[redjune]

I had a laminectomy last year as I had spinal stenosis and bulging discs at l3 and 4.
The op was successful but I am now suffering from back pain, I cant sleep because I cant lay down without being in terrible pain.
My gp is sending me for an mri.
What I want to know is, is this likely to be the stenosis again or is it just a coincidence? The symptons are different, but very painful and uncomfortable.

[Leesa]

Hi ! I suppose it could be the stenosis again, but it's more likely that the levels above/below the surgery site have failed. This happens alot after surgery. It seems that surgery causes the other levels to become unstable, and then they tend to bulge or herniate, causing lots of pain. The doctors don't tell us this -- we have to learn thru research & experience. It is sometimes called "Failed back surgery syndrome" or just Failed back syndrome.

I've had 2 open surgeries (laminectomies/diskectomies) and after each one, I had more pain than I had in the beginning! Today I'm disabled. So my advice is to avoid surgery in at ALL possible!!! Try physical therapy -- that usually helps alot.

Best of luck & let us know what the MRI says, ok? Hugs, Lee

[redjune]

Originally Posted by Leesa

Hi ! I suppose it could be the stenosis again, but it's more likely that the levels above/below the surgery site have failed. This happens alot after surgery. It seems that surgery causes the other levels to become unstable, and then they tend to bulge or herniate, causing lots of pain. The doctors don't tell us this -- we have to learn thru research & experience. It is sometimes called "Failed back surgery syndrome" or just Failed back syndrome.

I've had 2 open surgeries (laminectomies/diskectomies) and after each one, I had more pain than I had in the beginning! Today I'm disabled. So my advice is to avoid surgery in at ALL possible!!! Try physical therapy -- that usually helps alot.

Best of luck & let us know what the MRI says, ok? Hugs, Lee

Hi Lee
I was just reading about failed back syndrome yesterday! Its funny, you dont hear of any of these things until they affect you personally. I had never heard of spinal stenosis until I was diagnosed with it 2 yrs ago.
After my laminectomy the consultant said that he hadnt put any metal support in my spine when he did the op, but could always do that later!! I dont mind, but Im not sure that my work believe me. Because you cant see a back problem you are considered to be 'putting it on' here. Im 57 and a primary school teacher. I am always on my feet or sitting on little chairs ( I know I shouldnt, but I sit on them without thinking) I would willingly take early retirement on ill health grounds, but thats not likely to happen.

[redjune]

Can anyone tell me, are the symptons for Spinal Stenosis always the same? Before I had surgery my symptons were an awful pain in my leg, drop foot and gradually less mobility.
Im now experiencing pain in my hip and back, sometimes my buttock and round the top of my leg.
Is it likely they are connected?

[Leesa]

The "new" pain sounds more like sciatica to me. Sciatica pain usually is in the back/hip/leg and into the foot. But in the early stages, it can be just in the upper leg.

The pain is usually on the outer side of the leg, although I get pain in the shins too. It hurts ALOT behind my knee also.

Sciatica can be caused by a number of things, such as a herniated/bulging disc that's pressing on the nerve, or a fall, tumor, etc. Many times, it can be relieved by physical therapy. Why not ask your doc to send you to PT? It's better than having to take medication all the time!

I hope you start to feel better soon! Take care & God bless. Hugs, Lee

[Dr. Smith]

Originally Posted by redjune

Can anyone tell me, are the symptons for Spinal Stenosis always the same?

No, according to Wiki:

Spinal stenosis is an abnormal narrowing (stenosis) of the spinal canal (the opening in each vertebra through which the spinal cord passes) that may occur in any of the regions of the spine. This narrowing causes a restriction to the spinal cord, resulting in a neurological deficit. Symptoms include pain, numbness, pins and needles and loss of motor control. The location of the stenosis determines which area of the body is affected.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Spinal_stenosis

I have stenosis in my cervical vertebrae (neck) which gives me pain in my neck, shoulders, chronic headaches, and sometimes telegraphs symptoms further down my back (shoulderblades) and arms.

