Re: Lumbar Spinal Stenosis

[Guest guest]

In a message dated 5/5/04 11:04:47 AM Eastern Daylight Time, cats3626@... writes:

I was diagnosed with Lumbar Spinal Stenosis recently and given the

alternitives, shots, PT and of course surgery.

Since this is MY back and I only have one chance at surgery I am

asking for help in selecting a GOOD Neurological surgeon in my area

that will do it right. I live in Fort Pierce Florida (will travel)

and at this point in time my Doctor is Berniece Berkarth who is

supposed to be a good Neurological surgeon. But, I am looking for a

second opinion and also recomendations by people that have had this

procedure done before I commit to this procedure.

Hello:

I'm Stan in Fort Lauderdale, FL and I too have Spinal Stenosis at L4, L5 and S1. I've tried all sorts of remedies, but, nothing has worked...Epidurals, PT, chiropractic care, nerve block injections, radio frequency.

If you are interested in trying nerve block injections, my doc in Delray Beach, FL is excellent--even though he didn't solve my problem 100%. He is an anesthesiologist and he does Pain Management as a specialty. His name is Dr Berger. He was written up in the local newspaper about a year ago with a very fine article.

My surgeon (thus far) is Dr Cantor here in the South Florida Spine Clinic in Fort Lauderdale. I understand he is very good, but, I find him rather arrogant. I have an appointment to see another surgeon in Boca Raton in two weeks.

What have you tried non-surgically to help with your pain???

Best,

Stan

[Guest guest]

My dad has spinal stenosis, he had surgery and it was a complete failure. He is totally disabled now. I was just diagnosed with spinal stenosis, and my orthopedist said surgery should be the last resort. Back surgery is probably one of the most iffy surgerys to have in terms of the future. From what I know it would be good idea to check out other alternatives

Re: Lumbar Spinal Stenosis

In a message dated 5/5/04 11:04:47 AM Eastern Daylight Time, cats3626@... writes:

I was diagnosed with Lumbar Spinal Stenosis recently and given the alternitives, shots, PT and of course surgery.Since this is MY back and I only have one chance at surgery I am asking for help in selecting a GOOD Neurological surgeon in my area that will do it right. I live in Fort Pierce Florida (will travel)and at this point in time my Doctor is Berniece Berkarth who is supposed to be a good Neurological surgeon. But, I am looking for a second opinion and also recomendations by people that have had this procedure done before I commit to this procedure.Hello:I'm Stan in Fort Lauderdale, FL and I too have Spinal Stenosis at L4, L5 and S1. I've tried all sorts of remedies, but, nothing has worked...Epidurals, PT, chiropractic care, nerve block injections, radio frequency. If you are interested in trying nerve block injections, my doc in Delray Beach, FL is excellent--even though he didn't solve my problem 100%. He is an anesthesiologist and he does Pain Management as a specialty. His name is Dr Berger. He was written up in the local newspaper about a year ago with a very fine article.My surgeon (thus far) is Dr Cantor here in the South Florida Spine Clinic in Fort Lauderdale. I understand he is very good, but, I find him rather arrogant. I have an appointment to see another surgeon in Boca Raton in two weeks.What have you tried non-surgically to help with your pain???Best,Stan

[Guest guest]

Kathleen,

Glad you are doing to well. DOn't worry so much about the Granny walk, one

morning you will get out of bed and won't remember to do it. Just practice

getting you old posture back and holding everything where it should be when you

walk.

I had what you had, moved down one vertrbra, at 33 years old. I had been a

2nd degree black belt, a teacher and very athletic prior to all of this. My back

problems started with my pregnancy that ended well, 11 months prior to the back

surgery.

It took some years but I was able to work myself back up to competitive

level. I couldn't sustain the pace but it was not because of the spinal issues

but the EDS.

Good luck and God bless,

Lexie

[Guest guest]

Lexie,

Thank you!  I appreciate your quick response.  I cannot wait for the day I get

out of bed and it's all a distant memory!  Do you remember how long it took for

you to recover?

It is also very encouraging to hear that you were able to get well enough to go

back into Karate at a competitive level - my favorite activity.  I am in Goju

Ryu, what is your style?  I am only at the 4th Kyu level - 3 more levels to go

before black belt.  I was hoping to put on a black belt before I turned 50, but

that goal will just have to wait until I heal.  I have also been competing at a

state level and was going to Las Vegas for a tournament this month, but that

obviously got put on the back burner   When I am healed enough to return, I

will have to back off on the sparring and keep to kata for a while. 

