How To Treat Spinal Stenosis Disease Despite Multiple Surgeries?

Posted on Wed, 6 Sep 2017

Question: I HAVE JUNCTIONAL SPINAL STENOSIS DISEASE. MORE SURGERY HAS BEEN SUGGESTED. I HAVE HAD TWO BACK SURGERIES FOR MY MY STENOSIS ISSUES. FIRST WAS L4-5 , SECOND WAS 3-4-5, I NOW HAVE 2 RODS AND SIX SCREWS. THE WHOLE EXPERIENCE WAS VERY PAINFUL AND I WAS IN A REHAB FACILITY FOR 3 WEEKS. THE LAST SURGERY WAS 2 YRS. AGO I AM FEMALE AGE 76. I AM 5'2' AND WEIGH 145. LET ME KNOW YOUR THOUGHTS ON THIS. THANK YOU. YYYY@YYYY

Answered by Dr. Chobufo Ditah (1 hour later)

Brief Answer:
Was are your symptoms?

Detailed Answer:
Hi,

Surgery would be helpful if your symptoms are bad. Thee could be symptoms of severe pain or reduced range of movement. I will suggest that any further decision be based on how bad your symptoms are and not on what the images say. Do you think your pain or symptoms are terrible that you need a surgery which is always reserved as last resort?

Let me hear from you and we will continue from this.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Prasad

Follow up: Dr. Chobufo Ditah (2 hours later)

MY MAIN SYMPTOM IS PAIN AND DIMINISHED REFLEXES. MY BIG CONCERN IS IF I HAD SURGERY AGAIN AND IT ALSO FAILS, I COULD BE IN FAR WORSE CONDITION THAN I AM NOW. I DO A VARIETY OF EXERCISE ACTIVITIES AND I FEAR LOSING THE ABILITY TO DO WHAT I DO NOW. I LOVE TO DANCE! MY LAST SURGERY WAS VERY PAINFUL AND I WAS IN A REHAB FACILITY FOR 3 WEEKS. I ALSO NEEDED A BLOOD TRANSFUSION. THEREFORE THE THOUGHT OF SURGERY CREATES MUCH ANXIETY. WHAT ARE YOUR THOUGHTS? THANK YOU

Answered by Dr. Chobufo Ditah (4 hours later)

Brief Answer:
If you are happy the way you are now and fear surgery, delay it!

Detailed Answer:
Hi,

Surgery should really be done as last resort and only when your symptoms are unbearable. I will suggest that you delay the surgery and only accept when to do it when you think you stand more to gain than loss. It appears your are better and happier at this time. Besides, surgery would always be there if things get worst but not surgery cannot be undone if you feel terrible.

In all, delay and only take on it when you have no other option.

I wish you well. Keep me posted as you make the ultimate decision about this.

Note: For further queries, consult a joint and bone specialist, an Orthopaedic surgeon. Book a Call now.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Yogesh D