My Spinal Stenosis journey.

[Rockabilly]

I am finally able to write a bit about my Spinal Stenosis journey. It started last June with my left leg burning. It burned like a bad sun burn and I would put ice packs on it to relieve the burning. I did go to my doctor and he said it was a pinched nerve. I got a prescripton for Gabapentin and after about 10 days the burning was gone. Whew! I thought done with that! Then one morning I bounced out of bed as I usually do and was met with the most excruciating back pain. It was like being stabbed with a red hot sword. From that moment on the pain was there and I was not able to stand up straight or walk very well. Then it got to where I could only walk a few steps bent over. So my journey started. First I saw a back doctor at St. Thomas Hospital in Nashville. I was beyond any kind of help he could provide. Then I saw a back surgeon at St. Thomas and went through many many tests. I also had to see a neuro surgeon. All of this took time and I was confined to a wheelchair to get around. Sitting or laying down there was no pain, but standing was unbearable. Four of my vertebrae were out of place and pinching the nerves in my spinal column. The back surgeon said if I ever wanted to walk again I would have to have surgery. So surgery was scheduled and we prepared for it. I had the surgery the last of February. There were complications and I was in intensive care 14 days and another 2 weeks in the hospital. One of the problems was that after surgery I developed diabetes never having had it before. The nurses were treating me like I always had diabetes and I knew nothing about it. Finally they were able to get my blood sugar level down and it was determined the surgery with steriods caused the blood sugar to look like diabetes. After all that and low blood prressure was resolved I transferred to a rehab hospital. I was there over 2 weeks while they worked with me. The stay was uncomfortable because they came and checked on me 4 or 5 times a night clicking on bright lights and doing other things. I had 3 Physical Therapists who worked my butt off. They got me walking though. I am walking all over with a walker right now. I think mostly I am weak from being in the wheelchair so long. I've been home a week now and went back to the back surgeon and neuro surgeon for a check up. They were pleased with how well I'm doing. They showed us x-rays of my back and I could clearly see 2 titanium rods on either side of my spine and 8 screws, 4 screws on each side holding my 4 vertebrae in place. I am in the BLT phase right now. No bending, no lifting and no twisting. My husband is taking care of me like I am a baby. He's doing everything. This was major surgery so I am doing everything I can to not hurt my back. I haven't been here on the board in a long time and I really don't know if anyone has missed me, but I have missed my regular life and part of it was posting on the board here. Thank You for reading my story.

[Chisamba]

That sounds so stressful and excruciating. many Jingles for a very good recovery. thank you for letting us know. you were so much part of the board please keep us updated

[blob]

What a truly terrible thing. I didn't realize you'd been unwell, but have missed your posts. I'm glad to hear that you are on a journey of improvement and have a good support system in your DH.

[Moutaineer]

Good Heavens! That really sounds terrible, especially for a normally active person as you so obviously are. I'm so glad you are doing better--I've missed your cooking posts!

Best wishes to you and to your husband--he must have had a very hard time through this also.

[PaulaO]

I missed you! Your journey sounds horrible. I'm glad you are on the road to improvement. The hospitalization sounds scary. Sadly, it was necessary to do those middle of the night checks. I'm glad you don't have diabetes. You are on the upwards trajectory of recovery. Are the horses scared of your walker????

[redsoxluvr]

Glad you are on the mend. Hope you feel better soon!

[khall]

Rockabilly so sorry you have had to face a difficult medical issue especially now during a pandemic. Glad the surgery was a success and you are on the mend. Jingles for complete recovery

[Srhorselady]

WOW. Hang in there! No more pain is the mantra!

[silk]

I've missed hearing from you! I'm dealing with one dodgy disc myself (l5-s1) so I have an idea of the level of pain you are talking about experiencing (managed to tweak it last week and cripple myself... ironically, doing the stretches my physio and specialist recommended to help it).

[Flight]

Wow that sounds full on. I hope you continue to heal though, and rehab back for a good recovery.

[Snork]

Rockabilly, I missed you. I don't post very much but I do still read the board. I missed you, and I wondered how you were. I'm sorry you had to go through so much pain, and I'm glad you feel better now!

[Kyra's Mom]

What an ordeal. I am glad you are on the mend.
Huge jingles coming your way for continued progress and healing.
Susan

[Sue B]

Oh, we definitely missed you! Please keep up with your PT, it is crucial to a positive long-term outcome. I too, understand the level of pain you were in and am glad you have gotten some relief. My back is the opposite of your...sitting and lying down are when I get feet on fire and other pain. Walking is best for me but it's hard to walk and sleep. Lol

Hugs and wishes for a speedy, wonderful recovery.

[LeoApp]

omg Rockabilly! What a journey. How scary. I am so glad you let us know how you are doing and that you are improving. Jingles for you!! (((Hugs)))