I looked up EDS, doesn't sound like a lot of fun either. 

Thanks again...Kathleen

________________________________

From: Lexie <lexie@...>

spinal problems

Sent: Wednesday, April 8, 2009 11:04:38 AM

Subject: Re: Lumbar Spinal Stenosis

Kathleen,

Glad you are doing to well. DOn't worry so much about the Granny walk, one

morning you will get out of bed and won't remember to do it. Just practice

getting you old posture back and holding everything where it should be when you

walk.

I had what you had, moved down one vertrbra, at 33 years old. I had been a 2nd

degree black belt, a teacher and very athletic prior to all of this. My back

problems started with my pregnancy that ended well, 11 months prior to the back

surgery.

It took some years but I was able to work myself back up to competitive level. I

couldn't sustain the pace but it was not because of the spinal issues but the

EDS.

Good luck and God bless,

Lexie

[Guest guest]

Kathleen,

I was into Taekwondo. I loved it dearly and missed it horribly at first but

now I wouldn't go back if my body would. Just a moved on type of thing. I took a

good 6 weeks for the first time to heal. Ididn't even start to return to Karate

for a few years but I wasn't returning to my previous instructor either. Years

later, I ffailed a testing because my instructor forgot about my recent shoulder

surgery. I worked for him and taught for him, no way in hell he forgot. Whooo,

what a rant! I'm sorry. Good luck girl, take care of yourself.

Lexie

[Guest guest]

Lexie,

Oh, don't worry about ranting to me at all.  As a fellow Karate enthusiast, I

completely understand how vested you were and how disappointed you must have

been in not being promoted.  The instructor really should have reconsidered

after you brought your injury to his attention (although he should have known

already).  Unfortunately, I learned the hard way that having a black belt

doesn't necessarily make you a good person.  Although they are suppose to strive

for good character, be humble and set the example for students, I have seen a

few that are truly full of themselves and have absolutely no business teaching. 

I believe there should be more women black belts to hopefully even out all that

testosterone running about

I " granny " walked on my treadmill all of 20 minutes last night.  I wasn't

feeling great all day, but I was determined to do my physical therapy anyway. 

I had to take a pain killer and half of a muscle relaxer, and then wait an hour

before I forced myself to walk a hole 1 mph for 20 minutes.  I had a painful

night and am feeling a little rough around the edges this morning.  Both my legs

hurt - as if I spent 2 hours in Karate class.  This recovery is

quite frustrating to me.  One minute I'm fine, the next I'm in pain.  I worry

about being on pain killers and muscle relaxers too long, but don't feel I have

much of a choice. The way this is going, it will take longer then six weeks for

me to heal (it's been 5 already).  But I continue to be willing to do whatever

it takes to get better and get my life back.  It's a good thing I'm a stubborn,

determined old lady

Kathleen

________________________________

From: Lexie <lexie@...>

spinal problems

Sent: Wednesday, April 8, 2009 6:22:10 PM

Subject: Re: Lumbar Spinal Stenosis

Kathleen,

I was into Taekwondo. I loved it dearly and missed it horribly at first but now

I wouldn't go back if my body would. Just a moved on type of thing. I took a

good 6 weeks for the first time to heal. Ididn't even start to return to Karate

for a few years but I wasn't returning to my previous instructor either. Years

later, I ffailed a testing because my instructor forgot about my recent shoulder

surgery. I worked for him and taught for him, no way in hell he forgot. Whooo,

what a rant! I'm sorry. Good luck girl, take care of yourself.

Lexie

[Guest guest]

Welcome to our group, Kathleen!

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

>

> Hi, my name is Kathleen and I am new to the group.

>

> After nearly two years of intermittent excruciating pain, I finally had an

MRI.  Among other things, I have Lumbar Spinal Stenosis - to be precise -

moderate to severe Foraminal and Central Spinal Stenosis.  I also spent the last

two years with a urologist and was diagnosed with Interstitial Cystitis. 

