Diagnosis - Spinal Stenosis and Degenerative Disc Disease , Bulging Disc, anterolisthesis L4 L5

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Shelter
Regular Member

Date Joined Feb 2007
Total Posts : 155

Posted 10/15/2007 3:28 PM (GMT -7)

CT Results in

Lots to think about, rathr over whelming

Dr. concerned about my going abck to work tommorrow,

Im going with strick orders NO LIFTING, NO PUSHING Residents in Wheel chairs, No pulling either....

no strain

WALK... dont run....

Feeling cautious about my return to work,

cant imagine how we'd survive financially if I end up not able to work

my back is sore.. mid back down to sacrem...? (Spelling)

apparently lots of DDD

and bone spurs?

compression on spinal chord...

Need some one to talk to

They that wait upon the Lord shall renew their Strength, they shall mount up on wings as eagles, they shall run & not grow weary, they shall walk & not faint..." Ish 40 v. 31

Sjrogrens Syndrome, Asthema, Chronic Fatigue, Chronic Pain, Head aches, Migraines, Gastro Intestinal Problesm, Esophegial Spasms,( L4 & L5 Vertebrae Misaligned, degeneratvie problems), Fibro Myalgia ,Kidney Stones

Meds: Cyclobeniprine, Amitripline, Advil, Robaxacet, vitamins, Rhodiola RX (GNC brand) ,Garlic, Vit B complex, Acidophilous,

Lakeside
Regular Member

Date Joined Jun 2007
Total Posts : 138

Posted 10/15/2007 5:23 PM (GMT -7)

Hi Shelter! Just wanted to say "hi" and know I'm thinking of you...

I have approximately what you have---as in "DDD, spinal stenosis, spondylolisthesis (21% grade), L5-S1 bulging disc, + facet arthosis @ laminectomy site (L4-5-S1) and astounding chronic pain ( typical daily level of 5-6 after drugs)---!!

But life goes on! I teach full-time & have a wonderful helpful pain mgmt doc---so far I've gotten by w/ a series of injections, which are temporarily helpful, but mostly I get by thru sheer determination & lots of prayer....

I will need a L4-S1 fusion down the road, but believe me, it's gonna be a LONG road b4 I do that...so advice-wise I'd say to you: take it easy. No lifting, twisting, bending. Gentle strecthing, walking OK---find a good PT & have him/her give you some targeted exercises. General rule: If it hurts, STOP!!! You body is an amazing machine & will always tell you just how far to go. If it's "talking" to you, listen!

You're in my prayers tonight! Get some rest---try not to worry. Let your doctor do that! And remember: Before you go to bed, give your worries to the Lord--He'll be up all night anyway!

~ Lakeside

~ Lakeside

2 lumbar surgeries for L4-L5-S1 cystic tumor & post-surgical CSF leak complications. (Fall of '06). Central canal stenosis, severe degnerative arthrosis, grade 1 (21% shift) spondylolisthesis @ L5-S1 area, sensory & nerve function loss & radiculopathy in r leg/foot, on-going facet pain, sacral/illiac pain, lots of epidural fibrosis @ L5/S1.

straydog
Forum Moderator

Date Joined Feb 2003
Total Posts : 6054

Posted 10/15/2007 7:11 PM (GMT -7)

Hello Shelter. Lakeside could not have said it any better. Listen to your body above all. They are amazing machines but they do have their limits too.

I am not real up to speed on your situation. I have a question though, were you released to rtw at your request or was this dr doing? What did your MRI show? Be sure to get a copy of the written report of the MRI for your own records. Can your employer give you work with the restrictions or even allow you to rtw with restrictions. I know some employers require a full rtw no restrictions.

Be very careful with your back. You already have one injury, unfortunately that very injury can leave you predisposed to further injury. It is now a weakened area to be dealt with.

I hope you have a good day of rtw. Keep us posted on how you do. Just take it slow & easy......Susie

kttn251977
Veteran Member

Date Joined Jul 2007
Total Posts : 544

Posted 10/15/2007 7:49 PM (GMT -7)

i have a lot of the same thing you have. i poured over the internet with the diagnosis and THOUGHT it would be a temporary thing..... 2 years later. i am so careful with my back- i am twice as careful driving- thats my biggest fear. keep on your meds, even if your body feels ok, its so easy to over do it those days because you are so happy that you have a pain free moment. then i end up in bed for 2 days. there are a lot of people on here who have the same or very similar diagnosis.... this is a fantastic place for advice. so whats your next step? have they discussed your treatment plan?

