This is the first thread that I have originated. I have been in touch with many of you via PMs, telephone, and emails. It is great to have such support from people who care and who really understand. Some of the following has appeared in earlier postings but I wanted to repeat it so you know what is going on with me.
I have pain in my right leg when I stand and/or walk for more than 10 or 15 minutes. This has been going on for more than 20 years and has gotten increasingly worse. I call it my "chronic state." I have learned to live with it by using a "cane seat" or “sport seat” when traveling or shopping when there is no cart to push. Otherwise, I do the best I can. I can bike, kayak, and cross-country ski because I am in a bent, or sitting position. I can be pain free when sitting or lying down.
Over these years, I have been to different pain management doctors and orthopedists and have had epidural shots and nerve blocks that have helped me get out of “acute” situations but put me back to my “chronic state.”
I’m really not concerned about the cosmetic change that surgery will make, but the change to the quality of life. Luckily, my shoulders are even but my hips are not. The right side of my back sticks out vertically. You know what it’s like to try on clothes and see what you look like in a 3-way mirror so you can “disguise” your back.
My last, longest, and most painful acute “attack” was in the summer and fall of 2009, I had acute pain where I couldn't sit up or stand at all without excruciating pain. (Think running back to bed while brushing your teeth and finishing after a reprieve.) I spent the summer in a beach chair (even brought it to restaurants). I had several nerve block and epidural shots that didn’t do any good. I met with several pain management doctors and orthopedic surgeons. Because of the scoliosis, one surgeon wouldn't touch me. It is an added complication. Finally, Dr. Rand (New England Baptist Hospital) suggested facet joint shots at L3-4, both left and right side. It was like magic. After 4 months, I had relief and was back to my "chronic state." (It had taken me almost 4 months to get an appointment with him.)
I have had an MRI, myelogram, CT scan, and X-rays. The diagnosis is that I have scoliosis, stenosis, several bulging discs, degenerative discs, and arthritis in my back that is causing the narrowing of the canal, especially at L4-5. This makes for an unstable spine. I’m scheduled for fusion surgery (T8, T9, or T10 to the pelvis) on December 7.
You have all shared your experiences with me and for that I am grateful to all of you who have done so. It has given me the courage to pursue this surgery and change my life. I have spent much time making the decision and feel it is now or never. I am not getting any younger. Looking forward, if I don’t have the surgery, I need to be satisfied with pain standing and walking and plan my life around this pain, OR have the surgery and be able to walk and stand perhaps as much as I want.
If anyone is sorry they have had the surgery, I haven’t read or heard it. (I have been following the thread about Joyfull and am deeply sorry and hope for her recovery.) Ed has the great thread about “the benefits of being fused.” The surgery and recovery won’t be easy but I have a high pain threshold and am determined to do whatever I need to do to be successful. I believe I have the right doctor at the right hospital in Boston.
Thank you all for sharing. Since I read so much about all of you, I wanted you to know a little bit about me.
Irene
I have pain in my right leg when I stand and/or walk for more than 10 or 15 minutes. This has been going on for more than 20 years and has gotten increasingly worse. I call it my "chronic state." I have learned to live with it by using a "cane seat" or “sport seat” when traveling or shopping when there is no cart to push. Otherwise, I do the best I can. I can bike, kayak, and cross-country ski because I am in a bent, or sitting position. I can be pain free when sitting or lying down.
Over these years, I have been to different pain management doctors and orthopedists and have had epidural shots and nerve blocks that have helped me get out of “acute” situations but put me back to my “chronic state.”
I’m really not concerned about the cosmetic change that surgery will make, but the change to the quality of life. Luckily, my shoulders are even but my hips are not. The right side of my back sticks out vertically. You know what it’s like to try on clothes and see what you look like in a 3-way mirror so you can “disguise” your back.
My last, longest, and most painful acute “attack” was in the summer and fall of 2009, I had acute pain where I couldn't sit up or stand at all without excruciating pain. (Think running back to bed while brushing your teeth and finishing after a reprieve.) I spent the summer in a beach chair (even brought it to restaurants). I had several nerve block and epidural shots that didn’t do any good. I met with several pain management doctors and orthopedic surgeons. Because of the scoliosis, one surgeon wouldn't touch me. It is an added complication. Finally, Dr. Rand (New England Baptist Hospital) suggested facet joint shots at L3-4, both left and right side. It was like magic. After 4 months, I had relief and was back to my "chronic state." (It had taken me almost 4 months to get an appointment with him.)
I have had an MRI, myelogram, CT scan, and X-rays. The diagnosis is that I have scoliosis, stenosis, several bulging discs, degenerative discs, and arthritis in my back that is causing the narrowing of the canal, especially at L4-5. This makes for an unstable spine. I’m scheduled for fusion surgery (T8, T9, or T10 to the pelvis) on December 7.
You have all shared your experiences with me and for that I am grateful to all of you who have done so. It has given me the courage to pursue this surgery and change my life. I have spent much time making the decision and feel it is now or never. I am not getting any younger. Looking forward, if I don’t have the surgery, I need to be satisfied with pain standing and walking and plan my life around this pain, OR have the surgery and be able to walk and stand perhaps as much as I want.
If anyone is sorry they have had the surgery, I haven’t read or heard it. (I have been following the thread about Joyfull and am deeply sorry and hope for her recovery.) Ed has the great thread about “the benefits of being fused.” The surgery and recovery won’t be easy but I have a high pain threshold and am determined to do whatever I need to do to be successful. I believe I have the right doctor at the right hospital in Boston.
Thank you all for sharing. Since I read so much about all of you, I wanted you to know a little bit about me.
Irene
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