@emarks
When did you have your last MRI of your lumbar spine? When did you have your MRIs of your hips/pelvis/sacrum?

I have spinal stenosis, degenerative disc disease, cervical myelopathy and neurogenic claudication. I have had 2 cervical and one lumbar spine surgeries. I may need 1 more cervical and 1 more lumbar due to new compression.

I was diagnosed with bilateral gluteal tendinopathy and bilateral partial hamstring tears. I had no idea how this happened but believe due to sedentary lifestyle/long term computer work, spinal stenosis, etc. that affected nerve communication and neuromuscular function. I currently have severe stenosis L2-L3 and may need surgery due to the significant impact on my walking, standing, stair use, hip/hip flexor pain and weakness. It is frustrating and depressing so I can relate. I am scheduled for a spine injection this Friday to see if it helps with any of the pain. I am doing physical therapy to try to strengthen my surrounding muscles which helps some. I am in significant pain in my hips/hip flexors when I wake up in the morning and believe it is due to swelling/limited blood flow overnight, gravity when I stand up, stiffness, etc. It gets a little better as I move around and my body wakes up.

Due to chronic pain for many years, etc. I take 450 mg Wellbutrin/bupropion to help with major depression. This has helped me get out of bed and do my best every day. I take one day at a time and prioritize what’s most important to accomplish each day.

I really don’t want more surgery on my spine but may not have many options due to being born with a congenitally narrow spinal canal. Degeneration with age is going to continue to cause me problems and I need to face my reality and make the best decisions possible to help improve my quality of life for whatever time I have left on this earth (I am currently 56).