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Spinal Stenosis C5/C6 post op problems

Posted , 4 users are following.

susan47592
susan47592

Hi,

   I had severe spinal stenosis ( all the usual problems plus walking gait changes etc ), I had surgery over 2 years ago but my mobility is still shocking ( I am now 44 ). I  have been very immobile for several years. Does it ever improve ?, I do physio ( in my home ), eat healthy etc but I feel like a prisoner in my own home. Any suggestions ? Thanks.

1 like, 9 replies

9 Replies

  • Lynn195013
    Lynn195013 susan47592

    Posted

    hi Susan,  I was being treated for arthritis and spinal stenosis fir a few years, the NS asked me if I had had my hips checked I said no, to cut a long story short, had my right hip replaced in July and have been great, can actually walk now.  hope you can get some relief
    • susan47592
      susan47592 Lynn195013

      Posted

      Hi Lynn,

      Glad to hear you have a fab new hip :-), I had my hips checked by a Orthopaedic specialist I have normal movement but when I try and stand it kind of falls apart. I am just not sure what to do next. I am always pleased when I hear something positive. Thanks.

  • gail17114
    gail17114 susan47592

    Posted

    Hi Susan, I've had 4 surgeries since 2005 the biggest one in 2007 in which metal work was placed in 7 of my vertbra. I have to admit after that one walking was very difficult but I had great physio and with help from the family it all went well.  However we are in 2015 and for the last 2 years I haven't been able to walk without sticks.  I don't use ordanary walking sticks as they make me lean over too much but I do use treking poles and find them much better as they keep me upright.  Physio's have told me that they wish they would give back patients these instead of walking sticks. Try doing short walks with these type of sticks and I think you should get some of your mobility back. Hope this helps and good luck.
    • susan47592
      susan47592 gail17114

      Posted

      Hi Gail,

                  I agree wholeheartedly I have had some great doctors, physios etc and initially I improved in that the surgery removed the "pressure". Everyone was telling me I would be normal again but it just didn't happen. I have never been able to use crutches or sticks because of previous surgeries. I have lost most of the power and sensation in one side of my body pre-op but didn't return. Apart from trekking/Nordic walking poles I would also suggest ergonomic crutches ( I bought these in the hope it would help ) they are also lighter in weight than "normal crutches". My joints are normal I make sure I don't sieze up. My doctors have said this is my new normal- heck what is normal ?. Thanks again.

  • archemedes
    archemedes susan47592

    Posted

    In short Susan, no a Spinal Stenosis never gets better.

    After surgery there is a remote chance of an improvement in mobility, but as in your case there is a high risk there will be no improvement at all.

    This is why when I was offered surgery I turned it down and decided to put-up with the pain.

    That said, I bought myself a mobility scooter but leave it unused in the garage.

    The reasoning being this is that I use it as my motivation to keep walking for as long as I can.

    • susan47592
      susan47592 archemedes

      Posted

      Hi Archemedes,

                               I wasn't given the option not to get operated on, by the time it was discovered I was in very poor condition. I agree I move around my home and garden and I wouldn't use a mobility scooter ( I'm not allowed to drive ), but I believe in positivity. I think the last 18 months I have came across a very small minority of staff who contradicted each other and I now question what on earth is going on hence why I thought I would ask a question on the forum. Thanks Archemedes :-)

    • archemedes
      archemedes susan47592

      Posted

      Positivity Susan is the only answer and I have found that it works wonders for me. 

      It is strange though that they didn't give you the option whether to have the op or not. In my case I had a meeting with the surgeon and he presented me with all the options. I simply asked him what he would do in my case and he said that was an unfair question to ask him.

      I then asked him, after I had made my decision if he would tell me whether he though it was the correct one.

      I said that in view of the statistics I did not wish to go ahead, and he then told me afterwards that he thought it was the correct decision.

      Hearing of your problems I am please that I remained as I was.

      Yes it is very painful, but I have learned to live with it.

      When it gets really bad I take a Naproxen tablet and I am usually a bit better for a couple of days, and that's all I ask.

      The added threat of having my yet unused my mobility scooter in the garage is a great motivation for me not to give in.

      Rod

    • susan47592
      susan47592 archemedes

      Posted

      Hi Rod,

                  The neurosurgeon explained my spinal cord was being crushed because of calcified bone, hence the need to operate and we need to do asap. I am glad that I did. I am happy in that it was discovered and I was able to be helped, I have just found the last 18 months frustrating, some medical staff contradicting each other. You should not give in no matter what. I am being medically assessed to drive again - it might be financially not possible but I will keep trying to find alternative routes.Thanks Rod this process of asking a question on the forum has been  cathatic smile

    • archemedes
      archemedes susan47592

      Posted

      You are welcome Susan.

      Please keep me informed how you get on.

      Best wishes

      Rod

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