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Spinal Stenosis along with Arthritis

Submitted by TwilightDream on Fri, 02/03/2012 - 15:08.
I have spinal stenosis, along with arthritis. Add with that the condition of being born with a spinal canal that is too narrow and you are guaranteed a very painful existence. I have gotten to where winter time is the most dreadful season in life, because of the cold weather. I used to love the rain especially at night, it was calming. Not anymore, it's now painful and I despise the rain as much as the cold weather. I have stenosis and arthritis in every section of my spine. I have had surgery on my cervical spine, bur still have to have surgeries oh the other areas. I also have to have both knees replaces. I am not very old, and since I am only 40, they are delaying it because you have to have this done every few (10) years or so any way. My knees are so bad that they swell as big as huge cantaloupes, there is no tissue left, and I can barely walk or stand. I have trouble getting up or down any steps because my knees don't want to bend at all. It's so painful, and they are full of arthritis just like my spine. Life is a struggle everyday and I feel like I am existing, because this sure isn't living. I have been in severe pain since my mid to late 20's but it increased dramatically in the last seven or eight years, and it continues to do so. I often wonder, is there anyone else out there that has to exist as I do?

Comments

Oh, poor...I couldn't help being sympathtic...

Submitted by Clarre on Sun, 02/19/2012 - 18:22.
I do understand your pain as I have got pain all over my body actually (though not acute now) including spinal stenosis at C5-C6 which lead my both arms to numbess to certain degree with left side worse than right. But my pain was caused by different reasons and it exist just for about two years. I have got more pain and sore, especially in the morning and in the evening and when weather is bad during which time I do sometimes feel so sad and blue; sometimes I am do wondering to myself why I am still living. If only one could die in the sleep or in the dream - which I always think would be the most lucky thing. I am not afraid of death at all for I am sure I will deserve to sit on the right side of God, too. I used to enjoy reading, working hard and having many little dreams and having realized these little dreams one after another...it made me feel so happy although following which I may have to start from scratch... Before 2010, I was so healthy and happy but now... I did go to local physiotherapy clinics for some physiotherapy seesions, but I wouldn't like to go to anymore. If you truly want to have physiotherapy sessions, you have to find really good physiotherapy clinics. I am now mainly taking medications prescribed by my family doctor since last August, and I feel better now, especially with my mood. May you feel better soon too. God bless you.

Spinal Stenosis along with Arthritis

Submitted by norene1 on Sat, 02/11/2012 - 20:40.
I understand your pain and hope these few suggestions may be useful: Search the internet for areas of the US where you could live so that your arthritis would be less aggravated. Weather makes a huge impact on arthritis suffering. Control the swelling in your knees by reading on the internet what foods increase inflammation in your body. When they become very swollen, the only thing that may work is three days of sitting on the sofa with your legs elevated. Only get up for a few minutes throughout the day, using a cane for support. See a rheumatologist and ask for physical therapy sessions to show you the proper way to strengthen your muscles that support your knees and back. Strengthened muscles will relieve the stress and pain on your joints. Take an anti-inflammatory pain medicine before you exercise and then four hours later to prevent swelling and offset pain. Do not overdo. Remember, if it hurts, cut back on the amount or difficulty of the exercise and build back up to the desired level more slowly. Ask for a stronger pain medication if you need pain relief in order to walk. Have blood tests done to see if you are low in D3, Calcium, etc. The doctor will know what to test for. Try wearing MBT shoes. Walk on added cushioned insoles in your regular shoes. Use a cane often. Invest in a Stair-Glide Chair so you do not have to climb stairs. Costs vary from $500+ installed. Some companies have refurbished ones that are less expensive but still work quite well. Soak in hot bathtubs or whirlpools. Gain nutritional knowledge on the internet about what vitamins and minerals are necessary for bone, joint, and muscle health. Pray throughout the day and ask God to help you. Ask that His will be done, not yours. Accept that He has a reason for everything and look for the good that comes from even painful experiences.