OT: Query re: Spinal Stenosis

"Terry Pulliam Burd" <[email hidden]> wrote in message
"]news:[email hidden]...

Quoted message said:

Anyone ever been diagnosed with spinal stenosis? I just
got the miserable news last week and am due to have an
epidural of cortisone, which just freaks me out. I've been
a jogger for many years and for the last 2 have have been
reduced to walking 2 miles every day b/c of the pain, then
couldn't face even that, dammit, so the epidural doesn't
seem to be anything I can dodge. Anyone?

OB: This is one of my faves:

@@@@@ Now You're Cooking! Export Format

Peach And Mixed-Berry Crisp

desserts

2 large peaches, peeled, pitted, chopped (a; bout 2½ cups)
1½ cups blueberries (about 6 ounces; ) 1 1/3 cups
raspberries (about 6 ounces) 1 1/3 cups blackberries
(about 5.6 ounces) ½ cup sugar 2 tablespoons plus 3/4 cup
all purpose flour ½ cup (packed) light brown sugar ¾
teaspoon ground cinnamon ¼ teaspoon ground ginger ¼
teaspoon salt 5 tablespoons unsalted butter butter pecan
ice cream or vanilla i; ce cream

Preheat oven to 3500F. Butter 8x8x2'/2-inch square baking
dish. Toss fruit, sugar and 2 tablespoons flour in large
bowl to combine. Transfer to prepared baking dish. Bake
fruit until juices bubble, stir­ring occasionally, about
40 minutes. Bake without stirring another 5 minutes.
Remove from oven. Increase oven tern-peratureto4000F

Meanwhile, whisk remaining ¾ cup flour, sugar, cinnamon,
ginger and salt in medium bowl to blend. Add butter and
rub in with fingertips until small moist clumps form.
Sprinkle topping evenly over hot fruit in dish.

Bake crisp until topping is golden brown, about 20
minutes. Cool slightly Serve warm with ice cream.

Yield: 8 servings

Terry "Squeaks" Pulliam Burd AAC(F)BV66.0748.CA

"Never argue with an idiot.....they bring you down to
their level and then beat you with experience."

To reply, replace "spaminator" with "cox"

Oh, Terry. Very sorry to hear this. I hope the procedure
goes smoothly. Damn, what a pisser. When is the epidural?

Suzan

Quoted message said:

Terry Pulliam Burd writes:

Anyone ever been diagnosed with spinal stenosis? I just got
the miserable news last week and am due to have an epidural
of cortisone, which just freaks me out. I've been a jogger
for many years and for the last 2 have have been reduced to
walking 2 miles every day b/c of the pain, then couldn't
face even that, dammit, so the epidural doesn't seem to be
anything I can dodge. Anyone?

Spinal stenosis is the narrowing of the central opening of
the spine (usually from calcium deposits due to arthritis),
the opening the spinal cord passes through. If you can still
walk then it not very severe... any pain would be from
herniated disks, which almost always is associated with
spinal stenosis. It's impossible to diagnose spinal stenosis
(or herniated disks) without an MRI, so do not believe any
doctor who makes that diagnoses without the MRI being
performed. Do NOT permit cortosone injections into the
spine.... the relief won't last very long nor will the body
be able to tolerate more than a few injections. If strenous
exercise is continued with the pain masked by cortisone the
prognosis is a wheelchair, or death. Treat the arthritis and
the herniated disk(s). Seek the advice of a good
Neurologist, NOT an Orthopedist (they like to cut), NEVER a
Chiropractor (they only treat mental disorders, usually
hypochondria, not real disease).

---= BOYCOTT FRANCE (belgium) GERMANY--SPAIN =--- ---= Move
UNITED NATIONS To Paris =---
*********
"Life would be devoid of all meaning were it without
tribulation." Sheldon ````````````

Quoted message said:

Anyone ever been diagnosed with spinal stenosis? I just got
the miserable news

last week and am due to have an epidural of cortisone<<<<

My was diagnosed with spinal stenosis/spondylosis of the 3rd
4th and 5th lumbar vertebre. She is 81 years old, and on bad
days can barely walk. Because of fear of pain med addiction,
her neurologist referred her to the Pain Clinic at the
hospital, where she had a series of 4 epidural cortisone
shots, spaced every 6-8 weeks. They did wonders for her, but
unfortunately, the injections had to be discontinued because
she had to go on Coumindin. She also did quite a bit of
physical therapy, which she claims did no good, but everyone
who saw her could see the difference afterwards. All our
experiences with the epidural was positive, and she is
actually doing well enough now that she is talking about
taking up walking again, and driving(which is whole 'nother
nightmare). Good luck.

