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Does anyone have Spinal Stenosis that is extremely bad at wake up?

Posted by mick472 @mick472, Sep 26, 2024

I was just diagnosed a couple months ago with lumbar spinal stenosis. I have good days and uncomfortable days. I am not in severe pain, but very limited on what I can do so I don't aggravate it. But, I am having a terrible time upon wake up for some reason. I have to hold on to doors, wall whatever, as I can hardly walk. It eventually subsides as I take a anti-inflammatory and hang on in a hot shower for about 20 minutes. Does anyone have this problem or better yet a routine at night to help prevent this in the AM?

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susieq47 | @susieq47 | Oct 11 9:57am

I have a Tempur-Pedic Breeze with an adjustable base. I had to put a walker beside my nightstand as I do the log roll to get out of bed. I need my walker some mornings until the stiffness goes away. Laminectomy and fusion of L2-L4 in March and still not better

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msmcecelia | @msmcecelia | Oct 11 4:00pm
In reply to @alicemae "@loriesco Thanks for your post. In total agreement with you that the greatest relief I have..." + (show)
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@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. 🙏

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@alicemae yes Alice I know the pain. It is sometimes unbearable or debilitating. It is especially bad after a day before which has been active. Also I keep my walker close to bed to get better strength to stand. The experts say to get out and moving, but the consequences are severe for me. I have always had frozen gel bags — not heat. I put heat on my feet due to poor circulation. My back injury was years ago, complications accumulated over time so I take pain meds just as I wake up. Be aware of your body relaxing, helpful app is Breathr for breathing exercises and meditation. Good mornings how you can modify life. Hugs.

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susieq47 | @susieq47 | Oct 13 7:54am
In reply to @sandyclaire1313 "Yes, yes. I am also recently diagnosed with the same as you. I stay in bed..." + (show)
Profile picture for sandyclaire1313 @sandyclaire1313

Yes, yes. I am also recently diagnosed with the same as you. I stay in bed as long as possible because I have to use my left elbow to propel me out which is very painful. I turn on the heater and lie down again to do exercises for my lower back and legs. When I finally get up, I walk inside to loosen up the stiffness in my legs. Then, I exercise my legs, arms, back, and shoulders.
My sore arms are my biggest problem but as the day goes on they loosen up however, I am never pain-free. These exercises are my strategy, I cannot take NSAIDs but do use acetaminophen and hydrocodone. I wish you well and hope you can find something to help.

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I had triple laminectomy with spinal fusion (L-2 thru L-4) in March taking care of the most serious first (vertebrae pushing into spinal cord) There is profuse stenosis and arthritis from neck to tail bone. Also had right shoulder replacement and left shoulder is shot but I had a mastectomy with lymph nodes removed so they won't replace that shoulder. I have severe gastro issues with narcotics an NSAIDS, so I use a combo of Tylenol, Voltaren arthritis gel and a TENS unit. I sleep on a TemperPedic Breeze that is softer on my shoulders.

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