Hi, I am new to this forum, and basically new to forums in general. I have never done this, although I have been in Technology since 1978. I am a 57 grandmother who use to be very active, getting up at 4:30 every morning to workout for 40 minutes. I have a very stressful job in Infrastructure Technology, working around 50-60 hours a week. Last March, 2006, I was involved in a car accident. A lady cut me off and we collided. My beautiful new 300z convertible had around $16,000 worth of damage. Anyway. my pain revealed that I had Spinal Stenosis. Never had pain down my leg before, always only disk and muscle (not to say this isnt painful also). Well, I was told that I needed surgery. Postponed till I couldnt walk anymore. Wasnt a candidate for epidurals. Had 5 level lumbar laminectomy L2-S1 on Oct 30. Spent 8 days in hospital (was told it would only be 2). Had some many complications. Was told by surgeon that 2 weeks after surgery I can start walking and getting back to work. So I went for a short walk, and all hell broke out. That's when the excruating nerve pain started in my right thigh. I get very sharp cutting pain (like Edward Scissorshand is having fun), along with painful pins and needles, and burning. I cant even touch my thigh without causing more pain. Couldnt do anything. Went back to surgeon, took MRI, was told that his surgery was successful, didnt know why i was in pain, go figure it out myself, BYE BYE. Then went to Neurologist, took EMG (THE most painful test ever, had more pain after). He told me I had RSD, and dont get depressed, and get pain management and pt. Went to Neurosurgeon, told me that I should of had only a 2 level surgery, my recovery time should have been 6-8 weeks of doing nothing, I didnt need more surgery (every time I twisted or bent I get a very sharp cutting pain in my leg and then cant walk for a day), had chronic pain, go seer pain management and pt. So now I'm getting pain management (on Lyrica, Kadian, and Percocet). Had 3 series of 6 nerve blocks, all which left me in more pain. Tried PT, which caused me more pain also. Its 3 months now. I was released to work from home. Dont know how I'll be able to go back into the office. Cant walk from meeting to meeting. I am an A type personality that bounces off walls.

So, basically, HELP!!!! Has anyone been in my situation, any suggestions? I really dont know where to go from here. I guess I am getting depressed from all this. I'm not use to just sitting or being in so much pain. I was the one who yelled when people smoked, or took the elevator. My daughter is having my 3rd grandson (she lives in San Diego), and I CANT go there to help and see him. Both of my other 2 grandsons (10 and 4), I saw them at 5 minutes old. I held them, I helped out. Now I cant. This is NOT FAIR!!!!!!

I know this is long, but I do have some many questions. This forum is great.
First, what is the normal stay at the hospital after a lumbar laminectomy? I had 5 levels. Also, what is the normal recovery period, and what are you supposed to do - walk, minimal activity??????? I really think that walking for 40 minutes only 2 weeks after my surgery caused my RSD.

Laurie,
I'm so sorry to hear of all you are going through, I don't really have any answers for you but wanted you to know that your being heard and so not alone in what your going through..
I fell at work back in June of 1999 and my life has never been the same and never will I am permanently disabled, I was treated for a strain/sprain, what a joke, they just believed that a fall couldn't disable me.
I have not had the surgeries that you have but I have been through more procedures and injections and more Dr's then I can count.
I was never on a computer before this happened and since it is the only social life I have.
I now have 8 grand-kids and they all know me as the grandma that always hurts..So much for me just want you to know your not alone.
Myself I would advice you to start looking in to finding Dr's that specialize only in the spine and most importantly find you a good pain management Dr that first off will get your pain under control so that you can get on with what you have to do to get a full diagnosis and some quality of life.
I wish you the very best and please post and let us know how your doing.
Gentle Hugs,
Linda