I am new to this forum. I have been diagnosed with spinal stenosis with instability by two different neurosurgeons. Both have agreed that a lumbar decompression laminectomy with a fusion on L4/5 is indicated. I have tried physical therapy and an epidural with lasted about 3 weeks. I feel fine (except for arthritis) until I have to stand or walk for a length of time. Then I have a very bad pain down the side of my left leg from my hip and then down the front of my leg below the knee. It tends to feel tingly and go numb after a short period of time. I am set to have the surgery on November 9th. Please let me know if you have had this surgery and if it has been successful. I know there is a long recovery and pain afterwards. I guess the decision is harder because I do not experience pain when I am able to sit when necessary. I am 57 years old and hate to think of not being able to travel, etc. when my husband retires. I would appreciate any input. Thanks ahead for your responses.

Where are you? Do you have an orthopedic spine specialist, one with a spine fellowship? I was 63 and had severe spinal stenosis---I could hardly walk. I had to bite the bullet and agree to surgery. My OSS did a laminectomy and fused me from L3-S1 with BMP on sponges. I also have 2 rods and 8 screws. It was hard getting around for a few weeks but I have no more problems with my legs. Because I live alone I went to rehab for a couple of weeks, but I've done great! I never had any real pain from the surgery and I haven't been on any pain meds since I've been home. I was driving at 6 weeks. You sound like you have no choice.
fly

I just made an appointment with a spine specialist since I have seen two neurosurgeons. You're right - I probably have no choice. I just feel so good most of the time, it is hard to think about the surgery. It is great that you have done so well and that is very encouraging to me. I just haven't been able to find many people on forums who have had surgery for spinal stenosis. Hopefully it is because they have done well after surgery!

Marcia Anne,

Fly is definitely on track with the recommendation about having a spine specialist. The difference in the the care and the availability of options is tremendous.

Also, you may wish to look at the thread at the top of our board at a post from Bionic Witch about new info. The web site she references is an excellent site for learning about artifical disc replacements and a flexible fusion system called dynesys. Such options should be discussed with your doc, but if they are general ortho or general neuro surgeons versus true spine specialists who dedicate their practice to 100% spine treatment/care, then these are not options that are as likely to be available through a non spine specialist.

Also, on that site you can look up the BMP (Bone Morphogenic Protein), as well as research it on the net in general. Fly had what is called an off-label procedure with BMP, and I had labeled procedures. Both of us are apparently very pleased. I've had 1 pre-BMP fusion and 3 BMP fusions, with the last one being 10 levels just 9 months ago. Don't gasp, as I was back being active at 3 months and have been fully maintinaing my home, working in my yard and doing everything I'm old enough to get into, and believe me that is a lot for a 59 year old woman. It is important for us to arm ourselves with info and be our own best advocate.

As for people with spinal stenosis, yep, that is just one of many major issue with my spine. Also, as a thought, if you have had any indication of excessive scarring for any reason or from other surgeries, be sure to let your doctor's know and insist that they use one of the anti-scarring gels should you have any kind of surgery. That will go a long way toward avoiding other problems.

Best wishes and do let us know how things are going for you.

Although my daughter is much younger than you are, 16 years old, she had a laminectomy, discectomy and two level TLIF in June. She had stenosis and grade II spondylolisthesis. She had back and leg pain for a couple of years and then foot tingling for six months. She is 14 weeks post op and says that she hasn't felt this good in two years. Good luck. cas

I have to thank all of you for the responses. It is good to hear of successes as this is a very scary surgery for me. If I didn't feel so good most of the time, it would be a no-brainer. However I know that if I want to be able to walk and stand normally, I need surgery. Again, thank you for all of the input thus far and I would appreciate any other that may be of help to me.

Hi Marcia Ann..
don't know much about spinal stenosis.. but wanted to sympathize with you...paybacks ya know. ;)

Good luck to you in your surgery, it sounds like you don't have much choice.

Brenda