Spinal Stenosis

hi

I spotted this was titled spinal stenosis however I don’t see any comments. So I thought I’d share my issues. I have spinal stenosis, along with enlarged facet joints. I also have bone spurs on my hips which is impinging on nerves. This apparently is the cause of my widespread Pain. The pain clinic has just spoken to me and they have also confirmed I have osteoarthritis. They also mentioned arthropathy. What has confused me is that if you look up enlarged facet joints it suggests spinal injections can help improve the pain or as maybe a last resort spinal surgery. However I have been told these are not an option for me? All I can do is more physio and manage with painkillers. I don’t understand why they cannot try these things with me? I am in constant horrendous pain and when I lay down it feels like I am laying on bricks. Is there something I am missing here? I was told that they can replace hips and knees etc but obviously they cannot replace a spine.

Hi Rachel, the specialist that I spoke to was really lovely and very sympathetic. She did say that these things are degenerative and that yes they can replace hips and knees etc but they can’t obviously replace a spine, they can only try to manage the pain. I reiterated to her so you are saying there is nothing else that can be done? She confirmed this was the case. Initially I said thank you for being honest, at least now I know now. Then after the call I started thinking and that’s when I googled it. Previously they have said the injections might not be effective or that I would constantly need them. She said that keeping active is necessary to keep the muscles around the spine strong. This is why the keep suggesting physio. I did point out that I am my husbands carer so I have no choice but to keep going. I also told her sometimes it would be good to get a rest. However that is not an option for me. She has written to me to confirm the conversation but I am disappointed that she mentions quite a lot about me being my husbands carer. I also fear that when I have to reapply for adult disability that they will think because I am a carer that I cannot be in pain if I am able to do this. This is absolutely not the case as the pain is absolutely dreadful. I have started falling over and trying to do shopping is a complete nightmare for me. Most nights I cannot get to sleep as I have restless legs and now arms due to the pain. My husband also acts out his dreams, often shouting, screaming or kicking out. I have worked all my life until 2021 when I appear to have had a major breakdown. So along with the pain is constant panic and worries.