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at 43 years old - Surgery?

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  • at 43 years old - Surgery?

    My name is Linda I am 43 with a 40degree lower 31 degree upper curve. I have been on a roller coaster ride with this curve since the birth of my children in my late 20's. Finally I have a L5 herniation L4 bulge L3 and 2 DDD. In addition spinal stenosis and foraminal stenosis. I was told 2 years ago by my gp that my curve was not changing, yesterday I was told by a ortho that I can expect 1- 1 1/2 degrees per year and that he would be reluctant to fix the stenosis in my lower left lumber without fixing the real problem, my scoliosis. I am self employed and the sole supporter in my home (heart disease for my 47 yr old hubby) I live with pain daily, the pain radiated down my left leg and can only stand for little amounts of time. I tried non surgical spinal decompression for the disks, but am discouraged because the pain in the left side still persists. Anyone have symptons anything like this? I have tried to stay healthy however my job (own 2 retail shops) required alot of bending and my became lax from the pain in the herniated disk. Cheers!
    43 year old
    30-upper
    41-lower
    ddd,bulging disks
    bone spurs
    osteoarthritis
    waiting for surgery

  • #2
    Hi...

    Well, you're really between a rock and a hard place. Since it looks like surgery is not an option for you, I would encourage you to try to find a physical therapist who really understands the spine. Getting you on an exercise program that strengthens your core muscles might help aleviate your pain.

    Good luck.

    Regards,
    Linda

    P.S. I've heard some of the top scoliosis specialists in the world say that surgery to address stenosis is not advisable for people with scoliosis, unless the scoliosis is addressed at the same time.
    Never argue with an idiot. They always drag you down to their level, and then they beat you with experience. --Twain
    ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
    Surgery 2/10/93 A/P fusion T4-L3
    Surgery 1/20/11 A/P fusion L2-sacrum w/pelvic fixation

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    • #3
      Hi Linda - I had similar symptoms - was diagnosed with stenosis, but I had had previous scoliosis correction with CD rods 18 years earlier. I ended up having a revision. Before my revision however, I did get some relief from a physiotherapist as Linda suggested. He was able to do some light traction on my lower spine (only light because of my fusion), which was able to provide some relief from the compression by opening up the spaces. I also got some relief from therapeutic massage as well. I was also advised to stand with one foot on a low stool as it releases pressure on the low spine/pelvic area. Just some ideas that worked for me with decreasing the leg pain. Take care!
      Cena
      Nov. 2006 - revision surgery
      Aug. 1992 - revision surgery for hook removal and pseudoarthrosis
      July 1989 - Cortrell Doubosett procedure - two rods and fusion T4-L4 (age 13)

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