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I've been diagnosed with Lumbar and Cervical Stenosis

Posted , 5 users are following.

rebecca88775
rebecca88775

Following a MRI scan for lower and upper back pain after years of pain I was diagnosed with Cervical and Lumbar Stenosis with Nerve compression. I saw the Neuro Surgeons 3 months ago who decided that the risks of surgery were too high and conservative treatment would be of more benefit. I was advised by my GP (the Surgeons didnt tell me) to take NASID'S, Physiotherapy and exercise. Firstly I can't take Anti inflammatory medication due to Gastritis. I had Physiotherapy for 18 months which did little to help with the arm and leg pain and finally I can't exercise. I have complex Neuropathy consisting of Chronic daily Migraine, Sunct Syndrome and Hemicrania Continua and exercise is a major trigger for my head and face pain. My Neurologist was shocked that conservative treatment had been suggested. I'm really struggling now with everything including basic tasks like washing my hair over the bath and having a bath. I feel useless and depressed. I used to run and swim for the County and have had to give up my career as a Nurse. I'm posting this as I wanted to know if there was anything else I could do to help myself that would also help with the pain. I was disappointed by the Surgeons decision as I thought surgery may improve my quality of life a little bit. Being a Nurse I'm aware of surgical risks but I'm 42 and don't want to live with this continuous pain. I trust his decision but I felt that my other health conditions were not taken into account when prescribing conservative treatment. Does anybody have any suggestions or is anybody in a similar situation to me. Any advice would be appreciated. Thanks.

1 like, 4 replies

4 Replies

  • cynthia70714
    cynthia70714 rebecca88775

    Posted

    Rebecca,

    So sorry that they won't do anything to help you with the pain, I've been dealing with pain for 19 years I got hurt at 25 but at 26 was my first surgery, a discetomy but things didn't go right as physical therapy caused my disc to erupt, and than they lied and said I was never there( unbelievable) but surgery went ok til I started having burning sensation down my leg, dr whom was the workers comp dr told me to go back to work and I was nuts and crazy in front of family and friends, finally after a long year of fighting I got a second opinion and that's when I had the fusion S1-L5 done with a ganhlionectomy to try and fix the nerve damage from the first dr. I had every treatment possible beforehand nothing worked, I'm now a failed back fusion and as a last hope tried the Nevro stimulator to my surprise failed back to square one but with new pain I thought maybe possible I could live life again, I was wrong I'm on methadone 60 mg a day oxycontin 15 mg 3 times a day plus antiflamatory for my arthritis from all the surgeries dicoflenac plus zanaflex for sleeping and valium 3 times a day, plus I have nasty migraines which I'm on a new drug can't remember the name but I'm still here, trying to do the best I can with my life as a have a 26 y/o daughter married with 2 beautiful grandbabies one boy and girl 11 months apart 2 and 3 I look at them and I'm determined to not let this destroy anymore of my life as it did for my daughter, I had a long talk with and must of said I'm sorry a million times but she said the best thing back to me, she said mom you did your best even in all the pain you still chaperone my field trips and did things even though you were in pain, I guess what I am trying to say is fight for some kind of relief and don't let it get you down, smile when you want to cry or even laugh I do it, thru my darkest days where I thought I couldn't and wouldn't go on nomore in pain, i did...so please keep on those Drs to find you some kind of relief!! Try and stay positive and don't get down cause the pain wins and it makes your pain worse!!

    I hope you fight to get answers and get some relief!!

    Good luck god bless!!

    And hopefully pain free days soon!!

    Cynthia (Cindy) from USA

  • debbieparis
    debbieparis rebecca88775

    Posted

    Hey Rebecca

    I would definately get a second opinion - BUPA will usually authorise this , but your GP should refer you also. Good luck and I hope that ou get it sorted.

    Debbie

  • richard33153
    richard33153 rebecca88775

    Posted

    Hi Rebecca,

    I want you to know that there is still hope for you, I would highly suggest you look further into a device called "GELFIX". I have heard very good things about it and it is minimally invasive. If you go on youtube and type in Gelfix placement - back pain, you will find a couple of informative videos and testimonials. I believe this is the answer to your back problems!

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