Inoperable spinal stenosis in L4, L5.

@dalton7 Hello and welcome to Connect. Can you explain why your surgeons told you your stenosis is inoperable? Do you have other health conditions that put you at risk?

Jennifer

Hello Jennifer,
I have moderate to extreme stenosis.One surgeon is suggesting not having surgery yet because I’m not experiencing side effects of numbness, tingling and pain yet.
The other surgeon feels the surgery is too risky.
I am running out of options. I have recently begun reading about the verte flex procedure. Any thoughts or opinions?
Kerry

I am a 72-year-old male. I am 5‘6“ tall and I weigh 160 pounds.
I am a non-smoker with no other medical issues, other than cholesterol and thyroid gland.
Other than that, I am in pretty good shape.

Morning Kerry. I empathize with your frustrations over making the huge decision as to surgery ... or not. I'm a 71 YO male who had L2-5 decompression and fusion 9+ months ago. I've learned a lot along the way and maybe I can help you create a perspective?

It's interesting the two surgeons had such different conclusions. You didn't mention what type of surgeons you consulted with? Considering the spinal cord is a bundle of nerves and nerve damage is to be avoided, I preferred a neurosurgeon and I'm happy I did! Do you have a neurosurgeon consultation?

If I had your two very different diagnoses - I'd seek a third as a tie-breaker.

I have severe L4-5 stenosis. I found great relief learning and following the Gokhale Primal Posture method.

Good morning,
Thank you for your response.
Yes, I saw an orthopedic surgeon as well as a neurosurgeon. I would consider a third opinion, but in Boston since I live in Maine. I am also considering the Vertiflex procedure if you’ve ever heard of that?
I have not heard of the
Gokhale Primal Posture method but will check it out.

Kerry - There are so many different procedures and treatments for spine issues, I don't see how anyone can keep current on them all. I'm no doctor, merely an "experienced" spinal surgery patient.

In my case I got two opinions. Both recommended surgery but the neurosurgeon gave a much more comprehensive diagnosis and surgical suggestion.

Looks like a trip to Boston might be in your future? You're fortunate to not have any/many current side effects of the stenosis.

@dalton7 Hi Kerry, This discussion has members talking about the Verteflex implant. From my understanding, it is something screwed on to outside of the spine to act as a spacer that would aid in maintaining space between vertebrae (or what the space occupied by discs should be).

Members are saying it may not be appropriate for severe stenosis. There can also be enlargement of a ligament on the back of the spinal canal that contributes to stenosis or discs ruptured into the spinal canal often accompanied by bone spurs.

Spine Health - "What's your experience with Vertiflex Superion Implant?"
https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/veriflex-superion-implant/

Here is the manufacturer's website.
https://www.bostonscientific.com/en-US/products/indirect-decompression-system/superion-indirect-decompression-system.html

My cousin, a man in his 80's, had a laminectomy to treat lumbar stenosis. Have the surgeons suggested this as an option?
https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/laminectomy/about/pac-20394533

There is a lot to decide about if and when surgery is right and what procedure to consider. Symptoms can develop suddenly for some people and slowly for others, and it depends on how much it affects your life. There is also a window of opportunity for surgery that can close due to advanced age or other health problems making it too risky, so that is something to consider. It is hard to answer, but how will your condition change and how fast is it changing?

Jennifer