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Severe spinal stenosis
Age 71yo old gal here. L5S1 autofusion, Grace II spondylolisthesis. Severe spinal stenosis complicated by significant impingement L5 nerves, both foramen caused by loss of foramenal height. Extensive spurring. Surgery ruled out due to possible need to refracture autofusion.
Ergo, surviving with opioid "cocktail", gabapentin, +++twisting, burning, stabbing pain, both calves and thighs, 24/7.
Very cooperative helping husband but wearing thin on perseverance here. Cannot imagine another 10+ years of this with a brain that's operating at warp speed.
Perhaps there is someone somewhere sharing these same issues looking at same future.
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Acupuncture hrlps pain relief, but you should ask the acupuncturist what they think specifically about that. The thing that helped me the most was RFA. I had severe pain radiculopathy around the front of my legs and it took it away entirely. Myofascial pain release therapy is something else you should experiment with. I take Percocet for pain relief that can’t be fixed in my tailbone for 30 years low-dose and it never interacts with anything. I didn’t know if you had other medication’s, which might interfere or you just don’t do well on opioids starting with very low dose. Medication might be helpful if it’s an intolerance thing, there are 1200 pain relievers a doctor said to me once we will try them all. Fortunately, that was before the time of public abuse. I only had to try four. Good luck.
I too have severe lumbar and cervical stenosis. I get up every morning and walk like a crab for about an hour. It takes a while for my spine to be able to hold me up, and I only weigh 105!
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1 ReactionEpidural steroid injection works very well for pain associated with disc bulging, herniation, and foraminal stenosis where the opening through which the nerves pass is narrowed causing inflammation of the nerves. Facet joint pain responds well to radio frequency ablation (RFA) where the sensory nerve is “burned” electronically and results often last 9-12 months. It’s crucial to get an MRI to determine exactly what is causing the pain. Then an appropriate treatment plan can be formulated. I have been through all these things since my 30s. 74 now. Nothing cures it but treatments and lifestyle measures can help a great deal, not to mention prevention of making it worse with poor body mechanics, posture, heavy lifting and aggravating activities. I hope you get relief!
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3 Reactions@bayhorse I was speaking in general terms. Decompression means you are taking pressure off of something. In spine surgery, that could mean different procedures. Here is a link that describes different ways to decompress spine issues both non-surgical and surgical.
https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/treatments/10874-spinal-decompression-therapy
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3 ReactionsHi - i’m not Sue, but I’m looking at fusion because of the degree of compression on L5. Probably need two areas done, hope to meet with surgeon soon.
Want to hear what Sue says.
I’m thinking, surgery at 71 may be worth the long term results, even though I’ll lose so much fitness by not being able to bike or weight lift for 3 months afterwards. Gosh, the idea of walking more than a mile without pain sounds pretty good. I’ve been getting epidurals for 25 years when necessary. Just gave up running in June. Willow
@willow5 I had a fusion in 1982, it failed and another in 1986 along with a pair of Harrington 2028 rods. Although the spinal stenosis has become severe, I have been fully functional since then and am twice retired. I credit the Harrington rods.
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2 Reactionsyou get back your life... and more.
Well said and my experience too. The heat ablatia worked perfectly for me - but not the pulse. Its a coordinated effort between a good team of doctors for me over 30 years of degenerative conditions.
Sorry about the name mixup Willow.
I’m 70 with a disaster area in my lumbar spine. I don’t have sciatica now, but my walking is affected. Back is very stiff after getting up.
I spin 5 times a week. Guessing I’d need S1 L5 and L4 fused. I hope I can resume that if I have fusion.
I recently tried orthotics from goodfeet.com - my gait is straight and walking is easy. Just turned 70.
Suggestions? Will fusion still allow me to spin?
Thanks Willow and all!
Joe
Severe spinal stenosis in elderly. Tried hydrocodone, spinal injection and not interested in surgery. Currentky taking a blood thinner for atrial fibrillation. What gives you relief?