Shelter
Regular Member

Date Joined Feb 2007
Total Posts : 155

Posted 10/17/2007 5:46 AM (GMT -7)

Spinal Stenosis and Degenerative Disc Disease , Bulging Disc, anterolisthesis L4 L5 , caused by osteoarthristis , slipped Disc, bone spurs, causing pinching or pressure on spinal chord...

Hi its me again
i went to work yesterdya-- by non iw atned to go home & lie down
i also battled depression adn feelings of hopelessness,..
like this isnt going to get better
Learn to live with it

I decided to go sing and visit some sick children where I work,...
visiting them helped myemtional state
these kids most are severely handicapped,
incredible physical challenges
and theylive with 24 hr care..

I felt better singing, and seeing them
that where my heart belongs
is doing what I do

however
i m also in pain

i took cyclobenzeprine again last night.
im groggy today to say the very least
and i only took 1/2
iwant to work
and my employer says I can take it easy
but still im required to put in so many hours a week, to qualfyofr my health care benefits
so i ahve to do 26 hours a week

i ahve two jobs
the other is 24 hours /week same work, different palce, but under a diff kind of contract for pay
no benefits
no sick leave
no vacation pay

im thinking of stopping that job
to protect my first & clsoe to home job, where it all started
i need full time work
i ahve children to priovide for

:*( im a strssed, sad mom
right now
with no savings

a hubby who has depression and goes from job to job, makes min wage.. and HE's trying Im proud of HIM
but it does support me & my kids

my jobs do support us

i ahve 4 teenagers at home
3 in school 1 working
who might help us thru this.. i asked him

i appreciates prayers
and Im trusting the Lord thru this all

just sometimes you got to chat with people who truly understand & dont look down on you becaue you ahve a physical problem & pain...

thanks guys!

They that wait upon the Lord shall renew their Strength, they shall mount up on wings as eagles, they shall run & not grow weary, they shall walk & not faint..." Ish 40 v. 31

Meds: Cyclobeniprine, Amitripline, Advil, Robaxacet, vitamins, Rhodiola RX (GNC brand) ,Garlic, Vit B complex, Acidophilous,

Chartreux
Veteran Member

Date Joined Aug 2006
Total Posts : 2526

Posted 10/17/2007 1:09 PM (GMT -7)

Hey Shelter, nice to meet you.....Maybe someone will come thru here and help you with information on "How to apply for disability" you might qualify.......
Cymbalta and Lyrica are supposed to help with Fibromyalgia, so ask your doctor about those medications.
Hope that helps, good luck to you and keep us posted.
Prayers from me and remember your not alone, no one is ever alone. Angels are always with us............

************************
* Asthma
* Allergies
* Osteoarthritis
* Spinal Stenosis
* Mild DDD
* Enlarged
Pituitary Gland
* Fibromyalgia
*************************
Patient: "I always see spots with my eyes"
Doctor: "Didn't the new glasses help?"
Patient "Yes, now I see the spots clearer"

kttn251977
Veteran Member

Date Joined Jul 2007
Total Posts : 544

Posted 10/22/2007 3:49 AM (GMT -7)

Shelter- I know the days, and I think 90% of everyone here knows the days that it is soooo hard to get moving and out of bed. I looked into disablity because I too was at my witts end. I called every local disabilty dr. (and I live in a major city in Fl) and they all said the same thing, so I thought I would check into someone online and he came back with the same answer so I gave up. The answer I was told was- even though I have what is considered a disablilty, I would be rejected due to my age and education level. I would be considered "rehablitable" and I know I probably spelled that wrong- hopefully you know what I meant. Now here is the option I can suggest as far as work. I am going on FMLA- what that does is it protects your job. It gives you xx amount of hours yearly for usage- that means you might come in late, leave early, not come in at all. At least this is how my company works, so the days I can't get up at 6 am, but I feel like moving around 10- I can go in to work for that time. It may vary from your company- I am in a position that offers a lot of benefits- you may want to look into that. Now, it dosen't cover your wages- but it will CYA if you know what I mean. They can not fire you when you are under this plan. You are protected. You should check into it through your employer. Now my job did require xxxx amount of hours worked and at least 1 year on the job, you take the info to your dr (pain dr in my case to make sure i would get approved) hope this helps some! And, fyi... Chartreux is on the money in regards to those meds she recommended, I was just told I might have fibrom. and I also have nerve damage in my leg- and possibly my arm. I was put on lyrica and it has helped so much. I don't get the trembling and muscle fatigue as much as I was getting it. It takes awhile to get the right meds, I have been trying for about 1.5 years with my PM dr and we have just now finally found something that seems to work. hang in there. -Shannon