>

> Because the docs thought my pain was caused by IC, not one of them checked my

back even though I told them of an MRI done in 2001, which showed one herniated

disc (I now have three), and I repeatedly said that the pain (which brought me

to my knees) radiated from my back.  The bladder issue was so bad that in order

to go to the bathroom, I actually had to bend completely over and touch my hands

to the floor.  Still not one doc made the connection - even when my left side

and leg started to go numb.  Then, an astute and extraordinary kind GYN took the

time to listen.  He immediately ordered an MRI and physical therapy for me.  I

had no idea he could do this given his specialty.  He just asked me why I was

shifting a lot and rubbing my left leg so I told him what was going on.  He

could have passed the buck, but choose to take action - what a doc!

>

> Before I learned of the MRI results, my back took a turn for the worse - it

exploded in pain and refused to let up.  I was given my results in the ER as

they pumped full of high powered narcotics.  I then went to a neurosurgeon who

on March 4, 2009 performed a laminectomy on L3/L4 and a laminectomy with

disectomy on L4/L5. 

>

> The good news is that the surgery completely fixed my bladder problem - I

don't have to bend over anymore - that's practically a miracle in my book. 

>

> I am now into my 5th week of recovery, am still experiencing pain and continue

to be on pain meds and muscle relaxers.  I am trying to reduce the dosage, but

the lower dosages are simple not strong enough.  Nontheless, I am determined to

get better and recently bought a Treadmill so that I can walk - like a granny. 

I am doing some simple back stretches daily as well.  I am improving, but at a

snails pace. 

>

> I was in pretty decent shape before all of this went down.  I was very

active in Karate and proactive in terms of working out and nuitrition.  Now, I

am reduced to granny walking, which don't get me wrong, is far better then being

curled up in a fetal position because of the pain.

>

> My question for all of you who have had the same procedure is how long did it

take you to recover?  Is it normal for me to still be experiencing pain after 5

weeks? 

>

> I really would like to hear your experiences with the surgical procedure and

the condition.

>

> Thanks...Kathleen

>

>

>

>

>

[Guest guest]

Kathleen,

You are doing great. Having the sheer willpower to get on the treadmill is

great. You will get there....for both of us.

Let me know if you need me for anything. My addy is lexie at coosahs dot

net.

God bless,

Lexie

[Guest guest]

Hi Kathleen,

I would very much like to talk with you! I have just joined this group also.

I was diagnosed with IC 4 years ago, but I never accepted that medical syndrome.

I just do not believe in unexplained diagnosis, with no cure, etc. I think

there is a reason and when my history was so full of muscular skeletal symptoms

it had to be part of the problem. I had one gyno/uro that suggested this and

order a MRI and then she would not back up her thoughts and refer me to the

proper doctors. I was left hanging.

I have a history of spinal stenosis and and DDD. I am now 50, but this started

when I was 27 with my neck. I have problems in my s1-s5, l5-l3 and neck. It

was very gradual but most of my 30's and 40's I have been in pain. The straw

that broke my back so to speak was in the fall of 2004. I did some floor tiling

and was in so much pain. I even had that explosive type pain you mentioned. Two

months later the IC symptoms, but I never had bladder infections. Looking back

over the years, very slowly, I was having more bathroom visits.

I would love, love, love to talk with you off line. I've had enough of the

bladder pain in addition to the total body pain and I'm exploring surgery. I

would like to know what type of surgery you had, open back, min. evasive and

where you went. How you selected your surgeon and did they think you were nuts

with an IC diagnosis? I've been afraid to mention it.

My address is designer1985@...

>

> Hi, my name is Kathleen and I am new to the group.

>

> After nearly two years of intermittent excruciating pain, I finally had an

MRI.  Among other things, I have Lumbar Spinal Stenosis - to be precise -

moderate to severe Foraminal and Central Spinal Stenosis.  I also spent the last

two years with a urologist and was diagnosed with Interstitial Cystitis. 

>

> Because the docs thought my pain was caused by IC, not one of them checked my

back even though I told them of an MRI done in 2001, which showed one herniated

disc (I now have three), and I repeatedly said that the pain (which brought me

to my knees) radiated from my back.  The bladder issue was so bad that in order

to go to the bathroom, I actually had to bend completely over and touch my hands

to the floor.  Still not one doc made the connection - even when my left side

and leg started to go numb.  Then, an astute and extraordinary kind GYN took the

time to listen.  He immediately ordered an MRI and physical therapy for me.  I

had no idea he could do this given his specialty.  He just asked me why I was

shifting a lot and rubbing my left leg so I told him what was going on.  He

could have passed the buck, but choose to take action - what a doc!

