I’ve been diagnosed with spinal stenosis it’s in neck and 2 places in lumbar area

[DianaWM]

it’s been quite a shock to

Get MRI results at least it explains many of the symptoms I’ve had for years and knew were connected I am concerned I’ve got 3 areas I was offered nerve meds I decided to delay those pain meds cause me other issues I also can’t have surgery so it’s a real worry where I could end up as 2 areas are moderate to severe and one is mild to moderate

[PainConcernHelpline Moderator Community Champion Pain Concern]

Hi DianaWM

I ama a forum moderator at Pain Concern and have been reading through your post.

I wonder if you could explain further about the information you are looking for - whether it is regarding medication, similar experiences etc to help other forum users or myself respond to your post.

Best wishes

Pain Concern

[DianaWM in reply to PainConcernHelpline]

Just wondered if anyone has similar condition and how they cope with it I can’t g by a e surgery due to other conditions and meds I have to delay due to them causing serious issues with other conditions so I’m doing it without meds including pain killers and no surgery

[Geripop]

I’ve had cervical, lumbar and sacral stenosis but unlike you I got surgery and still take medication.

I’m not sure how you can be managing moderate to severe stenosis without any help! When I had Cauda Equina Syndrome that came from my lumbar and sacral stenosis, I took myself into A&E after years of pain as it was deeply affecting my mental health and sleep. I was desperate and would’ve happily lost my leg if it meant the electric pain was gone. I got urgent surgery and made a world of difference.

The cervical stenosis was different in that I had no real pain but the MRI picked up the degenerative discs. I got several more urgent surgeries but have been left with nerve damage and overall neuropathy. I take meds for this nerve pain, and to allow me to keep some form of independence but do rely on my husband a lot still. I honestly cannot imagine not having anything to help with the pain, and not having the hope of surgery to rectify it.

[DianaWM in reply to Geripop]

Thanks for your reply I am glad you could have surgery and take meds - there’s one place where it’s mild to moderate and the rest is moderate to severe so I’m in pain all the time as you can imagine due to side effects of pain meds effecting another condition that needs surgery I can’t take pain meds the effects would be so bad on my other condition it doesn’t bare thinking about I need at least 8-10 surgeries to sort out everything I have, with other conditions, but they can’t do any so I just have to endure it

I just accept that I have to and I get on with it so you can imagine the fear of paralysis is high in my mind I just count each day I’m not a blessing and embrace it

Thanks for your reply just knowing you appreciate how hard it is helps a lot

I live alone and have carers so there’s few

People I can talk to that understand