Spinal stenosis

[Kitten50]

I’ve just been diagnosed with spinal stenosis ☹️ And during my mri scan they also found a cyst on my spinal cord. Apparently it’s too big to burst and in a dangerous place. The only option is surgery to remove it and also cut away parts of my bones to relieve the pressure on my spinal cord. I have been warned that if I don’t have surgery the cyst will continue to grow putting more pressure on my spinal cord and potential of being paralysed likewise there are dangers with the surgery and where my cyst is located that I could also wake from the operation finding myself paralysed

Can any of you wonderful people share your experience of similar diagnosis and treatment you have received / receiving. Xx

[DorsetLady]

Hi,

Sorry to hear this,and no I cannot help, other than to wish you the best outcome 🌹

[Kitten50]

Thank you DorestLady x

[Happyrosie]

Wow kitten, this sounds horrid! I don’t have knowledge of spinal cysts but am writing a couple of things that might, perhaps, help.Other posters may be more specific.

Firstly, spinal stenosis is common and, although I don’t know how old you are, by the time you get to my age (mid seventies) there aren’t many people around who do NOT have a spinal compression or disc degeneration of some sort. So the treatment for that, other than surgical, is pain relief and lifestyle changes (if you need to change, such as improve your diet and exercise regime). Of course, you may be doing this already.

So we come to the cyst. I’ve had had a quick read around the internet, and my reading implies that you don’t necessarily have to have surgery. What about a second opinion?

[Dazakella2010 in reply to Happyrosie]

Hi all.... I also have cervical stenosis and have had this for around 5 years I’m now 40.... I also have bulging disks in my lumbar spine. I was diagnosed with osteoarthritis in my spine.

I also have a cyst on my in the thoracic part of my spine which has been there for also around 5 years but it’s doing no harm there and hasn’t changed size in that 5 years so it’s been left alone but if yours is causing problems and putting pressure on your spinal cord then this can be called spinal compression and can be serious. How have they left it with you?

[Kitten50 in reply to Happyrosie]

Thank you Rosie, I am 51 xx

[Amkoffee in reply to Happyrosie]

Spinal stenosis is the narrowing of the spinal canal. Spinal compression and disc degeneration are something else and is common as we age. And just because it may be common as we age does not mean our pain is any less. Spinal stenosis is extremely painful. While some people can have bulging disc's without pain others do have pain. And as you suggested I do agree that a second opinion is in order regarding the cyst. A second opinion is important any time we are contemplating surgery.

[Adnil53]

So sorry to here this x maybe your consultant can put you intouch with someone with the same diagnosis xx very best wishes x💐