Chronic back pain unable to walk longer than two minutes

Your response to people who criticize and judge you for seeking relief from intense chronic is wonderful! I'm going to borrow that response. I'm 83 and have had 4 lumbar surgeries and 3 cervical fusions, and can't remember not being in pain. I've started with a new neurosurgeon, just X-Rays so far to satisfy Medicare but sure an MRI is the next step. One step at a time.

Thank you so much for this helpful response. You are correct: unless one lives with chronic, intractable pain it's easy for them, and even medical professionals, to not understand what our pain is like.

Re : radio frequency nerve ablation: I am 75 and have had many years of impossible painful immobility— even bought a mobility scooter last year when the 4th epidural shot caused even more pain.
My lumbar vertebrae are collapsed from DDD, naturally fused 3-5. So finally through the hospital pain clinic here in Vancouver I got a RFA treatment of facet joint nerves at vertebrae L3 to L5. Both sides so 6 times they had to freeze the area and zap the nerves, pinpointed spots using CT scanner. It was done 4 days ago and I have been out walking! Taking the walker to assist my knees that have advanced arthritis. Also I actually slept through the night twice. I may have been overdoing it today as I am sore now after we went to get spring plants. I will definitely tell you that the day of the treatment and next day were unpleasant but it seems now to have worked. I recommend that you ask your Dr. as this definitely has helped me. I hope it lasts or I will request a second round.

@flyjim I had the Boston Stimulator surgery in January I got 95% pain relief after being miserable from a failed back surgery in 2023. Four days after having the permanent stimulator put in I accidentally bent too far ( I picked up a magazine off the floor ) and the leads moved. I finally got approved to have paddles instead of leads this time ( leads are known to migrate since they’re not anchored except by scar tissue) insurance hasn’t adjusted the $78,000 bill yet. I’m having to have a Neurosurgeon put the paddles in March 31 because of a larger cut in my back, my Physiatrist done the leads and stimulator. I have refused the stimulator thinking my original surgeon done something and is hiding it even my physiatrist agreed something was wrong and sent me to another surgeon which I seen 2 of them thanks to an ER visit they said wouldn’t do anything so I went to Mayo in Minnesota and was told I have an L5 screw loose ( in my back not my head lol ) they recommended a stimulator also.

Hello, @gently and @mermaid7272,
That sounds exactly like stenosis to me. My lumbar surgery was in 2022 to correct stenosis, spondelosesthesis, arthritis, and bone spurs, and was completely successful. Long and complicated procedure but it was at a teaching hospital/university with a superb staff.
To all who are suffering and seeking answers, don't lose hope! Keep becoming informed and getting second opinions.
Barb

It's so good to finally hear someone else with the same problem as I have. I broke my back in 2023 . I can barely walk or stand for 2 minutes if that long. I have lost all control of my back. I do not have any strength in my back to hold my body up. I never wore a brace because I live alone, and it takes 2 people to put the back brace on. I can't do physical therapy. My orthopedic doctor said there is nothing that can be done for my condition I am so depressed about not leading a normal life. Thank you for sharing your story it helps me to know I am not the only one who has this problem. No one understands it or me when I try to explain why I can't walk or stand.

Barb may I ask the name of the teaching hospital? I have gone back and forth for quite some time about my back and the consensus is always that ship has unfortunately sailed due to my having MAC/aspergillosis and low BMI. They all want to operate but don’t dare and say - “If you were my mom or family member…” I’d like to know if there is an option in spite of these other health concerns. Thanks . Irene5

Good evening, @irene5 ,
It was/is the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics in Iowa City, Iowa. I live an hour away and did not want to travel because it would mean one of my kids or their spouse would have to make the drive with me to all the appointments. I sought out 2 highly recommended orthopedic surgeons here in Davenport where I live, and each wanted to refer me to a specific ortho. surgeon at the U. of I.: Dr. Andrew Pugely. One of those doctors flat out refused to do the surgery; the other was willing to do the surgery but only with Dr. Pugely's "blessing". After my initial appointment with Dr. Pugely (actually his P.A.) there was no question in my mind as to being in the right hands with his team.
Then, in the spring of this year, I received a letter from his office announcing his change of address/practice to Davenport!! You can't imagine my elation! I have not needed his services but wow! - I know exactly who to go to if ever I do. At the same time, the U of I Orthopedic department doesn't have a bad doctor. A number of my friends and family (including son) have been in their care over the years.
I sure wish you the very best as you navigate the health system and search for the surgeon who can help you.
~ Barb

Thank you so very much Barb. I appreciate that information tremendously . I refused surgery so many times and finally the surgeon told me, “ Next time you won’t have a choice!” ( referring to my spondylolithsesis). I was a teacher for 43 years and never wanted to take the time because the recovery at that time was up to a year. I was also raising ten children ( 6 from China) so I just kept on keeping on. Fast forward many years and serious lung issues and weight loss not by choice and here I am wearing a specially made thoracic spine brace and a lumbar brace as well- I alternate. My anesthesiologist who gives me steroid shots whenever I call him feels there is help out there for me in spite of my other “stuff.” The two surgeons he referred me to are hesitant and explained that with my low BMI , age of 75, and lung issues he felt I would have complications afterwards and the surgery would potentially go south. That’s when I get, “If you were my mom I would not recommend it.” So I really appreciate your input about Davenport. My husband lived in Iowa as a child (military kid). He doesn’t remember where as he has dementia/ Parkinson’s. I love teaching hospitals because the doctors are on their game - they have to be. Plus it’s a team with mentors. Many thanks. Irene5

Oh Wow, Irene. You have been through the wringer. I have huge respect for you and your husband for stepping up and giving a family to these children - your own and those from China. I, too, was a teacher but for far fewer years. I taught in IL and IA - middle school, high school and college. I'm 78 now and waited several years to give in to the lumbar surgery. My friends wanted me to "go for it" for several years. Their argument was hard to dismiss - "you'll never be as young as you are today" (meaning recovery will never be this "easy" again) - but I really did want to try anything and everything else before giving in -- steroid injections, chiropractic, bullheadedness 😣. I think recuperation time is a year and sometimes more, for any major surgery. Mine was a 7-hour decompression and fusion of L2 to the Sacrum. I was amazed at the number of tests I had to have before Dr. Pugely would even schedule my surgery: MRI, CT, bone density, EMG/NCV, an in-person appointment with a psychologist, a very long (over an hour) evaluation which seemed to me like a test and was completed on a computer, an evaluation with a bone health specialist, and possibly additional tests. But because he was so well prepared with information about my body, I went in with much confidence and almost no trepidation about the outcome. No back pain since the minute I woke up but I now have so much hardware in my back it's a wonder that I'm not pulled onto the refrigerator as I walk by!
As to where your husband may have settled for a time in Iowa, it may have been right here. We are home to the Rock Island Arsenal - an island in the Mississippi River that is an Army installation whose purpose is the manufacture of all manner of land-use weapons for the Defense Department. I'm so sorry for both of you that he is dealing with Parkinson's and Dementia. That means you are, too. These debilitating conditions are shared by the entire family - I'm sure you've been well aware of that for some time. Please know that I am praying for you and for him - for strength and protection and for God's grace in determining the best direction for healthcare for you both.
Peace, Barb