spinal stenosis

[TedTheMaineCoon]

Hi

I was diagnosed with foraminal spinal stenosis bilaterally & 2 bulging discs , Lumber region after an MRI scan 2 & half years ago . I was once sent to A& E with suspected cauda equina . Thankfully it wasn’t . I get numbness in legs and feet , also pain . Some days worse than others & it at times feels like my legs or hips will give way .

I have had bowel incontinence , sometimes if stools are very soft I’m not aware I’ve had an accident. Sometimes leakage . Bladder control good , but have had the odd incontinence. I also have sciatica, past 23 years. Also I had another MRI scan this years , I was told there’s some changes .

When I had my appointment with orthopaedics department 2 weeks ago , he said he’s not going to do surgery. I said I didn’t want surgery . Plus he’s discharging me . And if any problems go back to Gp or A&E & they’ll refer again if needed .

I explained my incontinence issues , he said that’s because you weren’t near to a toilet & couldn’t get there in time !!??

when I received a copy of the letter he sent to my Gp , he said “ She denies having bladder and bowel dysfunction “ ! Please can anyone give me any advice ?

Kind Regards

[David2448]

Hi ted, do you know what level of stenosis you are at.

Grade 0: No lumbar spinal stenosis, no obliteration of the anterior cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) space

Grade 1: Mild lumbar stenosis with visible separation of the cauda equina

Grade 2: Moderate lumbar stenosis with some aggregation of the cauda equina so that they can’t be visibly separated

Grade 3: Severe lumbar stenosis with no separation of the cauda equina

👍Dave

[TedTheMaineCoon in reply to David2448]

No they haven’t told me . Not heard of these levels . All I know is that it’s bilateral .

[David2448]

does your MRI scan show a conclusion, for example

Conclusion:

L2-3 moderate canal stenosis.

L3-4 and L4-5 severe canal stenosis.

[TedTheMaineCoon in reply to David2448]

Yes it does L2-3

[TedTheMaineCoon in reply to David2448]

I’ve found a letter from orthopaedics, which says impingement of the left L5 nerve root

[TedTheMaineCoon]

yes it does ! Says L 3-4

[David2448]

If you have a copy of your MRI [if you haven't get one].

if it states something like two connected areas are in a state of severe canal stenosis, then you should be on the cauda equina safety net,

L2-3 L3-4 severe canal stenosis.

have they offered you an epidural injection.

[TedTheMaineCoon in reply to David2448]

Okay will have a look . Thanks .