Shelter
Regular Member

Date Joined Feb 2007
Total Posts : 155

Posted 10/22/2007 5:43 PM (GMT -7)

hi thanks,...

Im encouraged just by receiving notes form you ladies; and advice

re: Cymbalta and Lyrica are supposed to help with Fibromyalgia, so ask your doctor about those medications.

I was the pharmacy Thurs night to get my Presc Celebrex... and asked about

Cymbalta, he'd NEVER heard of it

& asked me if perhaps it is not yet used here in CANADA

the Celebrex seems to help over the few days i been on it now,

and i took Robaxacet also...

and using ICE... on those SI joints helps

and heat when driving I got a message lumbar seat thing at WALMART on Saturday enroute for a 1 1/2 hr drive

I see my Doctor in the morning

i worked all day today--- paced myself...

thankful for supportive co-workers

and a hubby who's trying to be my help

AS for my job

im req to work 26 hours a week to qualify for health plan

and i have certain days at one place ( 26 hours) & certain days ( 24 hrs / week) at another .

I do programs with Sneuiros that are schedualed, so you cant jsut go in whenever

i ahve to be ther for 9 am...

i've been able to do tht most days for last 4 years

only ahd 2-3 days i couldnt do that...

not bad eh ?

We dont have that kind of job insurance... here in CANADA

and I have freinds that are on permanent dissability for their backs...

but they had to fight for it... and go with out for about 7 years....

their wife worked and then they got a settlement from government and back pay for 7 years or more

was ahandsome back pay...

one day at atime

with teh support I ahve thus far

i am hoping to keep at y jobs...

and pace myself

will update ya as we go along this journey

thank you sooooooooooooo MUCH for writting me

They that wait upon the Lord shall renew their Strength, they shall mount up on wings as eagles, they shall run & not grow weary, they shall walk & not faint..." Ish 40 v. 31

Sjrogrens Syndrome, Asthema, Chronic Fatigue, Chronic Pain, Head aches, Migraines, Gastro Intestinal Problesm, Fibro Myalgia ,Kidney Stones Esophegial Spasms,( L4 & L5 Vertebrae Misaligned, Spinal Stenosis and Degenerative Disc Disease , Bulging Disc, anterolisthesis L4 L5 , caused by osteoarthristis , slipped Disc, bone spurs, causing pinching or pressure on spinal chord...), ~

Meds: Cyclobeniprine, Amitripline, Advil, Robaxacet, vitamins, Rhodiola RX (GNC brand) ,Garlic, Vit B complex, Acidophilous,

Shelter
Regular Member

Date Joined Feb 2007
Total Posts : 155

Posted 10/31/2007 2:35 AM (GMT -7)

Update

Been 3 months since INJURY

I have been back at work now 2 weeks, and taking it slow, waking slower, following my Dr's advice,...

still have days with considerable pain

i made it theough most of teh day ok,....

but at days end... I had this SHARP Burning.. like FIRE really pain lower back.. right in the center, didnt feel like bone... felt like Nerve pain? Spinal Chord? compression

caue my legs go a little numb sometimes...

or just feel werid...

I have been on Celebrex now also almost 2 weeks

any advice from others who have taken it?

years ago I was the ones that got disontinued.. VIOXX? (Spelling) which made me sick...

and another one that really worked BEXTRA

apparently too many deathes!!!!!!!!!!! e gads

thank God I am still alive...

