Severe lumbar spinal stenosis

I had L4-L5 fusion in mid-July of 2023 after a downward ride of increasing right leg pain. Not aches; rocketing pain eased only by flexing the lumbar spine (so-called shopping cart posture). Could only walk a few steps or stand for a couple of minutes. The surgery took 5 hours and eliminated all leg pain by the following day. I still have numbness and tingling in both feet and up my left leg but no pain. I’m in a full PT regimen with daily exercises that take 30-40 min and have increased my walking to 30-40 min per day with some low back ache. Slowly resuming Pilates practice. Very, very happy with my results as I was reduced to no activity at all and a very limited lifestyle. Surgery recovery was quite smooth; fatigue and muscle aches rather than pain were troublesome for first 2 weeks. All restrictions lifted at 3 months with encouragement to get back to walking and Pilates and add back cycling when safe and balance better. I’m 76.

At 83, and getting into a cycle of arthritic pain, I realize that each of us is different - very different. Aside from taking an aspirin, I don't think we can educate one another very much. Where our pain comes from, what we've done for 30+ years, who our parents are, etc. We are all very individual - what's good for someone isn't necessarily good for the next guy. For better or worse, we each have to deal w what we have. Sad but True -

There's been a lot reported lately about the use of bempedoic acid as an alternative to statins. Might be worth a discussion with your cardiologist or primary care doctor if you believe the statins you have tried could be the true source of your pain.

I assume you have tried all of the available conservative treatments already without success? A fusion is major surgery and not reversible. Based on my experience with a cervical fusion, it could take six months to feel okay again, and up to a year to fully recover.

I was diagnosed with severe L4/L5 spinal stenosis and was experiencing severe siatica shooting pains. I discovered and started practicing the Gokhale Primal Posture Method and have been virtually pain free for several years now. My spine surgeon is fine with it and encourages me to eliminate or at least dellay the need for surgery.

Hi - did you take a group class to learn the technique or order the CDs? I can only fine the one hour workshop in my area.

I’m so glad it’s helped you!!

I started with the book, which made sense to me, but I was able to do a one day “pop up” group training class which was helpful to fully understand the method and practice with trained instructors.

Could you give me more detail about your book? Is it available on utube? Or other platforms?
Thanks

Cathy, I'm tagging @sbcarcht so they see your message and can give more details about the book to which they refer.

The book is "8 Steps to a Pain-Free Back" by Esther Gokhale. A Mayo neurologist with an M.D. and PH.D. called it "The greatest contribution ever made to non-surgical back pain treatment." Go to https://gokhalemethod.com for various information. I've also been able to find used copies online that I've given to friends. You can learn a lot reading the book, but if possible try to do at least a one day or online training with Esther or one of her qualified teachers.

What type of surgery did you have? Fusion, spacers, ect