Nancy

Cham groups.yahoo.comeast coast wxOpen ↗

"Terry Pulliam Burd" <[email hidden]> wrote in message
"]news:[email hidden]...

Quoted message said:

Anyone ever been diagnosed with spinal stenosis? I just
got the miserable news last week and am due to have an
epidural of cortisone, which just freaks me out. I've been
a jogger for many years and for the last 2 have have been
reduced to walking 2 miles every day b/c of the pain, then
couldn't face even that, dammit, so the epidural doesn't
seem to be anything I can dodge. Anyone?

Terry, you might also like to check the newsgroup alt.support.chronic-
pain. My husband is in constant pain from vertebrae problems
and they have been very supportive. Sheldon's correct -
orthopedists like to cut; the last one performed fusion of
three cervical vertebrae. My husband is in constant,
agonizing pain and vows he won't be "cut on" again. He has
exhausted cortisone shots and they don't help. Our own
doctor wants him to return to the orthopedist and he won't
do it. Consensus of that newsgroup: surgery is always the
last resort.

Dora

Someone close to me recently was diagnosed with spinal
stenosis. His condition isn't (yet) severe, and he's rather
young to have this as well, so he's looking into an
alternative to fusing the vertebrae. He found a medical
group in Florida that operates using arthroscopy(?) and its
supposed to have a very good success rate, so he may go that
route. Good luck to you.

Steve

"Terry Pulliam Burd" <[email hidden]> wrote in
message "]news:[email hidden]...

Quoted message said:

Anyone ever been diagnosed with spinal stenosis? I just
got the miserable news last week and am due to have an
epidural of cortisone, which just freaks me out. I've been
a jogger for many years and for the last 2 have have been
reduced to walking 2 miles every day b/c of the pain, then
couldn't face even that, dammit, so the epidural doesn't
seem to be anything I can dodge. Anyone?

OB: This is one of my faves:

@@@@@ Now You're Cooking! Export Format

Peach And Mixed-Berry Crisp

desserts

2 large peaches, peeled, pitted, chopped (a; bout 2½ cups)
1½ cups blueberries (about 6 ounces; ) 1 1/3 cups
raspberries (about 6 ounces) 1 1/3 cups blackberries
(about 5.6 ounces) ½ cup sugar 2 tablespoons plus 3/4 cup
all purpose flour ½ cup (packed) light brown sugar ¾
teaspoon ground cinnamon ¼ teaspoon ground ginger ¼
teaspoon salt 5 tablespoons unsalted butter butter pecan
ice cream or vanilla i; ce cream

Preheat oven to 3500F. Butter 8x8x2'/2-inch square baking
dish. Toss fruit, sugar and 2 tablespoons flour in large
bowl to combine. Transfer to prepared baking dish. Bake
fruit until juices bubble, stir­ring occasionally, about
40 minutes. Bake without stirring another 5 minutes.
Remove from oven. Increase oven tern-peratureto4000F

Meanwhile, whisk remaining ¾ cup flour, sugar, cinnamon,
ginger and salt in medium bowl to blend. Add butter and
rub in with fingertips until small moist clumps form.
Sprinkle topping evenly over hot fruit in dish.

Bake crisp until topping is golden brown, about 20
minutes. Cool slightly Serve warm with ice cream.

Yield: 8 servings

Terry "Squeaks" Pulliam Burd AAC(F)BV66.0748.CA

"Never argue with an idiot.....they bring you down to
their level and then beat you with experience."

To reply, replace "spaminator" with "cox"

--Bruce Graham

"Terry Pulliam Burd" <[email hidden]> wrote in
message "]news:[email hidden]...

Quoted message said:

Anyone ever been diagnosed with spinal stenosis? I just
got the miserable news last week and am due to have an
epidural of cortisone, which just freaks me out. I've been
a jogger for many years and for the last 2 have have been
reduced to walking 2 miles every day b/c of the pain, then
couldn't face even that, dammit, so the epidural doesn't
seem to be anything I can dodge. Anyone?

