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Chronic back pain unable to walk longer than two minutes

Posted by wincardona @wincardona, Mar 11 3:50am

I am 81 years old and have been suffering from back problems for the last 20 years. I have had three spinal fusions, with the last one on 09/31/2024. I never recovered from the last one, resulting in chronic back pain, rendering me with a disability where I am unable to walk or stand longer than two minutes without having to either sit or lie down. I have tried epidural injections and Radio Frequency Ablation, which hasn't helped. My doctors have no answers as to why I'm experiencing this type of pain. My surgeon said that the surgery was a success based on my CT scan and MRI. I have arthritis in the spine with scar tissue as well. Im wondering if I'm a candidate for HFX or spinal stimulation. Is there a difference, and if so, which method would I be more responsive to? I want some feedback; thank you.

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maxiesmom | @maxiesmom | Mar 16 4:32pm
In reply to @flyjim "You can swim. You can get a massage, although the masseuse will work around the computer/battery...." + (show)
@flyjim

You can swim. You can get a massage, although the masseuse will work around the computer/battery.
No lead migration as of yet, from what my research suggests it’s very rare.
There are no physical limitations after approximately 2 weeks from surgery. I had the permanent implant on Nov. 5, 2024.
MRIs might be a problem but CAT scans are not an issue.
Also, I am a physical therapy maniac. I do an hour 5 days a week. Approximately 30min. concentrating on my core.
A strong core is one of the most important part of your body when suffering with back injuries. Remaining time is for upper body and lower body. I also do GENTLE yoga one day a week. Practicing that more days would be great and I love the results as far as flexibility and the mental health benefits it provides.
A spinal stimulator is pretty much done as a last resort. The health insurance companies have destroyed Americas health care. It’s a very expensive procedure. There is small percentage that it will not provide relief. In that regard they perform a quick minor surgery where they implant the electrodes but the computer/battery is contained in a fanny pack.
You have it 5 days to make sure it’s providing at least 50% relief or the Dr. will not implant the permanent one.
Hope this gives the info you need. I can’t tell you how many people have told me not to have any of my surgeries, injections or ablations. My response is that you telling me that means your pain is not acute enough or you haven’t been in intense pain long enough.
I’ve had pain since I was 25, I’m almost 70. I’m willing to do just about anything for any amount of relief.

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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.

REPLY
frankiechi | @frankiechi | Mar 16 4:49pm
In reply to @flyjim "You can swim. You can get a massage, although the masseuse will work around the computer/battery...." + (show)
@flyjim

You can swim. You can get a massage, although the masseuse will work around the computer/battery.
No lead migration as of yet, from what my research suggests it’s very rare.
There are no physical limitations after approximately 2 weeks from surgery. I had the permanent implant on Nov. 5, 2024.
MRIs might be a problem but CAT scans are not an issue.
Also, I am a physical therapy maniac. I do an hour 5 days a week. Approximately 30min. concentrating on my core.
A strong core is one of the most important part of your body when suffering with back injuries. Remaining time is for upper body and lower body. I also do GENTLE yoga one day a week. Practicing that more days would be great and I love the results as far as flexibility and the mental health benefits it provides.
A spinal stimulator is pretty much done as a last resort. The health insurance companies have destroyed Americas health care. It’s a very expensive procedure. There is small percentage that it will not provide relief. In that regard they perform a quick minor surgery where they implant the electrodes but the computer/battery is contained in a fanny pack.
You have it 5 days to make sure it’s providing at least 50% relief or the Dr. will not implant the permanent one.
Hope this gives the info you need. I can’t tell you how many people have told me not to have any of my surgeries, injections or ablations. My response is that you telling me that means your pain is not acute enough or you haven’t been in intense pain long enough.
I’ve had pain since I was 25, I’m almost 70. I’m willing to do just about anything for any amount of relief.

Jump to this post

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.

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msmcecelia | @msmcecelia | Mar 16 5:55pm

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.

REPLY
sbtheplumber1 | @sbtheplumber1 | Mar 16 11:45pm
In reply to @flyjim "You can swim. You can get a massage, although the masseuse will work around the computer/battery...." + (show)
@flyjim

You can swim. You can get a massage, although the masseuse will work around the computer/battery.
No lead migration as of yet, from what my research suggests it’s very rare.
There are no physical limitations after approximately 2 weeks from surgery. I had the permanent implant on Nov. 5, 2024.
MRIs might be a problem but CAT scans are not an issue.
Also, I am a physical therapy maniac. I do an hour 5 days a week. Approximately 30min. concentrating on my core.
A strong core is one of the most important part of your body when suffering with back injuries. Remaining time is for upper body and lower body. I also do GENTLE yoga one day a week. Practicing that more days would be great and I love the results as far as flexibility and the mental health benefits it provides.
A spinal stimulator is pretty much done as a last resort. The health insurance companies have destroyed Americas health care. It’s a very expensive procedure. There is small percentage that it will not provide relief. In that regard they perform a quick minor surgery where they implant the electrodes but the computer/battery is contained in a fanny pack.
You have it 5 days to make sure it’s providing at least 50% relief or the Dr. will not implant the permanent one.
Hope this gives the info you need. I can’t tell you how many people have told me not to have any of my surgeries, injections or ablations. My response is that you telling me that means your pain is not acute enough or you haven’t been in intense pain long enough.
I’ve had pain since I was 25, I’m almost 70. I’m willing to do just about anything for any amount of relief.

Jump to this post

@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.

REPLY
bjk3 | @bjk3 | Mar 16 11:47pm
In reply to @mermaid7272 "@gently 'When you stand up you are in alignment and after a few steps the vertebra..." + (show)
@mermaid7272

@gently

'When you stand up you are in alignment and after a few steps the vertebra slips forward.'

That makes more sense than 99% of what doctors and P.T.s have said to me over many years!
I can't stand, and of course, walk very much without some sort of help for more than a few minutes. Sitting is my relief,

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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

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