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Spinal stenosis advice

Posted , 6 users are following.

mattjenkins81
mattjenkins81

Hi, I'm 33 and started having some intermittent back pain near the start of this year, I finally went to see my doctor about it in March as symptoms had become more frequent and included numbness from the waist down. After some waiting had a MRI which confirmed it's spinal canal stenosis.

Since the start of the year it has definitely worsened, the ache/pain is there 24/7 Now and I'm taking codeine and naproxen as prescribed by my doctor but I'd say at best it takes the edge off on a bad day!

The report says I have a constitutionally narrow canal with disc protrusion at l4/l5 and thickening of ligamentum flavum causing severe canal stenosis. 

I've got an appointment to see the spinal unit in 5 weeks time, can anyone give me advice on what I should expect given my symptoms/diagnosis. Is there anything specific I should be asking or researching myself or should ask at the doctors at my appointment? Also would like to hear from anyone going through or have already gone through similar?

Thanks 

0 likes, 8 replies

8 Replies

  • Tuckerraz
    Tuckerraz mattjenkins81

    Posted

    Hi Matt,

    My issues were entirely different from yours as mine were neck related (C6/7 anterior cervical discectomy and fusion ultimately) but I would recommend this: ask is there ANY conservative therapy you can have to minimise or postpone the need for surgery. I include within this medications, Physio, steroid injections, exercises etc. because, ultimately, spinal surgery is very difficult to go through so if it can be avoided then great. However, if it can't (in my case it couldn't) then also be assured that you WILL recover. It's a lengthy and difficult process and staying positive can be one of the hardest things, but you just have to be patient and ensure that they get your meds combo right to help. I'd also recommend not over-researching anything as you can get into the realms of self-diagnosis and worry yourself unnecessarily. You really just need to know what the options are for conservative therapies, if surgery is a necessity how long is the general recovery and what recommendations would they make to aid recovery post op Get your diet sorted (plenty of fruit and veg, lots of protein), what exercise can/ should you do pre and post etc.

    I don't know if this has helped or not, but I hope it has even if just a little bit. Wishing you you all the best.

  • Sam73074
    Sam73074 mattjenkins81

    Posted

    I am a 66 year old woman.  If I were you I would have the laminectomy and get rid of the pain, the heavy duty drugs etc. I had a triple laminectomy plus they fused L4/L5 8 weeks ago. My spinal cord or the "horse tail" was down to 1/4 the diameter that it was above that area.  I can not begin to tell you the relief of coming out of the anesthetic and having no pain.  I have only taken an occasional Tylenol since surgery. The steroid injections do not help, PT does not help.  If you let it go too long you can cause permanentdamage that can't be reversed.  Find a good surgery on that you trust and go for it. You are running the rise of osteonecrosis in your hips and knees by not having surgery.
    • Tuckerraz
      Tuckerraz Sam73074

      Posted

      Hi Sam,

      Just to be clear, I wasn't recommending NOT to have surgery, just that if there are options without to explore those first. Obviously based on ortho/neurosurgeon's recommendations. You are quite correct in that nobody should risk further damage, however as everyone's body is different then the medical professionals are those best placed to decide.

      Really glad things have worked out for you. Wishing you continued wellness.

  • mrcia78574
    mrcia78574 mattjenkins81

    Posted

    Hi Matt,

    You're definitely on the right path in following up.  You need the help, and the sooner the better.  I have just had my second back surgery, can now say I've been "screwed".  Have changed the 23rd psalm to read "thy rod and thy screws they comfort me."  Seriously, do what is recommended and don't be worried as long as you know you're in good hands.  In both my surgeries I waited too long--please don't do that.  Whatever it takes to bring you to wholeness is what you need to make a priority.  Good luck.  All will be well.  One day at a time.

    Marcie

  • jeanette91263
    jeanette91263 mattjenkins81

    Posted

    Hi I think the best thing to ask the Specialis. I find it quite helpful to write down what I want to ask. I once looked up something on the web and my psychiatrist never look at what is on the internet and I agree avoid researching yourself you might be upset and the information may be wrong. Also some websites ask for money for their answers. Hope everything gets better
  • mattjenkins81
    mattjenkins81

    Posted

    Thank you all for taking the time to reply. 

    I will need to see what the doctors say, when I have my appointment, ideally I don't want to be stuck on medication forever and a day! But equally it all depends on the risks, for me an ideal situation would be a fix with some kind of conservative therapy as menitoned by Tuckerraz. 

    But I'll keep open to the fact that something more invasive may be necessary to fix the problem. And yes over-researching is an issue, although it's helping me to be more clear about the problem and what it entails (i hope).

    To be honest as mentioned previously, all I've had so far is a letter from the doctors stating the problem - which in doctor speak doesn't mean much to me. 

    From what i now understand disc protrusion is another term for slipped disc? - correct me if I'm mistaken, but to me that doesn't seem as bad as what I initially thought. The ligamentum part of the diagnosis I have no clue about but I just wanted to get an idea of the problem and if it can be fixed which by some of your posts sounded encouraging. 

    Thanks for the info regarding surgery Sam73074 - sounds like it's really worked for you. I'm not totally against this option, but having a fairly small support network and a 9 month old son, means I really must weigh up the risks of not just the surgery but recovery time etc.

     

  • susan72937
    susan72937 mattjenkins81

    Posted

    Hi, I had similar back issues as you.  I had severe lumbar spinal stenosis and a slip (spondylolishesis).  I also have numbness in the buttocks area and pins/needles in legs and feet.  Ten weeks ago I had minimally invasive surgery ILIF procedure which included a 2-level fusion and a laminectomy.  Since then I have no stenosis pain and my back is much stronger.  I'm able to walk about 5K steps daily as well as do water aerobics. I have no pain in my back and the numbness is improving.My doctor said nerves take a long time to heal and it could take up to a year. I am so glad I had this surgery as I have my life back and feel stronger every day. Hope this helps.
    • mattjenkins81
      mattjenkins81 susan72937

      Posted

      Hi Susan, 

      Thanks for taking the time to reply, sounds like the procedure really has changed your life for the better. 

      I finally had my consultation and they have recommended a spinal decompression and possibly removing some bone in the process to relieve the pressure on my nerves. I'm now back on a waiting list for that procedure but like you I'm hoping it will help. 

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