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Severe Stenosis in Lumbar Region

Posted by eviggiano @eviggiano, Jan 31, 2023

I have an upcoming tele-med appointment with Mayo, Medical and Surgical teams. I am stressing over the recovery: how much pain to expect, and over what period of time; can I sit; can I sit on a plane to go home to NJ; what can i expect at home; do I need a cane; a walker; is there a special pillow to allow me to sleep; will I have to take opiods; other pain meds. I am so nervous. I have been told I do not need a spinal fusion (thank God); Please help with specifics. TIA.

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donnie0810 | @donnie0810 | Feb 1, 2023

I'm sorry that you are having to go through this but if you have had several consultations with more than 1 either Neuro or Ortho spine surgeon, & they are singing the same song, well you need to ask yourself if you want to be able to function with less pain 10 years from now. I'm 7 years post L4-S1 TLiff fusion, and I can do about whatever I want to st 62. But, I do exercise daily, eat smart, and stretch a lot. Post surgery, yes there will be some pain but mostly from the procedure itself. If all goes well, they will have you up & walking within a day after. Get you some good, cushioned, slip on walking shoes & have a grab bar installed both in your shower and near your toilet. Get a portable toilet support from Walmart, and do your best to empty out your digestive system days before surgery. This is because the meds they put you under with can cause constipation. Wishing you the best!

REPLY
kaptainkat | @kaptainkat | Feb 2, 2023

I've a triplet of bulges in my lumbar. Severe/extreme sciatica.

Last February I was at a 8.5-9 out of ten on a pain scale, and could not walk down half the driveway for the newspaper.

PHYSICAL THERAPY has me walking 870 ft in a 6-minute 'endurance', and pain hovers between 3 and 4.

Yeah, it took a long time, but I am 70, and THOROUGH more so than rapid. AND I did and still do MY 'homework'/'gym' work - stretches, steps, hurdles, tandem pace (heel to toe steps) and other balance work...

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1 reply
kaptainkat | @kaptainkat | Feb 2, 2023
In reply to @kaptainkat "I've a triplet of bulges in my lumbar. Severe/extreme sciatica. Last February I was at a..." + (show)
@kaptainkat

I've a triplet of bulges in my lumbar. Severe/extreme sciatica.

Last February I was at a 8.5-9 out of ten on a pain scale, and could not walk down half the driveway for the newspaper.

PHYSICAL THERAPY has me walking 870 ft in a 6-minute 'endurance', and pain hovers between 3 and 4.

Yeah, it took a long time, but I am 70, and THOROUGH more so than rapid. AND I did and still do MY 'homework'/'gym' work - stretches, steps, hurdles, tandem pace (heel to toe steps) and other balance work...

Jump to this post

Oh, and the only meds are gaba, Cymbalta - prescribed by a past psychiatrist, and acknowledged by two more since for my depression. And I am in the State of Arizona's Health Department Medical Marijuana program.

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