1. < Osteoporosis & Bone Health

Severe Sciatica pain

Posted by dorma @dorma, Jan 4 1:09pm

My pain has become somewhat crippling; makes me not want to even walk. I'm wondering if anyone has found relief for the pain. I have several skeletal issues, but I'm willing to TRY almost anything. I am 81; weigh 94 pounds, but am reasonably active. I rarely go out except for church every Sunday. I cannot stay on my feet but a short time, then I have to sit, which also causes pain. Any help will be SO much appreciated.

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dbamos1945 | @dbamos1945 | 4 days ago

Thank you all for your personal experiences while seeking relief of excruciating nerve pain. Your info is priceless in helping me and others make our best decisions of medication and/or surgery. The symptoms we share cross-over to other maladies-Neuopathy at the top of the list for me right now. Non-invasive medical responses are paramount in my mind, for some strategies can exacerbate the pain and chances of impairing spine permanently with no resulting cure.
( I previously suffered L3-5 bulging discs, rx meds, osteoporosis dx, and can only get relief prone in bed.)

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lkel | @lkel | 3 days ago
In reply to @bayhorse "Hi, dbamos1945: I have lumbar stenosis and severe nerve pain in the glutes, hamstrings, calves and..." + (show)
@bayhorse

Hi, dbamos1945: I have lumbar stenosis and severe nerve pain in the glutes, hamstrings, calves and ankles, and like you, couldn't have fusion due to osteoporosis. However, another physician said I also couldn't have a laminectomy because I have a bulging disc. After reading how great a result you had with your laminectomy, I am wondering whether I should be pressing ahead for another opinion. Could you tell me more about your spinal condition? Did you have any bulging discs? My problem apparently has to do with age-related deterioration plus an unusual thickness of the ligament in the spine, which is pinching nerves that serve my lower limbs. I have been through 3 rounds of pt to little avail and have seen two surgeons and two pain specialists (anesthesiologists), and so far I have come up with little option other than medical marijuana or prescription drugs. I have already tried gabapentin and pregabalin (Lyrica) and can't tolerate them, but am hesitant about the medical marijuana. Would much prefer a treatment that would solve my problem!

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I would get a second opinion. I've had 3 back surgeries. It's hereditary. My dad has had 6 and 2 siblings have had surgeries a combined total of 5. I have had 4 discectomies, 3 laminectomies. #1 laminectomy, L4-5 left side, laminectomy and discectomy. #2 L4-5 and L5-S1, not sure which side but 2 discectomies and at least one laminectomy. #3 laminectomy L4-5 right side side

My surgeon is considered world class and was part of President Clinton's medical team. Other doctors told me I had the A team.

You may also want to be seeing a physiatrist. They help before hand and can tell you what is happening as you heal from surgery. Mine has be invaluable. I was in the ER a year ago. They did MRI's and said I needed surgery (it would have to be scheduled, so not immediate). My physiatrist has helped determine when I do and don't need surgery (it's too long a story for today).

Someone commented about micro surgery. I had it on the first surgery but the second one Sometimes, if you've already had a surgery on that site, subsequent surgeries cannot be micro. Or, in my case, when they are doing multiple sites, they don't do micro.

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