They that wait upon the Lord shall renew their Strength, they shall mount up on wings as eagles, they shall run & not grow weary, they shall walk & not faint..." Ish 40 v. 31

Meds: Cyclobenziprine, Amitripline, Celebrex , and Robaxacet as needed , vitamins Bcomplex, Calcium&Magnisium, extra Vitamin D , Rhodiola RX (GNC brand) ,Garlic, Acidophilous,

joya
New Member

Date Joined Oct 2007
Total Posts : 1

Posted 11/19/2007 8:24 PM (GMT -7)

I had spinal fusion approx. 5 yrs. ago. It was very successful and elevated my leg and back pain. I was left with some numbness in my feet off and on. Now I am experiencing more numbness and heaviness in feet especially when walking up stairs, sitting long periods or walking long distances. When I carry a grand child now, it is very difficult to walk or make it up a short flight of steps. I am not sure if this is common for people having spinal fusion after 5 years or not. I recently visited a neurologist but he found no problems in a nerve test of lower legs and feet or Cat Scan of brain. My primary physician thinks I should go see one of the surgeons who performed the spinal fusion, but I really do not want to go through any kind of surgery again. Is there anything else that could be done to stop with process?

Baby Boomer
New Member

Date Joined Dec 2007
Total Posts : 1

Posted 12/16/2007 10:47 PM (GMT -7)

I have mild anterolisthesis of L4 & L5. I use Far InfraRed Clothings and back wrap with magnets. Either of these helps me to manage pain. Sometimes, I use both. The numbness on the heel is gone too when I wear the clothing. I don't know if these things are helpful in your situation. I don't know if these are available in some Internet stores because I bought in local store.

I know it is not easy to feed a family if you are in pain. What I am trying to do now is to do some business through the Internet. If my health is OK, I can work. If I were in bad shape, I would halt for a few days. You can start out to join some affiliate programs to help other Internet businesses to market their products. They pay by commission. Not big money, but still helpful.

I hope everyone is healthy and happy--including myself.

SunnyDottie
Regular Member

Date Joined May 2008
Total Posts : 27

Posted 5/22/2008 7:30 AM (GMT -7)

Hello Shelter

I am a new member and I have degenerative disc disease. I had a cervical neck fusion in 1989. I 12/05 there was a laminectomy and then a fusion at L4-L5. I have had cervical neck pain since Aug. , 2007 and have now finally been to 6 mds . 4 say that I will need some kind or surgery. My hand surgeon says that I have maxed out my meds.

I also have Fibromyalgia. The list of things I cannot do is too long.

I feel that i have any choice except surgery. Any communication would be helpful. Yes, I have been on neurontin but I cannot go out if I take it in the Florida heat.

Lorrilee

deadbolt
New Member

Date Joined Sep 2009
Total Posts : 1

Posted 9/15/2009 8:25 PM (GMT -7)

my problems consist of ------ Spinal Stenosis and Degenerative Disc Disease , Bulging Disc, osteoarthristis , slipped Disc along with high blood pressure and panic attacks, goraphobia, and a few other phobias.

my kids are grown ( just barely lol) and have moved on. grandchildren came and i'm like , so excited to be healthy, energetic, and being able to play with my grandbabies. that was 2.5 years before the back problems started back in march.

I don't have alot of pain, persay as considered "pain". I have all the heaviness, tiredness, cramping, and a feeling of weighing 300 lbs when actually i only weigh 160 lbs.

i can't sit any longer than i can stand, i can't walk more than about 20 feet before i have to stop and rest my legs, hips, or the horrible cramping will start. i can't stoop, bend, lift, bend or lean over or the horrible cramping starts... my bowels and bladder doesn't work properly anymore and i can't brush a childs hair without having tired arms. depending on how i'm laying, or sitting, ect....i have numbing in the hands, legs, feet, arms.

i have to keep moving to an extent or i'll be stiff and really weak the next day. my personal life is "almost" completely gone.

how do i manage this lifestyle with out over doing it ? it's imposible i tell ya. in order to actually live, i have to overdo it everyday. before all this, i was a heavy sleeper....i could tune out the babies and sleep through a tornado..lol.. now, i'm up several times a night. i'm only 39. my only education is nursing, the only job my dr told me i could never do again .

at the moment i take only my bp meds and panic meds. i take nothing for my back. if i was in pain i could take pain meds, but what do you take to stop the onset of cramping and heaviness. ? thanks for listening, deadbolt.

