Deformity of the Spine. (Scoliosis,Spondylolisthesis, Deg. Disc, ETC.

Posted by wheelerma @wheelerma, Dec 5, 2020

Has anyone had this exact diagnosis and surgery for it or declined to have the surgery? Also, Spinal Stenosis.

Interested in more discussions like this? Go to the Spine Health Support Group.

I have been diagnosed with scoliosis for the first time in my life, 76 years. I have no plans to do anything about it.

REPLY

Yes. I was diagnosed with spondylolisthesis, spinal stenosis, degenerative disc disease, think bulging discs and had surgery including fusion for my lumbar spine in 2011. Also my neck same year.
Diagnosed with more of same in 2019 at more lumbar levels, had all of above, sciatica, “moderate to severe” stenosis, DDD. Did not want surgery but nothing was helping, trouble walking, occ using cane. Scheduled for surgery. Cancelled it at last minute. Ended up doing a trial spinal cord stimulator few months later after seeking another opinion. Had permanent one placed 1/2020. Working well. Much more active, pain very reduced.

REPLY

I'm not sure what diagnosis you are referring to - there are many spinal abnormalities. I've twice been diagnosed with spondylolistheses, once in 1982 and once in 1993. The first time involved fusing 2 Harrington rods, second time implanted 6 screws. Both surgeries were failures, and left me unable to walk more than a block, and unable to stand still (like in a queue) at all. I have scoliosis - both front to back and side to side. So severe than when trying a third remedy involving the insertion of 2 electric "leads", doctors were able to insert only 1. This past October 12th I had a neurosurgeon implant a Nevro spinal cord stimulator and it seems to be working. Not enough time has gone by to really be sure because there are many levels and adjustments on my remote and should only be changed once (or twice) a week. But I AM beginning to feel less pain.

I have osteoporosis, osteoarthritis, and I stand at perhaps 30 degrees tilting forward. There are no more "fixes" for me, so this pain blocker is my last hope. My brain won't be receiving any pain signals from my back, so although the problems still remain, I won't feel them. During my latest MRI, it was found that I have spondylolistheses at another location, and many discs are smashed, crooked, out of line, etc. I hope some of this helps. female/63

REPLY

Thank you for your reply! That is the diagnosis Deformity of the Spine. I have all you have, plus, and I have read that lumber fusion doesn't do a lot for our age group and will end just as your has. I am very sorry to hear that in your results, your condition has worsened. I have tried all kinds of medecine and the only one that lessened my pain was Percoset (sp) and of course no one will prescribe it. Good luck!

REPLY
@lifetimepain

I'm not sure what diagnosis you are referring to - there are many spinal abnormalities. I've twice been diagnosed with spondylolistheses, once in 1982 and once in 1993. The first time involved fusing 2 Harrington rods, second time implanted 6 screws. Both surgeries were failures, and left me unable to walk more than a block, and unable to stand still (like in a queue) at all. I have scoliosis - both front to back and side to side. So severe than when trying a third remedy involving the insertion of 2 electric "leads", doctors were able to insert only 1. This past October 12th I had a neurosurgeon implant a Nevro spinal cord stimulator and it seems to be working. Not enough time has gone by to really be sure because there are many levels and adjustments on my remote and should only be changed once (or twice) a week. But I AM beginning to feel less pain.

I have osteoporosis, osteoarthritis, and I stand at perhaps 30 degrees tilting forward. There are no more "fixes" for me, so this pain blocker is my last hope. My brain won't be receiving any pain signals from my back, so although the problems still remain, I won't feel them. During my latest MRI, it was found that I have spondylolistheses at another location, and many discs are smashed, crooked, out of line, etc. I hope some of this helps. female/63

Jump to this post

Here’s hoping your stimulator continues to help and improves things! I got one in Jan of the current year and it definitely has helped!

REPLY
@wheelerma

Thank you for your reply! That is the diagnosis Deformity of the Spine. I have all you have, plus, and I have read that lumber fusion doesn't do a lot for our age group and will end just as your has. I am very sorry to hear that in your results, your condition has worsened. I have tried all kinds of medecine and the only one that lessened my pain was Percoset (sp) and of course no one will prescribe it. Good luck!

Jump to this post

I too am in a place where the people who need Percoset can't get it because all the "seekers" have made it almost impossible. I am trying Nucynta right now and it does not even begin to touch the pain. I have a Harrington rod and had bone grafts taken from my ribs to integrate the rod with my spine (lumbar) . From L4-T4 I am fused so the top and bottom are really taking up a lot of slack, and causing more pain all over. One ablation left me so wounded that one year later it is still very pained. I am afraid to have anything else implanted in my body, but some days are just enough getting through. Not living, but waiting for the day to pass so I can go to bed. Other days I can manage but just. God Bless you all and Merry Christmas!!

REPLY
@mayomayo

I too am in a place where the people who need Percoset can't get it because all the "seekers" have made it almost impossible. I am trying Nucynta right now and it does not even begin to touch the pain. I have a Harrington rod and had bone grafts taken from my ribs to integrate the rod with my spine (lumbar) . From L4-T4 I am fused so the top and bottom are really taking up a lot of slack, and causing more pain all over. One ablation left me so wounded that one year later it is still very pained. I am afraid to have anything else implanted in my body, but some days are just enough getting through. Not living, but waiting for the day to pass so I can go to bed. Other days I can manage but just. God Bless you all and Merry Christmas!!

Jump to this post

what a shame that we have to go through this misery!!! I wish I could help all of here that need the PAIN RELIEF!!!

REPLY
@lifetimepain

I'm not sure what diagnosis you are referring to - there are many spinal abnormalities. I've twice been diagnosed with spondylolistheses, once in 1982 and once in 1993. The first time involved fusing 2 Harrington rods, second time implanted 6 screws. Both surgeries were failures, and left me unable to walk more than a block, and unable to stand still (like in a queue) at all. I have scoliosis - both front to back and side to side. So severe than when trying a third remedy involving the insertion of 2 electric "leads", doctors were able to insert only 1. This past October 12th I had a neurosurgeon implant a Nevro spinal cord stimulator and it seems to be working. Not enough time has gone by to really be sure because there are many levels and adjustments on my remote and should only be changed once (or twice) a week. But I AM beginning to feel less pain.

I have osteoporosis, osteoarthritis, and I stand at perhaps 30 degrees tilting forward. There are no more "fixes" for me, so this pain blocker is my last hope. My brain won't be receiving any pain signals from my back, so although the problems still remain, I won't feel them. During my latest MRI, it was found that I have spondylolistheses at another location, and many discs are smashed, crooked, out of line, etc. I hope some of this helps. female/63

Jump to this post

Hello! I'm 67 and facing a 5th fusion. My kyphosis started with the last fusion revision.

REPLY
Please sign in or register to post a reply.