Spinal stenosis (spinal surgery, pain, hernia, surgery)

[southernnaturelover]

My father has spinal stenosis and today he underwent surgery to correct it. For awhile now he has had numbing of his fingers, and the surgeon said it was the worst case he has seen. The operation took about four hours and they went into the front of his neck and used cadaver bones and a metal plate. After he was placed in his room today I heard him say that his fingertips were still numb. I'm just wondering if he will ever get the feeling back in his fingers or will it take time? Has anyone here had this operation before?

[Viralmd]

When surgeons go in and fiddle around near the spinal cord, it doesn't like it and reacts. Your father may well get sensation back in his fingertips.

I should say that a recent review of spinal surgery in the Annals of Internal Medicine evaluating results in patients with either spinal stenosis and herniated intervertebral discs was published last week. The conclusion was that whether surgery really helps isn't clear. It was just as frequently effective as it was ineffective.

[southernnaturelover]

Originally Posted by Viralmd

When surgeons go in and fiddle around near the spinal cord, it doesn't like it and reacts. Your father may well get sensation back in his fingertips.

I should say that a recent review of spinal surgery in the Annals of Internal Medicine evaluating results in patients with either spinal stenosis and herniated intervertebral discs was published last week. The conclusion was that whether surgery really helps isn't clear. It was just as frequently effective as it was ineffective.

Yeah, the operation really wasn't even for the sensation in his fingers, it was to save his life. The surgeon said his condition was so bad that all it would have took was a car accident or even a hard fall to kill him. He said it would paralyze him and he wouldn't be able to breathe on his own. That scared my Mom so bad she was nervous even driving him to the hospital.

[cmacf1]

southernnaturelover -- hoping the best for your dad! My mom is 80 and also has stenosis affecting her legs and her ability to walk and stand up straight. She's very leery of surgery, but it's getting worse. How old is your dad? I'll be interested to hear how he does.

[southernnaturelover]

Originally Posted by cmacf1

southernnaturelover -- hoping the best for your dad! My mom is 80 and also has stenosis affecting her legs and her ability to walk and stand up straight. She's very leery of surgery, but it's getting worse. How old is your dad? I'll be interested to hear how he does.

My Dad is only 50. He works out in the Gulf of Mexico as a mechanic and about ten years ago there was an explosion that threw him about 15ft and knocked him unconscious, we're guessing that's when the spinal stenosis started, but not sure. He's hoping he can go back to work, but if he doesn't get the feeling back in his fingers I don't know. I hope it doesn't come down to him having to fight for disability.

[pinetreelover]

Originally Posted by cmacf1

southernnaturelover -- hoping the best for your dad! My mom is 80 and also has stenosis affecting her legs and her ability to walk and stand up straight. She's very leery of surgery, but it's getting worse. How old is your dad? I'll be interested to hear how he does.

My 76 year old mother had similar symptoms last year. She went from being a very active lady to shuffling around hunched over and restriciting any activity that lead to standing for long. She had surgical repair of her spinal stenosis in January, 2008 and is doing GREAT now! It was a long two month recovery, but she is now better than ever. She takes long walks, goes to football games and does all of her own housework again. I know that surgery isn't a cure for everyone, but for those who it helps, it can change their life for the better.

[southernnaturelover]

My Dad actually got to go home today. He says his neck hurts really bad, but I guess that's to be expected.

[edge_gordon]

You hang in there with your Dad. Stenosis is one of those things that can really only be helped by surgery, and thank goodness for it.

Once the swelling from the procedure goes down, hopefully he will feel better than ever.

My dad was just diagnosed with Parkinson's, not much to do for that.
I just wanted to let you know I was right there with you.

I'm one of those "holistic" health practicioners who love medical docs, for when there's nothing I can do. I'm a Rolfer, guess we are the worst of them, just real hard headed. We love science.

-Edge

[Roselvr]

Originally Posted by southernnaturelover

My father has spinal stenosis and today he underwent surgery to correct it. For awhile now he has had numbing of his fingers, and the surgeon said it was the worst case he has seen. The operation took about four hours and they went into the front of his neck and used cadaver bones and a metal plate. After he was placed in his room today I heard him say that his fingertips were still numb. I'm just wondering if he will ever get the feeling back in his fingers or will it take time? Has anyone here had this operation before?

I'd have to say it's normal since it sounds like the upper spine.
I had the lumbar done, took a while for the numbness of my legs to go away.

[foma]

I'm 31 and was just diagnosed with spinal stenosis. I see a ortho this Friday. I really don't want surgery. I hope with diet and exercise things will get better. It feels so hopeless though living with this and at such a young age. There's been times where the only thing that helps is crying - and that's only 'cuz I'm thinking "what a wimp I am" rather than the pain itself. J/K Hopefully though, physical therapy can help me figure out what are some exercises to do b'c traditional cardio is out of the question. My leg numbs just a few seconds into walking. It's ridiculous. I hope your dad is doing better and back at work since I noticed this thread was from way earlier this year.