After reading your description of not being able to sit, stand or lie
and be comfortable, I knew I had to answer.

A few years ago, I was in your shoes. I could sometimes find a contorted
position in a leaning down against something, but it was always a
short-lived comfort.

I had surgery to repair the herniated disk and relieve the stenosis and
had almost instant relief. Just hours after the surgery, I was able to
ride back home in a car in fair, but post-op, comfort. I could lie back
down when I got home and even tended to my own needs alone. The key word
here is post-op level.

I have two herniated disks again and the stenosis is steadily
increasing. I've endured a series of epidural injections, a series of
spinal injections like yours and a couple of sets of PT. I'm at the
point that I can stand only a few minutes at a time and my right hip and
leg and my lower back go into such painful spasms, I have to sit down or
fall down. Raising my hips in bed or attempting to turn over is sheer
torture.

I'd jump at the chance to have the surgery again, but I have to wait in
some other health care information first.

There can be risks related with the surgery, but I'd take my chances to
get rid of this disabling pain.

What you decide has to be your and your doctor's decision. I told you
what I'd do. Good luck with whatever you decide.



Today I went to the pain clinic and got the third of a series of spinal
injections for my back which they diagnosis as spinal stenosis. I was
wondering some of your thoughts on the subject. These shots usually last
me about a month and then I am again in so much pain that I cannot stand
it. I have no life, I cant sit, stand or lie in any comfortable
position. I was told in the beginning by a back surgeon, my orthopedist
and my rummy that surgery would be the only cure. I am frightened of
having spinal surgery. Has anyone had this. I was also wondering if the
spinal injections which is steroids are any less harmful than taking of
prednisone? Predsisone also helps the pain but my rummy dont want me to
stay on it.. I really dont know what to do at this point. looks as if
surgery may be my only option.please send me some comments

janice

Hi Janice,
Do I correctly remember you have cervical trouble?  My former boss had the
injections for stenosis and they resolved his problem and thus avoided
surgery. I was not so lucky and had to have the surgery. I thought I was
having the surgery to relieve the pain in my arms that was driving me nuts.
Little did I know I was already nuts! Anyway, I had no pain resolution
because the stenosis wasn't the cause of my pain. It did resolve some other
issues though. This can be a risky surgery. If you decide to have it, I hope
for the best outcome possible for you.
GaryZ

Hi,

I've had surgery to relieve stenosis. This surgery was almost 15yrs ago and
I
do remember that I had almost immedate relief after I woke from surgery. I
got
close to 6-7yrs of semi relief from it. Pretty much I could function and
have a good
active life with just the use of a few Naproxen a day to help keep the
swelling down.
I have other back issues, but no further stenosis to this day.

I too was scared of the surgery, but the pain isn't nearly as bad or the
same as what
we deal with on a daily basis.

best of luck.

Janice, I can't help much with the stenosis issue as I haven't had that
problem (thank goodness!).  But my one thought is that if you fear you may
haev to get surgery in the not-so-distant future, I'd start asking around now
about the best surgeon for this procedure.  From talking with folks who've
had back surgery, it really is important to get an experienced and very good
surgeon.

Janice,

no suggestions, I haven't been there yet. But I wanted you to know I have
you in my prayers and thoughts. I know this has not been easy for you. I
hope soon you will receive some healing or cure that will be the best thing
for you.

Thanks to all of you who answered and  for the good advice, I have decided
next time I have a flare up it will be surgery.
janice

I have had two lower back surgeries, both failures, the last one left me
with dropped foot. I have used a pain management doctor with much
success. He first gives a shot to see if he has the correct "spot" which
is done with x-ray guidance and to see how long that works. For me, it
worked for about two weeks when I decided to get brave and overdid it. I
then went back to the pain doctor who used electricity to "kill" the
nerve, I think it is called electro lesioning? Again done with
x-ray/floroscopy guidance. I have experienced some pain since, but
nothing like what I had prior to having the nerve deadened. it is now
over 9 months since I had this done. I hope this gives you some useful
information
Trish

Not every one with stenosis is a candidate for surgery.  There are times I
wish I were!

sal