>

> Before I learned of the MRI results, my back took a turn for the worse - it

exploded in pain and refused to let up.  I was given my results in the ER as

they pumped full of high powered narcotics.  I then went to a neurosurgeon who

on March 4, 2009 performed a laminectomy on L3/L4 and a laminectomy with

disectomy on L4/L5. 

>

> The good news is that the surgery completely fixed my bladder problem - I

don't have to bend over anymore - that's practically a miracle in my book. 

>

> I am now into my 5th week of recovery, am still experiencing pain and continue

to be on pain meds and muscle relaxers.  I am trying to reduce the dosage, but

the lower dosages are simple not strong enough.  Nontheless, I am determined to

get better and recently bought a Treadmill so that I can walk - like a granny. 

I am doing some simple back stretches daily as well.  I am improving, but at a

snails pace. 

>

> I was in pretty decent shape before all of this went down.  I was very

active in Karate and proactive in terms of working out and nuitrition.  Now, I

am reduced to granny walking, which don't get me wrong, is far better then being

curled up in a fetal position because of the pain.

>

> My question for all of you who have had the same procedure is how long did it

take you to recover?  Is it normal for me to still be experiencing pain after 5

weeks? 

>

> I really would like to hear your experiences with the surgical procedure and

the condition.

>

> Thanks...Kathleen

>

>

>

>

>

[Guest guest]

Hi Kathleen

I had my laminectomy last summer and now have failed Back Sysdrom. Just in Bad

of Pain as before. Im Scared to have it again.. Im Stll on Strong Pain Meds 2x30

mg Oxyir every 4 hours and 80 MG Oxycontin SR at Bedtime. I have talked with

many otheres with the same problem.

a in Ma.

I also Have MS and Im post Liver Transplant

-- In spinal problems , Kathleen Lawyer

<bushido.hime@...> wrote:

>

> Hi, my name is Kathleen and I am new to the group.

>

> After nearly two years of intermittent excruciating pain, I finally had an

MRI.  Among other things, I have Lumbar Spinal Stenosis - to be precise -

moderate to severe Foraminal and Central Spinal Stenosis.  I also spent the last

two years with a urologist and was diagnosed with Interstitial Cystitis. 

>

> Because the docs thought my pain was caused by IC, not one of them checked my

back even though I told them of an MRI done in 2001, which showed one herniated

disc (I now have three), and I repeatedly said that the pain (which brought me

to my knees) radiated from my back.  The bladder issue was so bad that in order

to go to the bathroom, I actually had to bend completely over and touch my hands

to the floor.  Still not one doc made the connection - even when my left side

and leg started to go numb.  Then, an astute and extraordinary kind GYN took the

time to listen.  He immediately ordered an MRI and physical therapy for me.  I

had no idea he could do this given his specialty.  He just asked me why I was

shifting a lot and rubbing my left leg so I told him what was going on.  He

could have passed the buck, but choose to take action - what a doc!

>

> Before I learned of the MRI results, my back took a turn for the worse - it

exploded in pain and refused to let up.  I was given my results in the ER as

they pumped full of high powered narcotics.  I then went to a neurosurgeon who

on March 4, 2009 performed a laminectomy on L3/L4 and a laminectomy with

disectomy on L4/L5. 

>

> The good news is that the surgery completely fixed my bladder problem - I

don't have to bend over anymore - that's practically a miracle in my book. 

>

> I am now into my 5th week of recovery, am still experiencing pain and continue

to be on pain meds and muscle relaxers.  I am trying to reduce the dosage, but

the lower dosages are simple not strong enough.  Nontheless, I am determined to

get better and recently bought a Treadmill so that I can walk - like a granny. 

I am doing some simple back stretches daily as well.  I am improving, but at a

snails pace. 

>

> I was in pretty decent shape before all of this went down.  I was very

active in Karate and proactive in terms of working out and nuitrition.  Now, I

am reduced to granny walking, which don't get me wrong, is far better then being

curled up in a fetal position because of the pain.

>

> My question for all of you who have had the same procedure is how long did it

take you to recover?  Is it normal for me to still be experiencing pain after 5

weeks? 

>

> I really would like to hear your experiences with the surgical procedure and

the condition.

