Hi, I'm hilarysjack! I have spinal stenosis & am concerned how I'll cope after my next op.

hilarysjack

I was diagnosed with spinal stenosis 2 years ago, in October this year I finally had enough money to pay for the surgery to decompress the disc at L4/L5 - my leg pain did subside for about 2 weeks and then has gradually got worse over the past month.  A recent MRI shows that the whole joint at L4/L5 has now collapsed and the surgeon has said the only route left to me it to have the joint removed and plated!
Having begged and borrowed the £12k for the first operation the second I have been told will cost double, I can't afford this!  I have been told the NHS waiting list is 18 months!  Knowing the first operation was a complete failure who's to say that the next one won't cause even more damage!
I am worried that my pain is going to become so bad that soon I won't be able to get out of bed, I have a desk job which is causing me a massive amount of pain - how am I going to pay my mortgage?
I am so frightened of not being able to support myself physically and financially - I am 55 years old and until this was fit and healthy, now I can't even get my underwear on unless I lay on the bed and use a stick - what am I going to do?

janer1967

Hi and welcome 

Sorry to hear of your situation.  Try not to panic easy to say I know but it will all work out it takes time 

I became disabled and unable to walk overnight and had to give up work , driving, my house . There is help and support out there and you have time to set things up 

It may not be all bad the surgery may be a success . I get you cant afford private like most of us we are in the hands of NHS 

Good luck I do understand how you are feeling we are all here to support you 

RobbinBright

Hello there! Keep going strong and good luck pal! 

Cher_Alumni

Hi @hilarysjack and welcome to our online community.  I'm sorry you are going through a tough time with your spinal stenosis and the thoughts and feelings you're having are entirely understandable.

You mentioned that you have a desk job which is causing you lots of pain, and I wondered if this was something you had spoke with your employer about?  You are entitled to reasonable adjustments in relation to the impairment needs you have and I'd recommend broaching the subject if you haven't already.  This Scope webpage on 'Asking for reasonable adjustments' gives more details on what to do.  While you could also explore the Access to Work grant scheme that can pay for specialist assessments and recommended adjustments. 

Have you talked with your GP about your fears?  If not, I'd encourage you to do this too so they are aware of your concerns and can offer you any referrals/support that might help.  

Please let us know how you get on and good luck.  We are here if you ever need to talk.

RobbinBright

Post more suggestions please! 

Peter12345

@hilarysjack

I send my bestest and the more healing thoughts and vibes I possibly send anyone.  

There are folk  that say they know how you feel and then going on to say how worse their circumstances are ?

Only you know how you feel and from you've just described it sound bad enough to me..  Sorry kid.  

I have cut and pasted the below paragraph from a post I stayed for myself. 

It's might be of some use to you.    Unfortunately I haven't got the posters name right now to credit them.   When I  get it I will. 

One step at a time.. Yeah ?

In order to control my pain I stay on the ketogenic diet with has proven studies of reducing pain perception and inflammation. I also take herbal medications such as: turmeric, CBD, Boswellia, vitamin d3 and glucosamine. This helps me manage my condition.

From @Peter12345