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Does anyone have foraminal stenosis ?

Posted by annie1 @annie1, Oct 2, 2024

I had decompression/laminotomy, surgery on L3/4 and was doing pretty well for about four months but then got alot more active, walking on sand and otherwise and the throbbing pain starting coming back in my legs. The surgeon said it was coming from the Foramen now and he has to do fusion. Does anyone know about this type of pain and how to deal with in non surgically ?

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rae1112 | @rae1112 | Jan 25, 2025
In reply to @dlydailyhope "@rae1112 I understand your dilemma. I am 55 and female and had decompression and fusion of..." + (show)
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@rae1112
I understand your dilemma. I am 55 and female and had decompression and fusion of L3-L5 due to horrendous pain and weakness/numbness. Have you tried spinal injections and are you being managed for pain by a pain clinic? Surgeons do not help with pain management and don’t always refer you. I have heard that fusing L5 to S1 is really restrictive but understand where you are at struggling to function with the pain and fusion of t3-l5. Getting multiple opinions will help you make your decision.

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I am not able to do steroids I had one in 2018 and ended up with steroid induced anxiety depression and dementia. So not something I want to repeat.
Here in Wisconsin we are made to see pain management first. I had a failed ablation. I’m in gabapentin and muscle resolve plus hydrocodone and it only slightly dulls it. Nor am I allowed to do any NSAIDs due to low kidney function.
I am worried too about loss of mobility but I’m not terribly able now with the long fusion and pain.

I am waiting on my second opinion.

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rae1112 | @rae1112 | Jan 25, 2025
In reply to @dallasnana "After multiple spinal fusion surgeries and fractured vertebrae with repeated proximal joint failures, I saw a..." + (show)
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After multiple spinal fusion surgeries and fractured vertebrae with repeated proximal joint failures, I saw a neurosurgeon at Mayo. He completely removed all my old hardware and did a complete new fusion from T1 to sacrum. Unfortunately, the T1 vertebra fractured almost immediately. I went back 3 months later for a fusion from C2 to T4. Now, 7 months later I am pain free. However, having C2 -sacrum fusion has limited my head range of motion by %50. Obviously, I have no bending in my torso except for at my hips. I can do ADLs and drive. I can walk, take spin classes and do aquafit. I still get tired pretty easily but that is getting better the further out from surgery I get. So sorry you are in so much pain. I hope you can get good relief from surgery.

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My fusion from t3-l5 I’m told is solid and in good shape. I can only bend at the hips as well already. That’s why I’m wondering if I’ll really notice a lot less mobility?
Although I was told a few weeks ago when I started PT never to bend again that I’m messing up my back. Said to squat. Well my knees are bad so I use a reacher now

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sstopalian | @sstopalian | Jan 25, 2025
In reply to @annie1 "What kind of exercise ? I do crunches, glue strengthening, something for the side of my..." + (show)
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What kind of exercise ? I do crunches, glue strengthening, something for the side of my leg. Two pain management doctors said I could just have one steroid injection and it wouldn't hurt, it's only if they do alot. What do you think ?

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I know that crunches are not good for the back. the injection is only to help with inflammation, and pain so one can be rehabbed and continue to exercise.

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