spinal stenosis

[TedTheMaineCoon]

Hi

Does anyone have spinal stenosis? I was diagnosed 2 & a half years ago after MRI scan .

The consultant said it was foraminal spinal stenosis, bilateral. Also 2 bulging discs in Lumber area . I was once sent to A&E as suspected cauda equina . But thankfully not .

Also I’ve had sciatica for 23 years.

I have numbness , pins & needles & pain in legs and feet . Some days worse than others . Bowel & bladder control not great , especially bowel.

I do know of someone who has spinal stenosis and became paralysed in her legs .

I recently had another MRI , which showed some changes. When I had my appointment with the orthopaedic department. He said he’s discharging me and won’t do an operation, which I said “ I don’t want you to “ I explained my incontinent issues , he just said “ That’s because you couldn’t get to the toilet in time “ !!! Well I wasn’t too happy as that’s not the case .

I received a copy of the letter he sent to my Gp . Which said “She denies having bowel or bladder dysfunction “ ! And that’s not true .

He said if any problems go to Gp or A&E , if needed they’ll refer you again . I am aware this is degenerative. But can anyone enlighten me or/and if anyone has spinal stenosis ?

Thank you

[123-go]

There are some people on this forum who have spinal stenosis. Have a look in ‘Related Posts’ on right hand side of your screen if you are using an iPad or, I believe, at the bottom of the page on phone.

There is a Healthunlocked Spinal Stenosis forum where you can post and read others’ experiences just as you do on this forum.

[TedTheMaineCoon in reply to 123-go]

Thank you very much 😊

[Rachmaninov2 in reply to 123-go]

Thank you for the information 123-go, I didn’t realise there’s a Spinal Stenosis forum.

[123-go in reply to Rachmaninov2]

There are at least 600 public communities on HealthunlockedUK. Amazing, isn’t it? For interest look here healthunlocked.com/nhs

[Rachmaninov2 in reply to 123-go]

Yes, we are lucky to have them. Thanks for the link. 🙂

[PMRpro Ambassador]

As soon as you post a question anything like this - immediately have a look at Related Posts which will then come up. It will usually save you waiting for replies and often provide more info overall.

[Rachmaninov2]

I have spinal stenosis and cauda equina, and it has been impressed on me that if I experience certain symptoms I should go to A and E. I was offered an operation about a year ago but despite trying to get an update haven’t heard anything since. Have been given exercises by the physiotherapist. I also have painful feet and legs with numbness and pins and needles which makes standing and walking difficult, although I also have inflammatory arthritis so it’s difficult to pin down what’s causing the symptoms. Best wishes. 😊

[Brikel]

I had Spinal stenosis and had an operation to resolve it, which worked. I thinks it was a decompression operation This was nearly 5 years ago and the problem have not returned

Hope this helps

[TedTheMaineCoon in reply to Brikel]

Yes it does ! Thank you . I’ll talk to my gp about it !

[Pameliza]

I battle something similar but not as bad as you. I went to a urologist and a physiotherapist who specialises in bladder control and was given lots of help. I still wear a little pad but rarely have accidents now.

[TedTheMaineCoon in reply to Pameliza]

Thank you for your comment 😊

[Carathedog]

Hi,

I have Spinal Stenosis, and three herniated disc’s.

I too have buttock and leg pains, and pins and needles.

When I was first diagnosed, I was sent for physio, and was told, that, if I ever had problems with loss of feeling in the genital area, leaking urine, or not being able to stop a bowel movement, I had to seek medical help immediately. Cauda Equina Syndrome. Might be worth looking it up.

I have good days and bad, was prescribed Pregabalin, but have just weaned myself off them, as they weren’t helping.

I do think exercises and short walks, if you can manage , helps. I try to do one or the other every day, although my maximum distance is one mile.

I hope this is helpful

[Delonghi]

I've had problems with spinal stenosis/herniated discs for 13 years (pain/numbness/tingling always on the right side of my buttock/leg) . During that time I did regular physio and did get some better periods. Finally, I was offered lumbar decompression surgery at L3/L4 level and this took place on March of this year. Unfortunately this did not work and I am having revision lumbar decompression surgery + or - a discectomy in August. I was told that the original surgery is usually 90% successful. I don't think it is a major surgery but the danger is they are operating near your spinal cord and paralysis is a factor if they damage your cord. I guess they have to warn you about this but how much of a real danger this is I'm not sure. I have always been told any problems with loss of bladder or bowel control seek immediate medical help. I have been prescribed Amitriptyline for the nerve pain but know that Pregabalin is also prescribed. They were originally anti-depressant drugs but were found to give some relief from nerve pain.

[S4ndy]

I have just had a spinal nerve decompression on L4/L5 bilaterally. I had my op in 12th May 2023. It has been great. No more sciatic pain and for the most part the bladder issues have resolved. I am still in the healing phase and have limitations on things like lifting but so far so good.

I was lucky enough to be insured so was able to see someone privately. As an aside my gp referred me to a Neurosurgeon in June 2022 via the NHS and I still haven't had an appointment for that, apparently the waiting list is horrendous.

I had spinal stenosis caused by prolapse and boney growths. My surgeon removed a piece of the foramin to help decompress the cauda equina. It was microsurgery and has healed well. I have followed every bit of advice given to give myself the best chance.

It's not an orthopaedic surgeon you need it's a Neurosurgeon. I also saw a consultant neurophysiologist, referred by my surgeon, who ran nerve conduction tests to ascertain which nerves were being affected.

My treatment has been excellent and I wish I had got a referral years ago as its made such a difference in my pain levels.

Hope you get sorted out soon.

[Manchild]

I had spinal stenosis with symptoms of leg pains and claudication, among others. Diagnosed at age 68. Underwent physical therapy and many epidural shots with minimal success. I decided I was too young and otherwise healthy to have a physically diminished life, so I decided to find an accomplished neurosurgeon. Operation was successful (lumbar laminectomy ) but recovery takes a while. I am now able to ambulate without lumbar related problems, but about one year after my surgery, I developed PMR. Bad luck? Who knows!

[Manchild]

I didn’t have a fusion, but a laminectomy. My doctor assured me that I didn’t need a fusion, and he was right. I don’t know how this stuff gets better on it’s own, but if you are OK, so be it.