Hi, my name is monique70! I've been diagnosed with Degenerative Spinal Stenosis

monique70

I Have just started a claim for PIP as I have been diagnosed with Degenerative Spinal Stenosis on Monday 26th September, I am due to go for a FL guided nerve root black it’s at the L5/ S1 collapsed disk. I am a bit apprehensive. 

I also have a Hip Bursitis, I am awaiting a date for a Trochanteric Bursa injection. 

the pain is intolerable at times, especially when I sit for long periods of time. 

Any advice or help please? I am so depressed. 

Tori_Scope

Hi @monique70 Welcome to the community! I'm sorry to hear things are so tough for you at the moment. 

Are you looking for advice on your degenerative spinal stenosis, or your PIP claim, or both?

I'm sorry that this has all made you feel depressed. Are you receiving any support to help you manage your depression at the moment? 

monique70

I am on medication for my depression, and see my GP on a regular basis. 

Tori_Scope

That sounds positive @monique70 Do you find the medication and appointments helpful? 

monique70

yes, my GP is soo understanding.

Alex_Alumni

I'm pleased to hear that @monique70 it makes a huge difference to how things feel when we are properly supported

Wishing you all the best for your PIP claim, please ask if you need a hand with anything!

Alex

ByTheSea

@monique70 Hi, I really feel for you, I had a laminectomy for spinal stenosis just over 30 years ago, so a bit different now probably but I was incredibly nervous, my operation was even on a Friday 13th, I had daily sciatica which was unbearable pre-surgery, after surgery this completely went, I do have issues since which I think is related either to the damage from stenosis pre-surgery, the surgery itself, or it returning (the only answers I have gained from MRIs since are 'nothing significant' and a tarlov cyst ). 
I think if you are in this much pain then it is worth trying, spinal stenosis can be incredibly painful and I tried absolutely everything else possible that I could find beforehand, physio, chiropractor, and they tried an epidural, nothing else worked for me.              
PIP is a really hard one at the moment, I tried recently because I am losing my mobility and was turned away with 0 points, went to tribunal which was on the phone at the time and given points but not enough, I didn't have the physical or emotional strength to take it to upper tribunal but my disadvantage is I do not have much recent evidence from doctors. So make sure you have evidence and get as much help as you can, I tried CAB, who currently are very helpful if you get the right person, some are not at all.  
Best of luck

monique70

Thank you, I hope you manage to get all the help you need, via the CAB, I find they can be very helpful. 

                     Wishing you all the best.