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Chronic Pain members - Welcome, please introduce yourself
Chronic Pain | Last Active: 7 hours ago | Replies (7075)Comment receiving replies
Hi! - not sure I'm in the right space...but had MRI and appt with pain mgmt dr who said I have one of worst cases of spinal stenosis he has seen - so he immediately called in spine surgeon (who agrees) and now want to do rods, pins, 3 1/2 hour surgery. I am nearly 81 years old - do I want such extreme surgery and recovery?? Plus, I have yet to see anyone who has had back surgery that they would consider themselves cured 5 years post-op. On the other hand, I am threatened with paralysis if I do not have the surgery. Much pain, back and down one leg, do I care if I have an opiod addiction at this age? (I don't yet - but it is becoming harder to sleep as pain wakes me in about 3 hours). Definitely need 2nd opinion. Close to Vail, Colorado where there is a good orthopedic clinic. Or I could get to Mayo's in AZ. any advice - much appreciated.
Replies to "Hi! - not sure I'm in the right space...but had MRI and appt with pain mgmt..."
@barbarn Im 76 and I wouldn't have the surgery at my age I do have a fractured back that the femoral and sciatica nerves are impinged by this I told the Dr.if its possible I don't want surgery Dr gave me a prescription for Lidocaine patches it takes the pain away At times all I need is one patch they last for 12 hrs.
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@barbarn
Welcome to this group! You are in the write place.
I am 63. I had cervical and lumbar stenosis with pain that put me with a walker and heading to a point of not walking at all.
So, I do feel your pain!
At the end of February, I had 2 discs removed and replaced with artificial discs (C2/3),
The recovery was quick and the pain did not last long at all!!!!!!!
About 4 weeks ago, I had a procedure called EXTREME LIFT (L4/5).
This is a form of a disc fusion. I do not know the difference.
Truth is, this has been a HORRIBLE recovery!!!!
I still wobble and the pain is mildly better.
For some reason, I now have pain in my left knee.
I have weight loss surgery and lost 80 lbs. and my knees, which were very painful, no longer had pain.
So, I don't know what happened???????
Anyway, between the lumbar and cervical surgeries, I don't know what caused my knees to act up.
My left knee is almost bone on bone and my right knee is just a bit better.
Have you discussed with the surgeon if there is another, less dranatic surgery is available.
If not, I would go for another opinion.
Back surgery, at any age is difficult but for someone your age (no offense) that is ridiculous.
Can they do RADIO FREQUENCY OR STEROID INJECTIONS? HOW ABOUT STEM CELL TREATMENTS?
I don't mean to be 'Debbie Downer', but I feel you need to know what to expect.
One of the bad things for me, is that no one explained what to expect and after having such a great experience with my upper neck, the second surgery was a shocker!!!!!!!!!!!!1
Good luck!!!
Ronnie (GRANDMAr)