Wellness

[Flatbush]

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.

[ALRATIBA]

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.

[Goodie2shoes]

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

[Flatbush]

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@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

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

[Flatbush]

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@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.

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[CathyNY]

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.

[ALRATIBA]

@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 .... 

[Kachina624]

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. 

[Pook]

@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.    

[Deb665]

@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!