I don't have spinal stenosis nor do I know anything about it
except what I have just read on the Internet, but...

I'm wondering if you have tried alternative therapies to
help control the pain. Acupuncture did amazing things for my
tendinitis (in both elbows), carpal tunnel and assorted knee
problems. I have also used deep tissue massage with success.
I know these things don't work for everyone, and one must
find a very well-trained acupuncturist or dtmt, but it's
really worth a try before resorting to cortisone. My
grandmother was given cortisone injections and they
exacerbated a number of other health issues she had, only
creating more problems down the line. Personally, I would
avoid them at all costs. (But I'm not in your situation and
do not experience the pain you do, so ymmv, of course.)

rona

--
"Do not meddle in the affairs of cats, for they are subtle
and they will [censored] upon your computer."

Terry Pulliam Burd said:

Anyone ever been diagnosed with spinal stenosis? I just
got the miserable news last week and am due to have an
epidural of cortisone, which just freaks me out. I've been
a jogger for many years and for the last 2 have have been
reduced to walking 2 miles every day b/c of the pain, then
couldn't face even that, dammit, so the epidural doesn't
seem to be anything I can dodge. Anyone?

The alternative is surgery, which is always variable in the
result. My mom had it doen in her mid-80's and that has been
fine since, altho the neuropathy that they thought it
spawned hasn't improved.

For your sake, I hope the epidural works. otherwise, it
might be surgery. The good news tho, is that being younger
and in otherwise good health <assumption here>, you should
heal more quickly and be able to return to your regular
activities.

maxine in ri I am not a doctor. I just assume everyone
will get well.

"Terry Pulliam Burd" <[email hidden]> wrote in message
"]news:[email hidden]...

Quoted message said:

Anyone ever been diagnosed with spinal stenosis? I just
got the miserable news last week and am due to have an
epidural of cortisone, which just freaks me out. I've been
a jogger for many years and for the last 2 have have been
reduced to walking 2 miles every day b/c of the pain, then
couldn't face even that, dammit, so the epidural doesn't
seem to be anything I can dodge. Anyone?

Quoted message said:

snip delicious recipe<

hello Terry...

After months of being treated for carpal tunnel syndrome,
and getting worse every day, I had an EMG done in January of
2003 which requested that I have an MRI done in order to
better define my condition. This was done early February and
at my first appointment with my Neurosurgeon on the 20th his
first words were "Oh my God!"... something no one wants to
hear from any doctor. My diagnosis was congenital cervical
stenosis from C2-3 to C6-7. My spinal cord, at the upper
levels, had lost its protective coating and at one point it
was so compressed that it was only a few millimeters thick.
I was placed on the critical surgery list and sent home to
wait for my surgery and was told to go to the emergency room
if I lost control of my bladder or other lower body
functions (trying to keep this clean!). The last week of
March I had what I believed to be the first of 2
surgeries... an ACDF (Anterior Cervical Discectomy & Fusion)
to address levels C3-4 to C-5-6. The second surgery was to
be Posterior to address levels C2-3 and C6-7. Thankfully my
NS was able to reach C6-7 and what was done at C-34 was
enough to eliminate the need to operate on C2-3, thus
avoiding additional surgery.

I had a 4 level fusion with a corpectomy at C4-5 plus an
allograft (donor bone) at C6-7. There was no opportunity for
me to make a choice since my symptoms progressed severely
and quickly. I was not a candidate for minimally invasive
surgery because of the extent of the damage... and the
clinical trials for ADR (Artificial Disc Replacement) were
far into the future, unless I went to Australia or Germany.

There is vast improvement in the care for these problems
whether they are at the neck or back levels. The National
Institute of Health has ongoing clinical trials for ADR's
in many states that you can check on their website
www.nih.gov .

You can also participate in a health board that I've found
to have a wealth of information and incredible support from
people who have had surgery or are contemplating alternative
care invisionfree.comThe Back RoomOpen ↗ . I'm sure
you'll find what you're searching for there.

Surgery may seem to be the last resort, but quality of life
is very important. Some people wait for years and use
everything that's available for the pain, only to wind up
under the knife anyway... but with a body that has been
weakened by wracking pain, medicines that have to be changed
constantly, and, in the worst cases, more harm than good
done to their bodies with physical therapies that do not
truly address their issues, especially if a chiropractor
treats you... a BIG no-no for people with stenosis.

