Question
After reading one of the cases I was surprised to see that I too have many of the same problems such as a flattened cord and herniated discs and severe spinal stenosis with severe neck and right arm pain for two and a half years now. I also have 3 herniated discs with stenosis in my back after a work injury 4 years ago. I live in constant pain and yet the doctors tell me things like a can't give you a new spine, but my question is when will I be so disabled before sommething can be done. I can't feel my feet and have excruiating pain. Why won't a doctor make me at least comfortable as everyday is stolen from me. I take 10 mg of methadone 4 times a day, an antiimflammitory and percocet for breakththrough pain. What breakthrough pain, I'm in constant pain? Should I get two or three opinions or have to live wiyh the pain. I am in therapy and on antidepressant med as well.

Answer
hi laura-
if the methadone and anti inflammatories aren't helping then i'd suggest getting more opinions for sure. make yourself a list of questions you want answers to, ask every last one of them. the discs can often be helped with steroid injection but the stenosis will complicate things.

here is a link with lots of info on stenosis, if you haven't heard it yet:
http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/spinal-stenosis/DS00515

if the pain is as bad as you describe, surgery may be your only option. not a fun thing to contemplate, i know, but once done with you might be able to live your life again. (these all being things tto ask your doctors about, yes?)

i wish you good luck, and answers to your problems
leslie