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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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I have severe Ll4/5 stenosis and was having crippling sciatica pain. I began following the Gokhale Primal Posture method and have been pain free for several years now and avoided surgery. It might be worth a try in your situation.
Have you ever heard of the M.I.L.D. procedure? Minimally Invasive Lumbar Decompression changed my life completely. It is a 15 minute procedure that is done on an outpatient basis. Hope this helps!!!!! Please look into it. Thinking of you ❤️!!!
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1 Reaction@loriesco
Thanks for your post.
In total agreement with you that the greatest relief I have found so far is the RFA in the facets. It worked well the first time which was 6 months ago. I am having another one next week. The nerves have grown back but I’m not as bad as I was the first time going into the procedure. I am hoping over time that the nerves will eventually deaden and I will need fewer ablations.
I have Sjogren’s Disease so need to drink a lot of water, which also helps to keep the spine hydrated.
Also, a good bed, heat on the lower spine, physio to loosen tight muscles in that area,
I now have hope going forward for controlling pain with lower lumbar spinal stenosis. 🙏
@alicemae I have had periodic RFAs over 25 years. The first ones worked for 15 years. but then I really needed lumbar surgery. Afterwards, I've had them too. Sometimes I have to have them twice in one spot. Heat only works for me - not the pulse. It acts as a diagnostic tool too. You have to figure out WHICH facet joints are the problem. I am bummed they got rid of them (insurance coverage) for the sacral joints. I do a variety of everything. I'm just getting old now! Gotta accept some of that! 😉 today the weather has cooled and it exacerbates my arthritis. Some days ya just have to have a good book on hand!
Has anyone considered
Extra oral shock wave therapy , PRP injections or the use of red light therapy ?
Extracorpeal shock wave therapy
Sorry for this late reply. Yeah my lower back has it all - stenosis, scoliosis, listhesis, degenerative discs and arthritic spurs.
My surgeon tells me my core muscles are supporting my lumbar spine very well. At age 70, I am very active at the gym and will do almost anything to avoid fusion surgery.
About 10 years ago, I had laminotomies at S1/L5/L4. The surgery doesn't take long. The surgeon drills holes in the back of each vertebrae. In my case, he also had to remove a ruptured disc fragment from S1/L5. That surgery also provides more room for the sciatic nerve, as it creates more space, necessary due to stenosis.
You might want to check that out. One advantage is that it maintains the structural integrity of the vertebrae (versus a laminectomy, where a lot more bone is removed and the structure is weakened). It's a trade off, Anyway, I've been very happy with the laminotomies and the pain relief. And so far, I've been able to avoid fusion surgery.
I hope this helps. Finally, I would only use ice on the lower back. A warm/hot shower just feels good in the morning, but heat can increase inflammation, which can lead to pain. Maybe try putting a bag of frozen peas on your lower back during the day.
Joe
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2 ReactionsHello...l am sorry you are having to go through this. Has anyone suggested a M.I.L.D. procedure to be done? I had this Minimally Invasive Lumbar Decompression done last July, and that area has since been pain free. I would heartily recommend this as an option for you.
Looking out for you the best way I know how with my story and prayers, I am Susan
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3 ReactionsAs a DES Daughter, I have spinal stenosis, and my back is painful and tight each morning
@loriesco
25 years?! is a long time. I am relying on the surgeon to know where to insert those needles. The last appointment was very painful and I was sure I wouldn’t be going back for another treatment, however, as time passes that pinching is coming back. I don’t have the lightening seizure pain jolts down my legs and my feet are not as numb, so I guess this is progress. I’m not sure how to figure out which facet joints are bothering me. How did you figure this out?
Did you have to take medication before the RFA? I asked for a dose of lorazepam this time round, to calm the anxiety. My appt. is next week.
I’m hoping I will not need a Laminectomy , but we will see.
Agree about heat and books!
We soldier on, that is for sure. Thanks for your reply. 🙏🌅
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