Severe spinal stenosis: Would you do surgery?

I have had 5 cervical fusions and getting ready for my 7th on C7 - T1. I have had great results with them all but I am afraid I have waited too long with this last one. I have been going to a pain clinic for 3 years and have had multiple injections. At first they helped but after a while they had no effect. The pain has gotten to the point where I can't hardly stand it. On February 8th I will have a discectomy/fusion ....severe spinal stenosis. Once I recover from that, I will have the same done on L3 -L4. Then hip replacement. This will be my 3rd surgery on my lumbar spine.
The best advise that I can give you is don't wait too long. I have nerve damage that can't be reversed. I will be 67 in March and have always worked and stayed active. I have come to a complete stop. Don't wait too long.

I have Spinal Stenosis at L4 and L5. My orthopedic surgeon gave me two choices: surgery with no guarantee or stay on my pills Tramadol and Gabapentin. I have chosen surgery. I figure that even if it doesn't work, I've tried my best.

I checked on my surgeon's reputation. There were 4 comments; two raved about him and two thought he was terrible. It was mainly about his attitude and professionalism. Nothing about his quality of surgery.
I am in Canada and due to COVID-19, surgeries are backed up. Another reason is that suddenly, we have had a lot of shootings and the hospital that my surgeon works is responsible for looking after them.

He even warned me that I could be cancelled at any time. I replied, "Oh, I know another Surrey shooting." He was silent. I will report on my experience.

@pthaley I see that you are a new member, welcome! You do have a list of surgeries in your future and months of recovery ahead for sure. Will your cervical fusion be an anterior or a posterior approach? I have heard surgeons say they would do a posterior if there already was an anterior surgery to avoid extra scar tissue in the area of the prior surgery.

Did you find recovery from lumbar surgery to be more difficult than cervical surgeries? I hope will get relief and improvement from your procedures.

Jennifer

I have been watching this blog and find it very helpful. My question is: ortho vs. neuro surgeon for spinal stenosis? My MRI shows a very narrow spinal canal that causes severe pain. There is literally no space in the spinal canal (L4 region). Thus far, I have 2 opinions, and I am 2 for 0 (suggesting surgery). One is from an ortho surgeon (who spent very little time with me to review the surgery and its outcome), and the other was a neuro (who spent a good deal of time with me). The problem I face is that the ortho MD is with a highly regarded bone specialty hospital in NYC, and the neuro is with a Community hospital in my state. I also am working through the Mayo Clinic's Spinal Center; however, this will mean an airline trip in-and-out, and a hotel stay. How much pain is expected post-op?

Lumbar stenosis can make it difficult to walk and often feels better when you lean forward and relieve the pressure on your lower vertebrae.. This describes me to a T, I am severely bent forward . I had an injection which if anything mad things worse.I need something that will physically pull me upright like a belt or brace in the hope ir will force my muscles to learn to support a more upright posture. ANY IDEAS Complicated by the fact that I am waiting for a 2nd hip replacement as my hip has no movement my other hip was replaced 16 months ago

Can you come to Mayo Clinic in Rochester, MN? I came here with an emergency room dr in Georgia, USA. He was most confident with Dr Bydon and he is happy I have same doctor. Two weeks ago I had surgery for a lateral herniated disk and severe stenosis at L5/S1. Surgery went excellent. Be careful with after care. Follow directions to a tee.
You have to call number listed, have tests sent requested. If approved will be on a waiting list. I had a phone appointment then came for testing and surgery, all within 3 days.
If you come stay at a hotel within a 5 min walk from hospital if you can, especially if you don’t have a car.

I have been watching this blog and find it very helpful. My question is: ortho vs. neuro surgeon for spinal stenosis? My MRI shows a very narrow spinal canal that causes severe pain. There is literally no space in the spinal canal (L4 region). Thus far, I have 2 opinions, and I am 2 for 0 (suggesting surgery). One is from an ortho surgeon (who spent very little time with me to review the surgery and its outcome), and the other was a neuro (who spent a good deal of time with me). The problem I face is that the ortho MD is with a highly regarded bone specialty hospital in NYC, and the neuro is with a Community hospital in my state. I also am working through the Mayo Clinic's Spinal Center; however, this will mean an airline trip in-and-out, and a hotel stay. How much pain is expected post-op?

Why do people have to suffer with extreme pain from spinal stenosis? If you have a damaged heart, there are remedies. If you have cancer, there is surgery and treatment.
Doctors can replace lungs, livers and kidneys. Knee replacement, hip replacement, but there is no fix for spinal stenosis. Most people have more pain after disc surgery.
More research is needed to
make the surgery less dangerous and have better results post surgery so the patient can have a better quality of life.