Hi
My mobility has recently deteriorated. I’m finding it difficult to walk , which my walking has become very slow recently. Also have 2 bulging disc in lumber region .
im becoming house bound. Has anyone else experienced this with foraminal spinal stenosis ? I’m in a lot of pain & showering is proving too difficult .
Has anyone had or got experience of this ? I’m not sure what to do or who to ask for help ?
Good morning . I'm so sorry you're struggling with your diagnosis and the debilitating consequences of it. I'm a 55 year old female and was diagnosed with spinal stenosis at the age of 24. I also have MS (diagnosed at 27) and RA (diagnosed at 25) I've undergone 17 surgeries, numerous interventions both surgically and non surgically. I had my first emergency surgery at the age of 27, where I had cauda equina syndrome. I've had a further three surgeries on the lumbar area and awaiting another decompression on L4, L5- S1. They will also plate and screw this area as I've developed anterolisthesis, too. I've also developed stenosis on the thoracic and c-spine levels, they will also require surgical intervention.
Pain is extremely debilitating, it can also feel like you're on your own with your feelings of intense pain and the odd sensations that spinal stenosis can bring. Try to move your body, even just a little. Keep active and eat a healthy, balanced diet, and hydrate yourself adequately. Looking after your body is definitely key. It's something you do have control of, whereas the pain you struggle with can make you feel as though you have no control over anything. You truly do and you can help you. Even a gentle wander outside will lift your spirits. Yoga and Thai chi are also very beneficial. Can you ask to be referred to the pain management service, they can be very helpful, especially when you've been recently diagnosed and feeling rather helpless.
If I can help in any way, please reach out.
Best wishes to you.
Ali.
Thank you so much for your reply & information. You certainly have had to deal with a lot of health problems! Sorry to hear that . A&E thought I had cauda Equina 2 & 1/2 years ago , but proved not to be . Been on steroids recently for pmr , 2 Gps say I’ve got pmr, 1 doctors says I haven’t . Rheumatologist isn’t sure . But what ever it is , it’s extremely painful . I do potter about . I’ve got a telephone appointment with rheumatologist this month. I’ll ask about pain clinic .
Thank you very much
Lesley