>

> Thanks...Kathleen

>

>

>

>

>

[Guest guest]

I am another one with Failed back syndrome after 2 back surgeries. I can't even

get a surgeon to take a serious look at me because of the Failed back syndrome

diagnosis. My primary care physician is giving me pain killers and muscle

relaxers and agrees that surgery will not fix my problem!!! My PC is an internal

medicine doctor, but is well educated in many facets of medicine. I like him and

he does NOT have a problem with prescribing me the meds that he says I need.

Upped my dosages by 3 times what I was getting from the ER. They finally seem to

be helping a little. Still not enough so that I can work but at least now I

don't plan an accidental death for myself!

I wish each of you a full recovery if possible and a life without pain!

>

> Hi Kathleen

> I had my laminectomy last summer and now have failed Back Sysdrom. Just in Bad

of Pain as before. Im Scared to have it again.. Im Stll on Strong Pain Meds 2x30

mg Oxyir every 4 hours and 80 MG Oxycontin SR at Bedtime. I have talked with

many otheres with the same problem.

> a in Ma.

> I also Have MS and Im post Liver Transplant

> -- In spinal problems , Kathleen Lawyer

<bushido.hime@> wrote:

> >

> > Hi, my name is Kathleen and I am new to the group.

> >

> > After nearly two years of intermittent excruciating pain, I finally had an

MRI.  Among other things, I have Lumbar Spinal Stenosis - to be precise -

moderate to severe Foraminal and Central Spinal Stenosis.  I also spent the last

two years with a urologist and was diagnosed with Interstitial Cystitis. 

> >

> > Because the docs thought my pain was caused by IC, not one of them checked

my back even though I told them of an MRI done in 2001, which showed one

herniated disc (I now have three), and I repeatedly said that the pain (which

brought me to my knees) radiated from my back.  The bladder issue was so bad

that in order to go to the bathroom, I actually had to bend completely over and

touch my hands to the floor.  Still not one doc made the connection - even when

my left side and leg started to go numb.  Then, an astute and extraordinary kind

GYN took the time to listen.  He immediately ordered an MRI and physical therapy

for me.  I had no idea he could do this given his specialty.  He just asked me

why I was shifting a lot and rubbing my left leg so I told him what was going

on.  He could have passed the buck, but choose to take action - what a doc!

> >

> > Before I learned of the MRI results, my back took a turn for the worse - it

exploded in pain and refused to let up.  I was given my results in the ER as

they pumped full of high powered narcotics.  I then went to a neurosurgeon who

on March 4, 2009 performed a laminectomy on L3/L4 and a laminectomy with

disectomy on L4/L5. 

> >

> > The good news is that the surgery completely fixed my bladder problem - I

don't have to bend over anymore - that's practically a miracle in my book. 

> >

> > I am now into my 5th week of recovery, am still experiencing pain and

continue to be on pain meds and muscle relaxers.  I am trying to reduce the

dosage, but the lower dosages are simple not strong enough.  Nontheless, I am

determined to get better and recently bought a Treadmill so that I can walk -

like a granny.  I am doing some simple back stretches daily as well.  I am

improving, but at a snails pace. 

> >

> > I was in pretty decent shape before all of this went down.  I was very

active in Karate and proactive in terms of working out and nuitrition.  Now, I

am reduced to granny walking, which don't get me wrong, is far better then being

curled up in a fetal position because of the pain.

> >

> > My question for all of you who have had the same procedure is how long did

it take you to recover?  Is it normal for me to still be experiencing pain after

5 weeks? 

> >

> > I really would like to hear your experiences with the surgical procedure and

the condition.

> >

> > Thanks...Kathleen

> >

> >

> >

> >

> >

[Guest guest]

I also probably have the same problem. Seems like failed spinal surgery's are

rampant, or is it just the side effects of a surgery? After my last surgery

(lumbar) I went to my last follow up with the surgeon complaining of numbness,

new pains...etc., and his come back was in my own words, it's what happens when

you start cutting into muscle tissue, you sometimes hit a nerve or you disrupt

that nerve, and the muscle has to repair itself, blah blah blah. Anyways my

point is the words last resort comes to mind, I was hurting really bad before

surgery, headed for a wheel chair, (in the words of the surgeon), and now I

still hurt, but not the same, sometimes severe, but not the same. So what do we

do, trade one pain for another? Seems to be the syndrome to me. I no longer feel

the extreme pain that lead me to accept a surgery, but I have pains I can deal

with, with the use of meds, PT, and alternatives. I also have DDD, so the

disk above and below will

continue to degenerate, but I will not accept another surgery unless I have no

other choice, (last resort). As long as the DEA and other idiots leave our pain

management doctors alone we will be able to get by.