Hope this helps in some small way. I haven't been around
much since my surgery but hope to contribute more in the
near future.

Regards,

Sandra

Quoted message said:

"Terry Pulliam Burd" <[email hidden]> wrote in message
"]news:[email hidden]...

Quoted message said:

Anyone ever been diagnosed with spinal stenosis?

I have cervical spinal stenosis.It affected 3 vertebrae, 2
of which have been fused. Before the sugery I suffered from
paralysis and my autonomic functions(breathing,heart rate
etc) were severely affected.

On Wed, 30 Jun 2004 19:43:17 -0700, "Orion" <[email hidden]> arranged
random neurons, so they looked like this:

Quoted message said:

Oh, Terry. Very sorry to hear this. I hope the procedure
goes smoothly. Damn, what a pisser. When is the epidural?

In 1 1/2 hours. I'm playing in the ng to keep my mind
off of it :-(

Terry "Squeaks" Pulliam Burd AAC(F)BV66.0748.CA

"If the soup had been as hot as the claret, if the claret
had been as old as the bird, and if the bird's breasts had
been as full as the waitress', it would have been a very
good dinner." Duncan Hines

To reply, remove replace "spaminator" with "cox"

"PENMART01" wrote in message

Quoted message said:

Spinal stenosis is the narrowing of the central opening of
the spine

(usually

Quoted message said:

from calcium deposits due to arthritis), the opening the
spinal cord

passes

Quoted message said:

through. If you can still walk then it not very severe...
any pain would

be

Quoted message said:

from herniated disks, which almost always is associated
with spinal

stenosis.

Quoted message said:

It's impossible to diagnose spinal stenosis (or herniated
disks) without

an

Quoted message said:

MRI, so do not believe any doctor who makes that diagnoses
without the MRI being performed. Do NOT permit cortosone
injections into the spine....

the

Quoted message said:

relief won't last very long nor will the body be able to
tolerate more

than a

Quoted message said:

few injections. If strenous exercise is continued with the
pain masked by cortisone the prognosis is a wheelchair, or
death. Treat the arthritis

and the

Quoted message said:

herniated disk(s). Seek the advice of a good
Neurologist, NOT an

Orthopedist

Quoted message said:

(they like to cut), NEVER a Chiropractor (they only
treat mental

disorders,

Quoted message said:

usually hypochondria, not real disease).

Sheldon

Sheldon, you are so right. See my other post.

Dora

"PENMART01" <[email hidden]> wrote in message news:20040701092939.19468.00000943@mb-
m17.aol.com... .

Quoted message said:

It's impossible to diagnose spinal stenosis (or herniated
disks) without

an

Quoted message said:

MRI, so do not believe any doctor who makes that diagnoses
without the MRI being performed.

While a MRI is the best diagnostic tool for stenosis there
is an alternative procedure for those people, like me, who
can't deal with the claustriphobia of an MRI tube. Dye is
injected into the spinal fluid and a CAT scan is then
done.This procedure has a name but I can't recall it.

One dark day on Usenet said:

"Terry Pulliam Burd" <[email hidden]> wrote in
message "]news:[email hidden]...

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

Anyone ever been diagnosed with spinal stenosis? I just
got the miserable news last week and am due to have an
epidural of cortisone, which just freaks me out. I've
been a jogger for many years and for the last 2 have
have been reduced to walking 2 miles every day b/c of
the pain, then couldn't face even that, dammit, so the
epidural doesn't seem to be anything I can dodge.
Anyone?

<snip recipe>

Quoted message said:

Oh, Terry. Very sorry to hear this. I hope the procedure
goes smoothly. Damn, what a pisser. When is the epidural?

I know nothing about spinal stenosis, but you've got my best
wishes, Terry...

--
J.J. in WA ~ mom, vid gamer, novice cook ~ (COLD to HOT for
e-mail) "Why do my knees feel like the wanna tear up?"
- Carl, ATHF

On Fri, 02 Jul 2004 09:47:12 -0400, maxine in ri <[email hidden]>
arranged random neurons, so they looked like this:

<snip>

Quoted message said:

For your sake, I hope the epidural works. otherwise, it
might be surgery. The good news tho, is that being younger
and in otherwise good health <assumption here>, you should
heal more quickly and be able to return to your regular
activities.

