Will I ever recover from my operation for spinal stenosis?

Thanks, My biggest fear is that I won't be able to bike. I have been a cyclist my whole life and that was how I got around before the surgery because walking triggered throbbing calf muscles. I can walk now without the throbbing happening, but I feel unsteady a bit and also I developed a sharp pain on my left side when I get in and out of a chair. I have to do that extremely mindfully.

I'm sorry to hear you had such pain but glad you did have a great day yesterday and could be on the computer. I hope so much you will get better and better over time. I have stenosis and I'm curious what your initial symptoms were. Mine are mostly at night when laying down - my legs feel numb (inside numb -not if you touch them numb,) and the legs/feet don't work right. Once I get up and move around, eventually they are much better. Thanks -

I'm curious why you are asking your GP. It seems maybe your best treatment answers would come ftom your surgeon or back specialist. Someone once ask me the same question but added "you wouldn't go to a foot doctor for heart medication right?"

I don't believe GPs should even prescribe psych meds. Esp antidepressants and they do it all the time. Everyone has a specialty and hopefully keeps up with the latest. Its impossible for a GP/PCP to be abreast of all new treatments for every ailment.

Personally, I think walking a dog is dangerous unless you are willing to let go of the leash immediately. If a dog on really any size starts to run after a squirrel, you will be jerk by the leash. PT is very controlled. Walking a dog, you never know what can happen -even another dog attacking your dog. What would you be able to do to stop it?

Slow controlled motions. When people are told not to drive after surgery they frequently don't follow drs orders. I didn't either after my left knee replacement. I needed to get to PT and our local medical transport van service was a nightmare. Except its not even always about us driving. Its also aboit them hitting us which we can't control. Walking a dog has a similar lack of control theme.
Best of luck. Ask your specialist???

How aboit slow pedaling on a stationary bike if the doc says that's a controlled enough activity. Could help you mentally also since cycling is so part of your identity. Controlled safe exercise, esp inside away from traffic, etc is best?

Sorry to hear about your ongoing pain issues. I can certainly relate. Almost 2 years ago I had a Laminectomy and Spinal Fusion from T-10 to S-1. Was brutal. I had hoped that my surgery would help both my mobility and my pain. It did not. I have seen probably 6 or 7 neurologists, neurosurgeons, orthopedics back and spine specialists, pain management professionals and have done extensive physical therapy, laser treatment, seen a spine specialist who does surgical lead implants in your spine to relieve pain, had gait studies, seen a rheumatologist and has multiple CT scans and MRI and nerve conduction studies, the layer of which has shown that I have severe peripheral neuropathy. The neurosurgeon who performed the Laminectomy and Spinal Fusion originally told me that nerves take time to regenerate. I still do not have feeling in my lower back

My last appointment with a neurologist two weeks ago had me do additional blood work and get B-1 transfusion because my thiamine levels were very low and they thought ai might have dry Beri Beri.

I have come to the point that all the physicians / doctors and specialists have been unable to give me any explanation as to why I have progressed to where I am. One of the peripheral neuropathy specialists who is affiliated with Vanderbilt University Hospital and who is one of only three individual doctors who are on the list of the National Peripheral Neuropathy Foundation told me “enjoy where you are. Don’t fall. You will be in an electronic wheel chair”.

So acceptance with the hope of Divine Intervention is where I am. I know that GOD will use my suffering and situation to bring Glory and Honor to His name if I let Him. Just have to trust Him.

Hope your situation improves …….

Onward and upward,

Don

Hi Don,
It is just over a year since I had my surgery. I am having increments of improvement. Walking and an ice pack on my back seems to do wonders. I've started taking a shower has hot as I can stand then slowly the hot water until I can't stand the cold water anymore.

I've discovered that you have to listen to your body and stop doing what it is when the pain starts sneaking up on you.
Best of luck!

My surgeon at UC Davis told me that caging L4 and 5 might help with 1/2 of my pain and 1/2 sounded great! But that was a year ago and I’m still needing pain relief so that I can stay active. PT and stretching will be necessary for the rest of my life but that’s ok. These degenerative conditions can get anyone down. Keeping the faith in ourselves is important too. 🙏

I'm having more days without pain. I distinguish my pain between ordinary pain and pain from the spinal stenosis and operation. Today, I had ordinary pain. Lower back and I was doing a lot of outside work. I fixed hoses and spray painted the wooden patio table--and myself!

Reading about other people's pain and experiences, I sometimes feel like I a "piker" or sniffler.
Think positive! We are upright and moving.

I've tried contacting my specialist and he hasn't replied. His office assistant says he's rarely the office. He's busy operating. I accidentally came across a Youtube presentation on 3 different exercises. One I can do before I even get out of bed! It's one I used to do years ago. So, I'm going to start doing it. One of my frustrations is that I can be in pain but I keep moving and then suddenly I realize I am pain-free! I just wish I knew what works best.
I used my Jacuzzi bathtub this last weekend. I didn't think it helped all that much. I'm going to start experimenting on my own. I would love to hear about exercises others do that work.

@elizadolittle
I have done Miranda Edmonds White’s Classical Stretch/Essentrics floor exercises. They help stretch/strengthen core and limbs and help relieve some pain. You need to gradually build up to doing more of the exercises and then you start noticing a difference. Miranda is in her 70s now (I think). She was a classical ballet dancer who now teaches how to stay strong and mobile as you age. I need to get back to doing her exercise dvds because I have gotten worse since I stopped them. Good luck!