Leg Pain and Numbness from Spinal Stenosis - Patients' Advice Part I

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Patients share insights on the treatment choices they have chosen for spinal stenosis. In this section, patients share their insights on evaluating treatment options for spinal stenosis.

Back to golfing after stenosis surgery

I am an avid golfer, in my mid 60's (age). Lower back was becoming more and more painful after a round. Then I had arthroscopic knee surgery. Possibly from the physical therapy for the knee (forced straightening of the hamstrings, I developed a herniated disc at L3-S1 and severe pain down my left leg.

Could not sleep or find a comfortable position at night. Knee surgeon prescribed MRI of lower back, and subsequently brought in spine surgeon. I could not twist my waist or back at all and told him I thought I would never be able to play golf again.

The MRI showed severe stenosis and surgeon said I would be playing golf within three months after surgery. Had laminectomy

and fusion in Feb 07-- woke up in the hospital with leg pain gone. Used a walker the first couple of days, then walked on my own with a cane for a week, after which I wore a corset when I walked for therapy. Went to a luncheon two weeks later. Started putting and chipping after three weeks, in March. By April I was taking full swings. In May I was shooting in the 80's, and 70's (on occasion) by June--pretty much where I was before surgery.

Early on I felt somewhat restricted, but now have full motion. It took about 3 weeks for the surgery pain to become a non-issue, and completely gone by 6 weeks. I have titanium rods holding L3 and L4 together--I can see a square 3 by 3 area under my skin in the mirror where the titanium device is. I don't think my experience is unique. I take no pain relievers, sit normally, try to stand erect.

From: BGM – Virginia, USA

Pain treatment after ProDisc

I have had a ProDisc and a fusion now for 2 months. L5 & L4 were done due to I literally had no disc left there. My pain in my legs was outstanding the first few nights till I called my Dr an he gave me Valium and Lyrica and that helped so much. I am like I stated now 2 months as the 2nd of July hit on my new discs and I am still sore and have pain in my legs but I have found that if I get walking in while they hurt, its eases that awful charlie horse feeling from u know where, pretty well along with meds. I am on my own weaning off all my meds. I try to wait now till I can't bear it then take some.

I have 2 small kids so I have 2 B alert an those meds make U very groggy. I keep telling myself, Baby steps..I have new in my body & it takes time. Patience for if it gets better-God has anwered my prayers. I will pray for all of you that still haven't had a ease up on your pain. Stay positive and try hard 2 focus on your good things in life till it gets better. I am curious if any of you had the frontal incision only? I am unable to eat much due to the pain from my innards being moved 2 the left so have lost a lot of weight. Anyone else have these issues? Hang in there everyone and I have you all in my heart to heal.

From: Cyn - Minnesota, USA

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* Note: This page expresses the experiences and opinions of patients, not doctors. The Back-to-Back forum is provided because we think people often have very practical advice and insights to share that can benefit other patients who have similar back problems. This section has not been peer reviewed by our Medical Advisory Board, and is provided for your informational purposes only.

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