Symptoms will be different, depending on location, degree, and severity of the stenosis and resultant pressure on the chord and branching nerves. Areas affected correspond roughly to this chart (which deals with nerves in the skin).
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dermatome_(anatomy)

Im not sure that my work believe[s] me. Because you can't see a back problem you are considered to be 'putting it on' here.

That happens, but it's not right, and may be illegal. One of the worst stigmas endured by pain patients is not being believed. Your employers, being educators themselves, need to be educated about chronic pain. September is Pain Awareness Month, but any time will do. If you have any issues/limitations at work (they don't even necessarily have to costitute WC or Disability) your doctor should write a note/letter to whom it may concern spelling them out. It doesn't have to be specific about dx details; they are confidential between you and your doctor, but for example, if you shouldn't lift heavy objects, he can put that in (specifying weight or bulk), etc. Your union rep should also be able to help/guide you with this too. If it gets to the point that they are creating a hostile work environment, it is illegal. E.G. Derogatory or intimidating references to an employee’s mental or physical impairment
http://www.fcc.gov/encyclopedia/unde...ment-fcc-staff

Doc

[eva5667faliure]

Originally Posted by redjune

Hi Lee
I was just reading about failed back syndrome yesterday! Its funny, you dont hear of any of these things until they affect you personally. I had never heard of spinal stenosis until I was diagnosed with it 2 yrs ago.
After my laminectomy the consultant said that he hadnt put any metal support in my spine when he did the op, but could always do that later!! I dont mind, but Im not sure that my work believe me. Because you cant see a back problem you are considered to be 'putting it on' here. Im 57 and a primary school teacher. I am always on my feet or sitting on little chairs ( I know I shouldnt, but I sit on them without thinking) I would willingly take early retirement on ill health grounds, but thats not likely to happen.

dear redjune

i have had 2 cervical neck
but point also with diagnosis with stenosis
here is the thing i experience all the pain
not only lee
but right where you are also doc
no disrespect too anyone
if you must and can i would have
done things differently
the personal experiences
are different for everyone
the pain unbearable
i.m down to a suggestion
seeing a doctor for a pain pump
let me not go on
they are correct about the mechanics
that all changes along with new pain
you never had before
do your homework
never go against your gut feeling

be well all
much love
many different kinds of pain
nevertheless it is pain

[eva5667faliure]

Originally Posted by redjune

Hi Lee
I was just reading about failed back syndrome yesterday! Its funny, you dont hear of any of these things until they affect you personally. I had never heard of spinal stenosis until I was diagnosed with it 2 yrs ago.
After my laminectomy the consultant said that he hadnt put any metal support in my spine when he did the op, but could always do that later!! I dont mind, but Im not sure that my work believe me. Because you cant see a back problem you are considered to be 'putting it on' here. Im 57 and a primary school teacher. I am always on my feet or sitting on little chairs ( I know I shouldnt, but I sit on them without thinking) I would willingly take early retirement on ill health grounds, but thats not likely to happen.

dear redjune

i have had 2 cervical neck (failed)
but point also with diagnosis of stenosis
here is the thing i experience all the pain
not only lee's pain
but right where you are also doc
no disrespect anyone
if i could i would have
done things differently
the personal experiences
are different for everyone
the pain unbearable
i'm down to the suggestion
seeing a doctor for a pain pump
let me not go on
i just want my life back
and for now it is gone
they are correct about the mechanics
that all changes along with new pain
you never had before
do your homework
never go against your gut feeling

be well all
much love
many different kinds of pain
nevertheless it is pain

[redjune]

Thanks for all the comments. Im still waiting for my mri scan appointment to come, so until then theres not much I can do.
Im due to go back to school next week. I know that its very unlikley that anyone will ask how I am apart from close friends. Its just treated as an inconvienience by others.
Also, recently a friend at work had to have an op on her eye. A collection was made to get her flowers. Another colleague is an alcoholic and he fell downstairs when he was drunk and broke his leg and he was sent a basket of fruit. In both cases you can see what is wrong with them so they get sympathy. It just annoys me that because you cant see a back problem it is automatically thought you are putting it on. I dont want sympathy but it would be nice to have my condition acknowledged.