Severe spinal stenosis

Posted by katie215 @katie215, Aug 15, 2020

Age 71yo old gal here. L5S1 autofusion, Grace II spondylolisthesis. Severe spinal stenosis complicated by significant impingement L5 nerves, both foramen caused by loss of foramenal height. Extensive spurring. Surgery ruled out due to possible need to refracture autofusion.

Ergo, surviving with opioid "cocktail", gabapentin, +++twisting, burning, stabbing pain, both calves and thighs, 24/7.

Very cooperative helping husband but wearing thin on perseverance here. Cannot imagine another 10+ years of this with a brain that's operating at warp speed.

Perhaps there is someone somewhere sharing these same issues looking at same future.

Interested in more discussions like this? Go to the Spine Health Support Group.

topsz | @topsz | Dec 4, 2024

In reply to @rainerhans "Any advise one a good mattress?" + (show)

Yes need mattress advice!!

heyjoe415 | @heyjoe415 | Dec 5, 2024

In reply to @topsz "Yes need mattress advice!!" + (show)

Well, FWIW, I have almost every pathology possible in my lumbar spine - stenosis, scoliosis, listhesis, degeneraive discs and arthritis everywhere. My surgeon says my lumbar spine is held together by a very strong set of core muscles - even at 70, I'm in the gym everyday.

As for mattresses - I have used a TempurPedic Firm mattress for as long as I can remember. they are pricey, but I spend at least a third of my life on one, so it's a worthwhile investment. And I wake up pain free every morning.

There are a lot of choices available now and I'd shop around and look for other input.

topsz | @topsz | Dec 5, 2024

In reply to @heyjoe415 "Well, FWIW, I have almost every pathology possible in my lumbar spine - stenosis, scoliosis, listhesis,..." + (show)

You are a strong person mentally and physically. Impressive! I’ll check out the TempurPedic. I just started looking. Thanks!

sandyclaire1313 | @sandyclaire1313 | Dec 6, 2024

In reply to @mick472 "I was just diagnosed a couple months ago with lumbar spinal stenosis. I have good days..." + (show)

Yes, yes. I am also recently diagnosed with the same as you. I stay in bed as long as possible because I have to use my left elbow to propel me out which is very painful. I turn on the heater and lie down again to do exercises for my lower back and legs. When I finally get up, I walk inside to loosen up the stiffness in my legs. Then, I exercise my legs, arms, back, and shoulders.
My sore arms are my biggest problem but as the day goes on they loosen up however, I am never pain-free. These exercises are my strategy, I cannot take NSAIDs but do use acetaminophen and hydrocodone. I wish you well and hope you can find something to help.

heyjoe415 | @heyjoe415 | Dec 7, 2024

In reply to @topsz "You are a strong person mentally and physically. Impressive! I’ll check out the TempurPedic. I just..." + (show)

Thank you for your kind words. I benefit from good genes and athletic stuff comes naturally. I also inherited osteoarthritis and have two new knees and will have a new right hip in January, so it's a mixed bag. Botton line, not that I'm 70 I have to work harder than ever and I'm now mostly pain free and don't take it for granted.

Yeah please do check out TempurPedic. I've been using it a long time, and in that time there have been a lot of new mattresses that are effective and probably less expensive than Tempur. But this is one area where it makes sense to spend more for the best product for you.

I'd find an unbiased review of top mattresses and then test out some that meet your needs.

All the best to you! Joe

cindymattern | @cindymattern | Dec 7, 2024

In reply to @mick472 "I was just diagnosed a couple months ago with lumbar spinal stenosis. I have good days..." + (show)

I have a Sleep Number (Split King) and I love my bed. It's definitely a game changer and when we put a pillow topper on it it was like wow. I have my setting, husband has his and I don't feel him ever get up due to the split king. Check out beds...whether this or Temperpedic etc... it will be a game changer.

topsz | @topsz | Dec 7, 2024

In reply to @mick472 "I was just diagnosed a couple months ago with lumbar spinal stenosis. I have good days..." + (show)

Mattress shopping isn’t fun. But necessary. I hate to say mine is about 15 yo!!

rhh67 | @rhh67 | Dec 12, 2024

In reply to @gotoandrea "Severe spinal stenosis in elderly. Tried hydrocodone, spinal injection and not interested in surgery. Currentky taking..." + (show)

I have moderate —severe spinal stenosis at L4L5 and 3-4. If your MRI Shows Ligiments infolding in the spinal canal there is a procedure called Minimally Invasive Lumbar Decompression surgery (MILD) that is done through a small incision in the back. Done if injections, pt etc fall to bring relief. This procedure is FDA approved and deemed safe in a 2010 5 year study done at Cleveland Clinic. Done by Pain doctors or Physical/Rehabilitation specialists.
I went to orthopedic surgeon and neurosurgeon to look at both MRI and Xrays first. I have a slipped disc and wanted reassurance that my spine is not too unstable to have the procedure.There are articles written about MILD—it can work up to 5 years. I’m scheduled for this in May.