Posted on 10/17/2021 3:57:36 PM PDT by ButThreeLeftsDo
Something about TRANSmissions, I think.
I learned to search for those who had previously had a procedure done with referred surgeon and rate their satisfaction level. My husband did not do this for his spinal surgery and I would say we were both disappointed. Bedside manner, at home instruction, response to telephone calls were all disappointing. But most of all for me even having a kind and experienced surgeon, my surgery has lasted 15 years. Which is better than the 10 he predicted.
I think some on this thread don’t really understand your problem. Spinal stenosis is awful. My dad had a quadruple laminectomy 35 years ago for it and had balance problems for the rest of his life. My surgeon told me in June, that I need a quadruple laminectomy. I have been on meds for a long time, but the MRI now shows my spine being squeezed to the point of much pain and numbness. If something isn’t done soon, I will be slowly paralyzed.
I have a friend who had a single fusion in his lower back. He cannot bend over at all. My surgeon told me that that will be me. So now I’m trying to adjust to my limitations and waiting on my readiness to address this problem. If the eventual outcome without surgery is paralyzation, there is no question. I have prayed and prayed about this and have had no direction so far. My prayers will be with you as you navigate this situation. (As an added wrench in the works, I have had one knee replacement and am having another soon. I cannot bend at the knees anymore anyway. I think the stenosis has already taken much nerve stimulation away from me.) Best wishes to you.
Thank you, I'll let him know.
Praying for a great outcome for you!
🙂
On the negative side, you will always have problems with that part of your body and you have to be very careful not to re-injure yourself in the future. That means you'll have to limit yourself and learn a lot of new habits. (I assume you already followed the docs' plan for exercise, weight loss, etc, and the procedure is really the only thing now that will make a significant difference.)
Having followed spinal surgery cases over time, I know you will have to be great pals with your doctor who, even if you gain almost complete relief and have no problems from the surgery itself, you'll be seeing for followup a couple of times a year for an indefinite period of time.
Also you'll be in the hospital and clinic and, well, you know that's where all those sick people are, right? If you're laying in bed coughing your brains out after the surgery, it's not going to help. And they tell you not to go to work for some time afterwards, of course.
I've got to know some people who had spine and hip surgery and so on - I know doctors recommend these procedures a lot for people who are having lots of pain. However, any time I've ever asked anyone if he was glad he got the surgery, I get a "I wish I would have thought it over a little bit more," response. Caveat emptor.
But you may have already thought all this through and you're ready - since you're already scheduled. I can't be a judge on how much pain a person is supposed to put up with, that's for sure! I sometimes have pain that wakes me up, starts at unpredictable times, distracts me when I'm doing things, and causes me to trip/stumble. I think "Nah, I would never have surgery, I will just put up with it and try to exercise those muscle groups to make up for cartilage loss (or whatever's causing it) and blah blah," but you know, the day might come when I just get tired of it and consider a procedure. (And that will be the day that I realize that I'm broke and I'm just gonna have to put up with it in any case, and that if I did have $15,000 or however much it costs, I would likely use it to pay bills and buy toys. By that time aspirin will probably cost $250 a bottle, so I'll probably have to start an account just for that.)
Oh, and = sorry, I forgot to add this - in any case, I wish you the best of luck! Constant pain is a terrible curse. Some of us deserve it, but you probably don’t!
TY for ping, MHG.
I had lumber L3 to L5 fusion which means extra long screws in my back where there is also bone spurs and spinal stenosis and whatever, whatever.
Had it done because of such severe stabbing pain in my left leg (which I still have). Awoke from surgery with a paralyzed left leg ... which felt pretty damn good given the pain it had caused. The leg eventually recovered enough for me to use it but I’m still banging on the nerve root to the leg. I hobble along on most days, but there are days that I can walk normally. Some days a walker is necessary.
Got a spinal cord stimulator last year. It’s ok. Does nothing for the leg pain, of course, but when I lie flat and put the thing on 100% it helps with the back pain. Still on painkillers which I thought I would be able to let go of once I got the stimulator. Still have times when I’m completely down for a week to ten days with my back “going out.” I’m all too familiar with the crawling on all fours bit.
There are so many people who’ve had such great success with back surgery. My surgeon went in from my hip, so there’s different things to consider when figuring out what is best for you. Go with your instinct.
Only warning I will give anyone is what my dear Dad told me after his years battling the same issues: “Once they start operating, they’ll never be through.”
I should add that the back surgery was to be done in 3 parts, and the latter 2 of which the doctor wouldn’t do because of the paralyzed leg issue.
Here’s praying and wishing for you the best outcome, But3.
Lots of supplements but it has to be the right kind (plant based), and I did the research along with a coach.
It will absolutely help with osteoporosis which is more severe than osteopenia.
But it is NOT cheap. I used the Cadillac of supplements.
Sounds like you found a good coach.
Seven years after retiring from the military at 20, or 7 years after working elsewhere and retiring at 65? (Not joking; really want to know.)
I misspoke. I retired after 20 years in the military, then about 7 years after that, I put a plan together and in about 4-6 months....it was gone gone.
Oh, I get it “retired at 20” is a military usage! Thanks! Your time frame gives me hope.
I found a cheaper way to cure osteopenia: BORAX.
I am having amazing results curing arthritis (all kinds).
From Earth Clinic:
https://www.earthclinic.com/mobile/remedies/borax/multiple-cures/
“Dead Doctors Don’t Lie” book
minerals
Ding, ding, ding. We have a WINNER!
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