JMHO,

 

Bama,

 

The dog has seldom been successful in pulling man up to its level of sagacity,

but man has frequently dragged the dog down to his. Thurber

                                                                            

________________________________

From: L. <boom77boom@...>

spinal problems

Sent: Monday, April 13, 2009 10:35:09 PM

Subject: Re: Lumbar Spinal Stenosis

I am another one with Failed back syndrome after 2 back surgeries. I can't even

get a surgeon to take a serious look at me because of the Failed back syndrome

diagnosis. My primary care physician is giving me pain killers and muscle

relaxers and agrees that surgery will not fix my problem!!! My PC is an internal

medicine doctor, but is well educated in many facets of medicine. I like him and

he does NOT have a problem with prescribing me the meds that he says I need.

Upped my dosages by 3 times what I was getting from the ER. They finally seem to

be helping a little. Still not enough so that I can work but at least now I

don't plan an accidental death for myself!

I wish each of you a full recovery if possible and a life without pain!

>

> Hi Kathleen

> I had my laminectomy last summer and now have failed Back Sysdrom. Just in Bad

of Pain as before. Im Scared to have it again.. Im Stll on Strong Pain Meds 2x30

mg Oxyir every 4 hours and 80 MG Oxycontin SR at Bedtime. I have talked with

many otheres with the same problem.

> a in Ma.

> I also Have MS and Im post Liver Transplant

> -- In spinedisorderssuppo rtgroup@gro ups.com, Kathleen Lawyer

<bushido.hime@ > wrote:

> >

> > Hi, my name is Kathleen and I am new to the group.

> >

> > After nearly two years of intermittent excruciating pain, I finally had an

MRI.  Among other things, I have Lumbar Spinal Stenosis - to be precise -

moderate to severe Foraminal and Central Spinal Stenosis.  I also spent the last

two years with a urologist and was diagnosed with Interstitial Cystitis. 

> >

> > Because the docs thought my pain was caused by IC, not one of them checked

my back even though I told them of an MRI done in 2001, which showed one

herniated disc (I now have three), and I repeatedly said that the pain (which

brought me to my knees) radiated from my back.  The bladder issue was so bad

that in order to go to the bathroom, I actually had to bend completely over and

touch my hands to the floor.  Still not one doc made the connection - even when

my left side and leg started to go numb.  Then, an astute and extraordinary kind

GYN took the time to listen.  He immediately ordered an MRI and physical therapy

for me.  I had no idea he could do this given his specialty.  He just asked me

why I was shifting a lot and rubbing my left leg so I told him what was going

on.  He could have passed the buck, but choose to take action - what a doc!

> >

> > Before I learned of the MRI results, my back took a turn for the worse - it

exploded in pain and refused to let up.  I was given my results in the ER as

they pumped full of high powered narcotics.  I then went to a neurosurgeon who

on March 4, 2009 performed a laminectomy on L3/L4 and a laminectomy with

disectomy on L4/L5. 

> >

> > The good news is that the surgery completely fixed my bladder problem - I

don't have to bend over anymore - that's practically a miracle in my book. 

> >

> > I am now into my 5th week of recovery, am still experiencing pain and

continue to be on pain meds and muscle relaxers.  I am trying to reduce the

dosage, but the lower dosages are simple not strong enough.  Nontheless, I am

determined to get better and recently bought a Treadmill so that I can walk -

like a granny.  I am doing some simple back stretches daily as well.  I am

improving, but at a snails pace. 

> >

> > I was in pretty decent shape before all of this went down..  I was very

active in Karate and proactive in terms of working out and nuitrition.  Now, I

am reduced to granny walking, which don't get me wrong, is far better then being

curled up in a fetal position because of the pain.

> >

> > My question for all of you who have had the same procedure is how long did

it take you to recover?  Is it normal for me to still be experiencing pain after

5 weeks? 

> >

> > I really would like to hear your experiences with the surgical procedure and

the condition.

> >

> > Thanks...Kathleen

> >

> >

> >

> >

> >

[Guest guest]

     I, also, suffered from failed back syndrome.  I had two back surgeries

(Laminectomy L3-L4, followed by a Laminectomy/Fusion L3-L5).

