And here’s my story…….

Eight years ago, my husband’s leg all of the sudden started spazzing intermittently. It was suggested he see a neurologist. The neurologist was very thorough and immediately sent him for a CT scan from the top of his head down his entire spine. The scan revealed he had several very large bones spurs in his neck that were suffocating his spinal cord. He needed surgery as soon as possible to prevent any further nerve damage and also the possibility of permanent paralysis. The decision to have surgery was inevitable because the chance of him becoming permanently paralyzed in the near future was very real. Surgery went very well but because of the damage already done by the spurs, after the surgery my husband started experiencing tingling in his hands and feet, and muscle weakness in his legs (neuropathy). He had back issues for many years due to his physical job but nothing overwhelming that he couldn’t handle. But now his back pain is severe and he also developed abdominal wall pain. As soon as he starts walking just a bit he is in intense pain, front and back. He now requires a cane even at home, a walker for short distances, and a mobility scooter for longer ones. He was only 62 when this happened and it has deeply affected both of our lives. He used to be such a strong man constantly working on home projects, working in the yard, building stuff for our grandchildren, traveling. We did so many things together including entertaining family and friends, just enjoying life in general. Now if we visit with our family, after just a few hours we have to leave because his pain becomes unbearable. If we want a longer visit we ask them to come to our home so that he can be in his recliner. We had so many dreams for our retirement which have all faded away. We don’t do much of anything together anymore and just mostly co-exist.

He has been to so many doctors for help including a pain management doctor who suggested a spinal cord stimulator. We had such high hopes but have been very disappointed because it really didn’t help much. My husband said before it was implanted into his back that if the stimulator would help him with at least 50% of his pain, he would be the happiest man in the world. After two years of poor results, he doesn’t even charge it anymore and is probably going to have it removed soon because he’s tired of the bulk in his back that isn’t even helping.

He has lost all hope for the possibility of any further help and has pretty much accepted he will be this way for the rest of his life. I have lost my husband, my companion as a result of this nightmare. Because of the pain meds he takes daily, most of his days are spent on his recliner in front of the TV or sleeping.

Not sure I’m even asking for any advice as I’m starting to give up myself. Just wanted to share our story as I can see with several other posts that we are not alone in this similar battle. 🥺