Hi, my name is Teensybomps! Worried about peration for spinal stenosis.

HiTeensyboomps hi to have spinal stenosis I would think very carefully about surgery had surgery at levels L4/5s1 4 years ago and still in pain had two injection since my surgery but haven't done any good now my consultant wants to do a decompression at L3/4 has he told me once had surgery at 1 level you usually have to have more surgery at a another level best of luck what ever you decide to do

Hi @Teensybomps,

Welcome to this lovely, friendly Scope community. I really felt your words, and I just wanted to say you’re absolutely not useless -you’re going through something incredibly hard, and it takes a lot of strength to talk about it so openly.

Reading your post brought up so much for me because I’m also dealing with multilevel facet arthropathy, foraminal/Spinal stenosis, and nerve compression, especially at L4/L5 and L5/S1 affecting both legs. I’ve been in long-term chronic pain for a while now, and like you, I’ve felt that soul-destroying frustration of not being able to walk far, enjoy time out, or do the simplest things without pain.I also experience frequent falls and am currently recovering from one.I completely relate to what you said about your wee dog .I used to love walking too, and it’s heartbreaking not being able to keep up. 

I was also told by my ortho surgeon that I need a laminectomy and spinal fusion with rods. But I’ve been really hesitant, just like you. I’ve already had two surgeries on my neck -they reduced the radicular(nerve ) pain in my arms, but unfortunately made my neck pain worse. I also experience frequent falls and am currently recovering from one.  My spinal surgeon actually admitted that the outcomes for spinal stenosis surgery aren’t always great, though it tends to be a bit more predictable if the main issue is foraminal nerve compression.

At the moment, I’m managing things with pain clinic support -things like epidurals and nerve blocks. They don’t take all the pain away, but they’ve helped me hold off on surgery for now. That said, I’m also starting to wonder whether I can go on like this, especially with add-on neuropathic pain spreading and affecting my legs. I even started a thread on Scope describing that pain - it’s honestly hard to put into words.I’ve also been referred to vascular surgery and am currently on their waiting list.

Your sister’s advice really stood out to me and it echoes what another member here said, too. Once you’ve had spinal surgery, especially in the lower back, it’s not uncommon to end up needing more procedures later on. I’ve heard that so many times, and I can understand why your sister is concerned, especially if she sees it happen regularly where she works.

But I also know there’s another side to it. In some cases, surgery can help prevent further deterioration -such as worsening numbness, loss of bladder or bowel control, loss of sexual function, progressive weakness, or even complete paralysis.For some people, it helps maintain function before things get worse.

Only your orthopaedic or neurosurgeon can properly guide you in making an informed decision based on your MRI findings and clinical symptoms. I’d say don’t be afraid to ask the hard questions to them -what happens if you don’t have surgery? What exactly are the risks in your case?

There’s no one size fits all answer, and I still haven’t fully decided for myself either. But your concern is valid, and you’re not alone in feeling torn. It’s okay to take your time and gather all the information you need. Just know we’re all here to support you -whatever you decide, you deserve to feel heard and cared for.

Wishing you clarity and comfort