      Still having pain, I was sent to a pain management specialist 2 years

ago.  He said that I was a candidate for an implant of a spinal cord stimulator,

which sends electrical impulses to the brain blocking pain.  I am now literally

the " Bionic Man, " since the stimulator was made by Advanced Bionics, a division

of Boston Scientific.

     Even though it involves another surgery, I would highly recommend that you

ask your doctor if you, also, could be a candidate for the spinal cord

stimulator.  It helped me a great deal, hopefully you are a candidate, and it

will help you as well!

    Good luck,

        Jef

   

________________________________

From: L. <boom77boom@...>

spinal problems

Sent: Monday, April 13, 2009 10:35:09 PM

Subject: Re: Lumbar Spinal Stenosis

I am another one with Failed back syndrome after 2 back surgeries. I can't even

get a surgeon to take a serious look at me because of the Failed back syndrome

diagnosis. My primary care physician is giving me pain killers and muscle

relaxers and agrees that surgery will not fix my problem!!! My PC is an internal

medicine doctor, but is well educated in many facets of medicine. I like him and

he does NOT have a problem with prescribing me the meds that he says I need.

Upped my dosages by 3 times what I was getting from the ER. They finally seem to

be helping a little. Still not enough so that I can work but at least now I

don't plan an accidental death for myself!

I wish each of you a full recovery if possible and a life without pain!

>

> Hi Kathleen

> I had my laminectomy last summer and now have failed Back Sysdrom. Just in Bad

of Pain as before. Im Scared to have it again.. Im Stll on Strong Pain Meds 2x30

mg Oxyir every 4 hours and 80 MG Oxycontin SR at Bedtime. I have talked with

many otheres with the same problem.

> a in Ma.

> I also Have MS and Im post Liver Transplant

> -- In spinedisorderssuppo rtgroup@gro ups.com, Kathleen Lawyer

<bushido.hime@ > wrote:

> >

> > Hi, my name is Kathleen and I am new to the group.

> >

> > After nearly two years of intermittent excruciating pain, I finally had an

MRI.  Among other things, I have Lumbar Spinal Stenosis - to be precise -

moderate to severe Foraminal and Central Spinal Stenosis.  I also spent the last

two years with a urologist and was diagnosed with Interstitial Cystitis. 

> >

> > Because the docs thought my pain was caused by IC, not one of them checked

my back even though I told them of an MRI done in 2001, which showed one

herniated disc (I now have three), and I repeatedly said that the pain (which

brought me to my knees) radiated from my back.  The bladder issue was so bad

that in order to go to the bathroom, I actually had to bend completely over and

touch my hands to the floor.  Still not one doc made the connection - even when

my left side and leg started to go numb.  Then, an astute and extraordinary kind

GYN took the time to listen.  He immediately ordered an MRI and physical therapy

for me.  I had no idea he could do this given his specialty.  He just asked me

why I was shifting a lot and rubbing my left leg so I told him what was going

on.  He could have passed the buck, but choose to take action - what a doc!

> >

> > Before I learned of the MRI results, my back took a turn for the worse - it

exploded in pain and refused to let up.  I was given my results in the ER as

they pumped full of high powered narcotics.  I then went to a neurosurgeon who

on March 4, 2009 performed a laminectomy on L3/L4 and a laminectomy with

disectomy on L4/L5. 

> >

> > The good news is that the surgery completely fixed my bladder problem - I

don't have to bend over anymore - that's practically a miracle in my book. 

> >

> > I am now into my 5th week of recovery, am still experiencing pain and

continue to be on pain meds and muscle relaxers.  I am trying to reduce the

dosage, but the lower dosages are simple not strong enough.  Nontheless, I am

determined to get better and recently bought a Treadmill so that I can walk -

like a granny.  I am doing some simple back stretches daily as well.  I am

improving, but at a snails pace. 

> >

> > I was in pretty decent shape before all of this went down.  I was very

active in Karate and proactive in terms of working out and nuitrition.  Now, I

am reduced to granny walking, which don't get me wrong, is far better then being

curled up in a fetal position because of the pain.

> >

> > My question for all of you who have had the same procedure is how long did

it take you to recover?  Is it normal for me to still be experiencing pain after

5 weeks? 

> >

> > I really would like to hear your experiences with the surgical procedure and

the condition.

> >

> > Thanks...Kathleen

> >

> >

> >

> >

> >