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Spinal stenosis

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Diorbhail
Diorbhail

Had acute pain in right leg for 15 months which Gp was saying was hip and knee osteoarthritis and was prescribed cocodamol and later Tramadol which only took the edge off. Had knee and hip x-rays which showed minimal arthritis. Eventually I insisted on seeing a hip surgeon privately and he not only was the first person to listen to me but actually agreed that it was my spine. At last I was able to get an MRI scan done which confirmed lumbar spinal stenosis. The acute pain has eased now but I'm not able to walk far and have back pain as well as now both legs weak. I'm informed that steroid injection don't last long and surgery may have to be repeated after a couple of years or so. I'm not sure that it is worth the risk and considering to try acupuncture. I know there isn't a cure but some pain relief would be nice.

7 likes, 108 replies

108 Replies

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  • gary1911
    gary1911 Diorbhail

    Posted

    Hi I'm Gary not done this type of thing before and I'd like to apologise firstly for my typing/grammar not very good at it

    not sure where to start as I'm not sure if i'm replying to one person or lots of people, but anyway I read a lot of stories on here and was glad (in a sorry way) that i wasn't the only person going through this, sometimes when you get passed from pillar to post, well I started feeling like I was making my symptons up and sometimes i couldn't describe what was happening to me, not blaming Gp or NHS but you know by the time you get appt symptons have moved around, so you go to all different depts at the hospital.I started having problems 2 years ago just problems walking became a problem, aching leg but prior to that I started having problems in my left arm, pains in my arm, btw it's my left arm and right leg, anyway I went for all the scans had Mri's and yes got early stages of arthritis, in July 2014 I had a lumbar decompression operation I knew all the side affects, however I had and still have problems, not being personal, but I've been to urogolist as I can't ejaculate, have to take pills to urinate and for bowel movement still have all the pain, I'm not saying the operation made it worse because I can't compare, but the pain is worse than ever I now have terrible back ache which I never had before, as well as the other pains and I feel lose of sensation in my left arm more than ever, thank God I have a great partner who takes care of me, before my operation I was able to take a bath but now I can't my partner as to lift me in and out of the bath, I got a bath seat which makes me able to wash myself but I can't clean my feet or even cut my toe nails, sorry if that to much info, but want to explain how much this as affected my life, I used to be a dancer in clubs, not that that as got much to do with this, but now It takes me 20 mins to walk to the bus stop, it's only 5mins away, I'm only 48 and feel lifes over now.

    So my symptons are really based around the hip, it get's very sore and it's like electric shocks going down to my knee and if I put too much pressure on it I get the pain all down my leg and I drag my foot, the back ache is dreadful I just feel like I want to bend over but thats too painful, you know what I mean like touch my toes to strech it, but that's not possible, I now rely on my partner to take me out as I find it's to hard to go out with my walking stick, although I tried really hard I now have to go out in my wheel chair, which is a God's send in some ways, but something I hate, and now I'm having problems in my left arm, I've noticed lately that my hand is starting to curl and my knuckles are getting swollen, dropping things which gets very frustrating.

    Ok think I've rammbled on enough, but actually writing it down made me feel a bit better, I got appt with yet another consultant on 6th March so starting all over again.....appts appts you know what I mean....

    Best wishes Gary

    • archemedes
      archemedes gary1911

      Posted

      Gary, ask for an MRI on your spine, unless of course they have already done it.
    • frank24438
      frank24438 gary1911

      Posted

      Gary i really feel for you and i hope your appointment with the consultant results in good news for you and your partner, i'll keep an eye open for your posts after March 6th,good luck.
  • yp12
    yp12 Diorbhail

    Posted

    My story started just over a year ago I bent down in work to pick up a piece of lego and the most almighty pop sound came from my back, woke up next day with pain down my leg and bottom of back I can only describe as being the same as a bad contraction during labour ( would actually rather be in labour than this) anyway after diff pills tramadol didnt touch the pain I was put on Amitriptyline this did help with pain but wasnt wakening up until lunch time !! Mri scan came back I have spinal stenosis. My problem is the weakness I get alot in my leg somedays it feels like it drags the cramps in it at night are unbearable, I work with kids and have started to feel it affect my job eg the mobility side of things doing activities with the kids etc has anyone had this ? My leg feels like it is going to go away from under me , I cut my toe wide open and didnt feel a thing wasnt until I noticed the blood over my floor thought it was my dog . Im 43
    • frank24438
      frank24438 yp12

      Posted

      Hi, yes its a right bugger is spinal stenosis as it produces various symptoms in your lower body from cramp like pains, weakness and feelings of either heat or cold. At 75 i have a history of back problems but this is very different, as proven by an MRI scan, our problem is while Docs know what's wrong they can't offer much to help, i have tried Gabapentin&Pregabalin at various strengths up to maximum without success and surgery,in my case, would be a dangerous waste of time.  However life is for living and it sounds your work involves children now that must cheer you up, well i hope it does as taking a pragmatic view can be helpful. All the best.
    • yp12
      yp12 frank24438

