noninvasive option available, I finally decided to have surgery. I had epidurals, steroid shots, oral steroids, nerve ablation and the m.i.l.d. Procedure (Minimally invasive lumbar decompression. I went to 6 different doctors - orthopedic, neurosurgeon, physiatrist, pain management and aquatic pt. I was told I could be in a wheelchair within 3 years. I was in so much pain and could not walk or stand for more than 5 minutes. I had a spinal fusion L4 - L5 and decompression laminectomy L5 to s1 by a neurosurgeon on 6/7 . The 1st 2 weeks were tough but doing pretty good now and walking without a walker. Still have 3 more weeks with brace on and then pt. So far I feel like I made the right decision. I am a young 69 and wanted to be able to enjoy my life. I wish you the best.

Re: SPINAL STENOSIS...now what?

hckynut — Mon, 16 Aug 2021 19:17:36 GMT

@Ro340 wrote:
hi. I also have spinal stenosis and arthritis and after trying every available noninvasive option available, I finally decided to have surgery. I had epidurals, steroid shots, oral steroids, nerve ablation and the m.i.l.d. Procedure (Minimally invasive lumbar decompression.

I went to 6 different doctors - orthopedic, neurosurgeon, physiatrist, pain management and aquatic pt. I was told I could be in a wheelchair within 3 years. I was in so much pain and could not walk or stand for more than 5 minutes. I had a spinal fusion L4 - L5 and decompression laminectomy L5 to s1 by a neurosurgeon on 6/7 .

The 1st 2 weeks were tough but doing pretty good now and walking without a walker. Still have 3 more weeks with brace on and then pt. So far I feel like I made the right decision. I am a young 69 and wanted to be able to enjoy my life. I wish you the best.

@Ro340

Hope all continues to go well for you. No stenosis for me, but over years I have had 2 spinal surgeries. No fusion, I had laminectomy for ruptured L-5/S-1 removal.

About 2+ decades later, I had surgery to remove a ruptured L-3 disc. Without those surgeries I doubt I would have lived the physically risky life I did and still do. Never regretted going almost directly to surgery.

hckynut(john)🥅🏒

Re: SPINAL STENOSIS...now what?

ScrapHappy — Tue, 17 Aug 2021 05:36:47 GMT

My MIL has recently been diagnosised with this. She is in a great amount of pain. Diffiulty walking and doing and task(s). Can't drive. Has terrible swelling of both legs. At first she was going to a chiropractor, made things worse. She is now found a doctor that she likes. Has gotten several injections. The doctor had told her in the beginning that she should be feeling less pain and the leg swellling should go down after the second injection but it has not. She is going to have more. The doctor did mention to her about putting in "spacers." which is will be a surgical procedure. She go herself a new mattress, an adjustable one and that has helped her greatly with sleep. My MIL was/is so much pain that she wasn't sleeping at all. The adjustable be helped.