Is a wheelchair my ultimate fate?
I have been diagnosed with total spinal stenosis which started as a T-12 vertebral fracture when I was 15 from an accident when the toboggan I was on - #2 position was identified as the injury position - hit a tree. I wore a body cast for several months. An entirely new treatment at that time. I am now 77. Stenosis is located throughout all of my spine: cervical, lumbar and thoracic. There are bone spurs present. Chiropractic no longer helps. I received a full disability in 2007 because of this. I am now 77 and in constant pain. I spend much of my time on a heating pad in my recliner. Sleeping can be difficult. (I have serious sinus problems and must sit up at times to breathe throughout the night.) I can feel my rib cage moving and tipping. I am in my own home with only limited mobility. I am not in a wheelchair but I wonder if that is going to be my fate. I also am diagnosed with Myalgic Encephalomyelitis from an exposure to benzene- contaminated well water in the early 80's. I am on carvedilol for my blood pressure which adds to my dizziness from both ME and total spinal stenosis. I can still drive with a valid license but not far. I have only minimal help with cleaning and laundry, both costly. I am a widow. I have never really talked with others who might have similar conditions. I think that would be a good thing for me to do.
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It isn't feasible. Thanks, though.
Lucky you. Just driving to the venue of any kind is out. No gyms here have pools. Thanks though. P.S. I have researched salt pools extensively. There is one at a retirement community I cannot afford.
An orthopedist decades ago told me that having any surgery will NOT fix my spine. I was to not gain weight - sorry about that - and to learn to manage symptoms, which I have. I do appreciate all the messages but 90% were suggesting things that I have tried/researched/etc. Thanks to all. I need to figure out how to get off this now.