      Posted

      My work definitely cheers me up its just things like running for a ball etc I could do it before easily now its like my leg just goes on strike somedays im just worried it will get worse neurosurgeon basically said theres not much they can do as my central nerve is damaged, but as I say it could be worse. Thanks for reply frank smile
    • Rob777
      Rob777 yp12

      Posted

      I could never have worked with my lumbar stenosis, I think I'd have to have been pensioned off, but thank god I am now 66. My problems with back and leg pain and stiffness and difficulty walking really set in for definite around 1 to 2 years ago, though I guess it had been developing for some years. In stenosis the arthritic process is slowly accumulating and closing in around the spinal canal. I don't understand that popping sound you got (must have been scary) as a l.s. symptom, I'd want to know more from the consultant. And I believe you should be a able to get night time pain relief; I am now on 25 mg amitriptyline and 75 mg pregabalin in 2 doses per day, and find this relieves the pain around the house and in bed and a little with movement outside but not that much. What is the 'central nerve' you describe? Spine Health com is a very good site for info, do you know it?  All the best, Rob
    • judy75802
      judy75802 yp12

      Posted

      Oh my gosh, I told the Dr. that I had four babies natural childbirth and that this was worse! And I know what you mean about cramping. My back does that and the leg is sort of a cramping type pain. I have almost fallen in public cause I seem to drag my foot on the side that hurts and walking barefoot at home it flaps down on the tile. You seem to be having really bad numbness. Have you told your dr. this? If you are that numb you may fall down. They really should be considering that. What I have googled is that not being able to walk or control bladder or bowel function is when they consider surgery. I want and don't want surgery so I understand you maybe not wanting to do it but you don't want to let it go long enough to cause permanent damage. Good luck. Keep us posted!
  • archemedes
    archemedes Diorbhail

    Posted

    I have suffered with a spinal stenosis for years following a fall off a ladder many years earlier..

    By the time I finally gave into the pain and went for an MRI it was decided that it was simply too dangerous to attempt surgery.

    The net result was that I was prescribed opiods for the pain.

    As I know the dangers of these drugs I decided to wean myself off them after a couple of months when I started looking-around for a medication to replace it with.

    It was about that time that I discovered Naproxen, but did realise that I might be put-off by some of its side-effects.

    Anyway I did try it and found that it gave me immense relief from pain, and the side effects which initially had bothered me no longer did so after I altered how I took the drug, which was only when needed. In other word occasionally.

    I have never tried acupuncture, and quite frankly never needed it since stocking-up with Naproxen.

    Everyone is different, but I would say this, and that is if you can come to terms with this drug, then it might be a life-saver for you.

    All the best

    Rod

  • alpine
    alpine Diorbhail

    Posted

    Hello All

    Seems like I'm not the only one suffering. Can't walk far but I do enjoy aquafit

    classes when I make it. Used to have sciatica but that went away with hot yoga.

    When I leave the physiotherapist I feel better but I need to go more often. Yesterday I went to see a specialist because of hip & knee pain and was surprised to find that the knee could be causing the hip pain. A year ago 

    my concern was my lower spine and my inability to ride my bike anyway I'm always hopeful that my health will improve. In the past I have had a tumor removed, gall bladder removed and a heart attack. Now I'm told my heart 

    has recovered well and I haven't had anymore tumors. Next month I have to have laser treatment to prevent glaucoma. I'm always optomistic that I will get through any health problems. There is a song with the lines "If you don't give up and you don't give in you just might be OK" It's those words that keep me going,

     

    • judy75802
      judy75802 alpine

      Posted

      God bless and hope things go well for you!
  • roman43344
    roman43344 Diorbhail

    Posted

    Hello Diorbhail,

    If you are considering acupuncture, I would strongly recomend trying an acupressure mat. Acupressure mats work much like acupuncure but you can use them at home, as often as you like and for a fraction of the cost. I prefer an Osteomat because of its quality and design, but there are a lot of them out there...

  • sonia20117
    sonia20117 Diorbhail

    Posted

    Hi all, not sure if I am in the right place ... basically after problems with my neck, I have been diagnosed with cervical disc Degeneration with narrowing of the Spinal Canal and am being sent to the fracture clinic next week? Not sure if this is the same as spinal stenosis so apologies if I am wrong. Already have osteoarthritis in my hands and an unexplained stress fracture in my right ankle, so bit worried ... any info welcomed.

    Worried about work so ....

    Thks

    Sonia

    • judy75802
      judy75802 sonia20117

      Posted

      I think you are looking for cervical stenosis. The lower back is spinal stenosis and it is cervical stenosis if it is the next. You can google and see if it fits your symptoms. Good luck. We are all in the same basic boat!
    • joanimation
      joanimation judy75802

      Posted

      Yes, I was DX w/spinal stenosis, several times. It is the lowest part of my back, but it radiates upwards sometimes, it radiates all over on really bad days. Hips are the worse. Flank areas, down legs (restless leg) and weird tingling in hands and feet. I don't think having fibromalagia helps too much!! In fact, for me, not too many things help except attempting to be active, even when I'm at my worst. Stretching, pt, and yoga are done in bed! Agh...
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