Hal1
New Member

Date Joined Sep 2009
Total Posts : 2

Posted 9/15/2009 10:47 PM (GMT -7)

I have same problem. Two Lumbar surgeries and one cervical.

Worked for over ten years, finally on disability.

Try Lyrca, or the fentanyl patch. The patch is very strong.

Injections did nothing.

Lucky to have good disability program.

In the past surgery did help 100% .

Hal

atgaines
New Member

Date Joined Sep 2009
Total Posts : 9

Posted 9/16/2009 9:52 PM (GMT -7)

I had an L4/L5 discectomy back in April '09. Did amazingly wonderful for 4 weeks, then BAM!! Right back to pre-op pain, plus a bit worse. Previous experiences were almost impossible to sit down or lie down w/out severe pain, numbness and tingling going down both legs. Post-op, now any activity; sit, stand, walk, lie, and it's sporadic. Sometimes it is nerve and numb, others it's just one of the two. The scariest part is that my right leg has gone totally numb while driving--the most severe numbness where you cannot move your leg on your own!

Had an MRI 2 days ago and will be seeing my surgeon tomorrow. I'm on Worker's Comp as this was a work injury. I've been told by surgeon there are three successful options(but the discectomy was supposedly a successful option too--just not for me): another discectomy, fusion, or a combo of nothing, more therapy(didn't work), injections(didn't work).

I'm a bit worried this injury could leave me mangled for life. Is this possible and my doc just won't say it? Or is there truly a "cure" out there that can help people such as myself?

bsjaguar
Veteran Member

Date Joined Jun 2009
Total Posts : 571

Posted 9/17/2009 4:11 AM (GMT -7)

Welcome, Deadbolt, Hal & Atgaines. Boy, everyone seemed to jump in fast but it's good to see you here.

Deadbolt, what kind of doctor are you seeing? I would be very concerned if your bladder & bowels are being affected. Sounds like you should be seeing a orthopedic specialist. The pain I experience isn't like all of a sudden I have a shooting pain that makes me cry out but a constant dull muscle ache along with stiffness which causes the inability to bend over or stoop without severe discomfort. If I use my arms in an outreached position or look up for too long the muscles in my neck and shoulders go crazy for days. I use avinza (er morphine), zanaflex, neurontin and oxycodone for bt pain. Anyway, what I'm trying to say is there are alot of different kinds of pain so what you are experienceing could be pain.

Atgaines, hope you get some definative answers at your doctor appointment. Keep us posted!

Hal, did you have fusion surgeries? Glad your surgeries were successful or are you having issues again?

---Jag---

DDD, osteoarthritis, fusion surgeries C-5/7 & L-4/5 both in 2006, torn meniscus left knee 2000 & 2002, buldging disc L-2/3

White Beard
Forum Moderator

Date Joined Feb 2009
Total Posts : 1449

Posted 9/17/2009 11:11 AM (GMT -7)

deadbolt, Hal, atgaines

Welcome to the Healing Well Chronic Pain Forum! Just as a suggestion, it might be helpfull if you would each start a new thread of your own to introduce yourself and share with us what ever you are comfortable with sharing about why you are here and anything you would like us to know! Posting in the middle of a thread like this will often cause you to be missed by allot of the other folks here, and thus not know who you are or any thing about you!.

I personally think you have come to the very best forum on the internet! We all have one thing in common that binds us all together! Chronic Pain! The folks here are kind and compasionate and caring beyond belief! We all care about each other, and help and support each other! And we are all here trying to cope the best we can with PAIN! That is what it is all about here at this forum, helping and supporting each other with their pain! I do hope you, will join us and help us and support us and let us help and support you! I think you will find we are all like family, and we do care about each other!
Again I Welcome all of you!

White Beard

Moderator Chronic Pain

I'm Retired USAF, went back to school and became an RN, and now am on full disalbility!--Degenerative Disc (affecting mostly the thorasic disc but all levels involved), C6/7 laminectomy/diskectomy& fusion, Osteoarthritis, Ulcerative colitis, Chronic Pain, Fibromyalgia, Complex Sleep Apnea, and host of other things to spice up my life!(NOT!) Medications: Oxycontin, Percocet, Baclofen, Sulfasalazine, Metoprolol, Folic Acid, Supplemental O2 at 3lpm with VPAP Adapt SV

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