I am young for this and, yes, I'm in excellent health
otherwise. Up until 2 - 21/2 years ago, I ran 3 - 4 miles
every other day. Today is Day 1 after the epidural and I see
some improvement. It's to be hoped (from my keyboard to
God's ear) that each day will get better. I really miss
running, dammit.

Terry "Squeaks" Pulliam Burd AAC(F)BV66.0748.CA

"If the soup had been as hot as the claret, if the claret
had been as old as the bird, and if the bird's breasts had
been as full as the waitress', it would have been a very
good dinner." Duncan Hines

To reply, remove replace "spaminator" with "cox"

On Fri, 2 Jul 2004 17:05:42 -0400, "Foxy Lady" <[email hidden]>
arranged random neurons, so they looked like this:

<large snip>

Quoted message said:

Hope this helps in some small way. I haven't been around
much since my surgery but hope to contribute more in the
near future.

Other than the fact that I now feel like a big whiner after
what you've been through? Sandra, you have helped in a huge
way and done so by not pointing, and righteously, that my
problem is relaitively easily helped. Bless you and bless
your recovery.

Terry "Squeaks" Pulliam Burd AAC(F)BV66.0748.CA

"If the soup had been as hot as the claret, if the claret
had been as old as the bird, and if the bird's breasts had
been as full as the waitress', it would have been a very
good dinner." Duncan Hines

To reply, remove replace "spaminator" with "cox"

"Sue" <[email hidden]> wrote in message
"]news:[email hidden]...

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

"Terry Pulliam Burd" <[email hidden]> wrote in
message
"]news:[email hidden]...

Quoted message said:

Anyone ever been diagnosed with spinal stenosis?

I have cervical spinal stenosis.It affected 3 vertebrae, 2
of which have been fused. Before the sugery I suffered
from paralysis and my autonomic functions(breathing,heart
rate etc) were severely affected.

And, how are you doing now Sue???

Janet

Terry Pulliam Burd <[email hidden]> wrote in
:"]news:[email hidden]:

Quoted message said:

On Wed, 30 Jun 2004 19:43:17 -0700, "Orion"
<[email hidden]> arranged random neurons, so they looked
like this:

Quoted message said:

Oh, Terry. Very sorry to hear this. I hope the procedure
goes smoothly. Damn, what a pisser. When is the epidural?

In 1 1/2 hours. I'm playing in the ng to keep my mind off
of it :-(

Terry "Squeaks" Pulliam Burd AAC(F)BV66.0748.CA

"If the soup had been as hot as the claret, if the claret
had been as old as the bird, and if the bird's breasts had
been as full as the waitress', it would have been a very
good dinner." Duncan Hines

To reply, remove replace "spaminator" with "cox"

Here's hoping for a short stay and good results for you.

--
Once during Prohibition I was forced to live for days on
nothing but food and water.
--------
FIELDS, W. C.

"Terry Pulliam Burd" <[email hidden]> wrote in message
"]news:[email hidden]...

Quoted message said:

On Wed, 30 Jun 2004 19:43:17 -0700, "Orion"
<[email hidden]> arranged random neurons, so they looked
like this:

Quoted message said:

Oh, Terry. Very sorry to hear this. I hope the procedure
goes smoothly. Damn, what a pisser. When is the epidural?

In 1 1/2 hours. I'm playing in the ng to keep my mind off
of it :-(

Terry "Squeaks" Pulliam Burd AAC(F)BV66.0748.CA

"If the soup had been as hot as the claret, if the claret
had been as old as the bird, and if the bird's breasts had
been as full as the waitress', it would have been a very
good dinner." Duncan Hines

To reply, remove replace "spaminator" with "cox"

I'll send some good juju in your general direction.
Don't know which area you live in, but let me know if
you need anything.

Suzan

"Terry Pulliam Burd" <[email hidden]> wrote in message
"]news:[email hidden]...

Quoted message said:

On Wed, 30 Jun 2004 19:43:17 -0700, "Orion"
<[email hidden]> arranged random neurons, so they looked
like this:

Quoted message said:

Oh, Terry. Very sorry to hear this. I hope the procedure
goes smoothly. Damn, what a pisser. When is the epidural?

In 1 1/2 hours. I'm playing in the ng to keep my mind off
of it :-(

If an epidural is done right there's nothing to it - a
modest stick in the back and that's it. I had one a number
of years ago.

--
Peter Aitken

Remove the [censored] from my email address before using.