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Will I ever recover from my operation for spinal stenosis?

Chronic Pain | Last Active: Apr 12 11:22am | Replies (47)
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@johannab

My fusion with a steel cage for L4/5 was at the end of August 2022. In spring of 2023 pain and weakness began and slowly increased. I tried PT with excellent results until the pain was too much for me to participate. You wouldn’t believe the butt load of pain meds I take: Gabapentin, Duloxetine, Tramadol 300 ER, Tylenol650 ER, Methotrexate, and now Hydrocodone. I’m still in pain when I dare to stand up. All pain is lower body from glutes down both legs. Using a rollator to walk. Rheumatologist cleared me of any auto immune diseases. Spine surgeon said my back is healing beautifully. My last stand is with a Neurologist in a month.

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Replies to "My fusion with a steel cage for L4/5 was at the end of August 2022. In..."
elizadolittle | @elizadolittle | Mar 24 12:20pm

You make me feel like a wimp! I was taking two Tramadol and two Gabapentin four times a day before my operation. I was so determined to get off all that I over dosed on Advil. I was taking it 3 times a day (OK) but I did it for a week straight. I ended up at emergency with very high blood pressure. The emergency doctor said I had a mild heart attack. My cardiologist said he only calls it a heart attack if there is damage! Regardless, it was scary. I haven't taken Advil since. I find an ice pack very helpful and I use Tylenol Extra Strength. At times, it seems like the Tylenol doesn't kick in for hours.

My operation was a year ago, March 23rd. I can't do the marathons at the computer like I used to. I had a document that needed filling out. I couldn't save my changes, so I went from 10:00 a.m. to 6:45 p.m. with short breaks. No pain until the next day. Then it was misery for a day and then recovery again.

Best of luck! Any chance your body has gotten used to all that medication? I wish I could make some useful suggestions. How about hot and cold showers? Demand an updated x-ray?

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