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Spine Health | Last Active: 4 days ago | Replies (15)
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I am 78 years old. Recent MRI shows severe stenosis L1 through L5 both central and foraminal. There is conus and thecal sac compression from L1, L2 disc herniation.
There is also arachnoiditis at L3, L4 with nerve root clumping. My wonderful neurosurgeon recommends surgery which he honestly says is a 10 hour procedure with extreme pain to be expected. My question is has anyone my age had a surgery of this length? Also would like to know about experience with arachnoiditis which my surgeon says will continue to cause pain as surgery can’t help it.
Replies to "I am 78 years old. Recent MRI shows severe stenosis L1 through L5 both central and..."
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@sunnyanne I just wanted to welcome you with your first post. It sounds like you are doing a great job of researching what you need to know prior to a decision on surgery. I am a spine surgery patient, but mine was a cervical fusion. Severe stenosis can be very disabling. Surgery will initially increase the inflammation in your body and likely elevate your pain. I hope that will improve as you heal. It may help to work out a routine for relaxation as part of coping with the surgery and journey afterward. Hopefully members with related experience will join the discussion.