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Neuropathy with back pain exercise
Neuropathy | Last Active: Apr 17 12:00pm | Replies (58)Comment receiving replies
@bjk3 ~ So very true ~ if we had only known what to expect, but then we're all different in what we experience too. I had never had any issues except for the neuropathy, and thought that was going to be my only concern ~ hoping that it didn't creep up into my hands. But I never expected THIS! I just ordered a second rollator/transport chair for upstairs so I can get around and do things. The main rollator is downstairs for use outside as well. We're also having a company come give us a quote next week for a stair lift. As of this past week, I can no longer get up and down easily. In fact, I stand at the bottom of the stairs crying for awhile, and praying for God to help me climb, and He does, but I'm exhausted by the time I get there. We have 16 stairs to a landing, then 3 more to our loft, bedrooms, laundry, etc. At least we have a downstairs bedroom and in-suite bath with a walk-in shower. It came in most handily when my husband was recovering from knee surgery. So I'm hoping that even if I end up having back surgery, the lift will get me upstairs to my own bed. I know the epidural is just a temporary fix, if it works. The condition of my spine is stenosis from L3-L5,S1 - with cauda equina compression which my doctor is extremely worried about. I'm waiting for insurance to approve the referral to the neurosurgeon and then getting in to see him. Thankfully, my husband is seeing the same guy on the 24th, but that still seems a long ways off for what's happening in my spine. My primary said this could be really dangerous and lead to paralysis, so I'm praying it doesn't get to that point and I end up with just anyone operating on me!
Replies to "@bjk3 ~ So very true ~ if we had only known what to expect, but then..."
@brennankb55 make sure you have the best surgeon for your surgery. I had the same reaction from my internist about paralysis and I’ve been thru two surgeries for spinal stenosis and they both have been successfully done. One in Sarasota and the other at University of Washington Teaching Hospital. Go for it but get the best.
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@brennankb55 Things seem to be moving mighty fast (your condition, not the medical interventions). I applaud you and your husband for looking into/investing in the additional walking and other aids that help you to safely navigate your living space. These constant accommodations of what we need according to how our bodies change are exactly what I was talking about in not knowing what to expect. I am now the proud owner and user of one walker and one rollator each in the car, one rollator for the garage and yard, and two in the house (mine is ranch style) - one that has a seat and the other, not. How did all this come about???
I've never heard of cauda equine compression - I will look that up. For sure, have that top of the line surgeon do your procedure, not "just anyone". Mine was decompression and fusion of L2 - Sacrum - a 7 hour operation because there were other issues that couldn't be detected before the procedure: the large number of bone spurs and resultant scraping was part of it. The only resultant pain was the healing of the sciatic nerve on my left side. It took weeks and weeks. I was so afraid the damage (and pain) were going to be permanent, but I was assured by the surgeon that they were not, and he was right. He said it would take some time, and he was right about that, too. But sure enough, no sciatic pain!
I think one of the most perplexing & disappointing results of all this (mobility issues due to breaking my hip about 10 months after the back surgery, P.N., inability to plan how pain meds may affect me based on exhaustion, combination with other meds, arthritis sometime as a response to changing weather, etc.) is that I'm just not dependable. Responsible, yes, but not able to be relied upon to be present at group events where there may be expectations as to participation. It bothers me to think it may look like I show up only when I want to.
Well, I don't want this to be a rant without end! I am plenty grateful for the way the Lord has provided through my whole life, given me an unbelievably wonderful family, and continues to take care of things, even as this body declines. Life is good. I believe I'm not the first to make that observation!!
Keep us posted. I am praying for you ~
Barb