Real Stories of People Recovering From Lumbar Spinal Stenosis
First Name: Reginald
Age: 79
Occupation: Retired
Diagnoses: Lumbar Spinal Stenosis, Sciatica, Radiculopathy L3-4, L4-5
Type of Surgery: Laminectomy and Fusion L3-4, L4-5
Time After Surgery: One Year
Sciatic pain down the rear of both legs all through 2005.
I couldn’t do any chores around my house or yard. I felt it was a “lost” year.
Like a new person!
The surgery eliminated the sciatic pain. I feel my quality of life has been restored.
Since I am retired, this does not apply.
Not completely-hope to do more.
No and Yes.
I would advise anyone wanting to improve their quality of life to consider it seriously.
Dr. Nelson is an outstanding spinal surgeon and fine person as well. His manner is direct-yet very reassuring. I feel fortunate to have had him as my surgeon.
First Name: Larry
Age: 66
Occupation: Health Care
Diagnoses: Lumbar Spinal Stenosis, Sciatica, Radiculopathy
Type of Surgery: 1. Lumbar Laminectomy
2. Revision Lumbar Laminectomy
Time After Surgery: 1. Two years
2. One year
Left leg and back pain, numbness left leg.
I was unable to work because of the pain.
My leg is pain-free and I have been able to return to work.
I feel a 100% better without the pain.
Yes-back to work.
Yes, walking and bicycle riding.
Yes, I would have the surgery. I would try to get the surgery done sooner.
If you have a disc problem like mine-GET IT FIXED.
Kind, caring, and understanding-Thank you, Dr. Nelson.
First Name: Laurie
Age: 49
Occupation: First-Grade Aide
Diagnoses: Lumbar Stenosis, Facet Cyst, Radiculopathy, Sciatica
Type of Surgery: Lumbar Laminectomy/Excision of Facet Cyst L4-5
Time After Surgery: 15 months
Pain and numbness in leg.
At times I could not walk-I would have to stop and sit to relieve pain/also some urinary leakage.
Great-no recurrent pain or numbness-occasional lower back pain-which I think is normal after exercise.
100% better-as if I never had a back problem.
Yes.
Yes-no restrictions.
No changes except maybe skip physical therapy and go straight to surgery-Yes, I’d pick surgery again.
Listen to the doctor on advice-what he would do. I felt I had no option-I could not imagine hurting all the time and not being able to take walks, hike, etc. Also, Dr. Nelson said I might have problems (permanent) with bladder and my bowels. I certainly did not want that. Get all info about the ‘what ifs’-and how it could better your quality of living.
I have to say I really like Dr. Nelson. I would say he is a gentle, very informative, tells it straight doctor who is very thorough. I like the way he approached the whole situation (even though I mentioned skipping PT before). I liked how he considered all options and tried everything before surgery. He was really good with my husband also-gave us straight answers. I do like Dr. Nelson a lot and would definitely recommend him to anyone. One last thing I liked how Dr. Nelson would ask about me and things in my life, and at times mentioned things about his family! That makes him more human and personable.