Hi, I'm new on here.

[Browneyedgirl]

Hi, I'm new on here.

I'm hoping someone can offer me some advice. I've had fibromyalgia for some years now, along with all the nasty symptoms it brings with it. The latest problems have been severe sciatica down one side that has now lasted over a year. I've also had chronic lower back pain for a number of years which has got even worse since the sciatica started. I've seen a neurologist who ordered mri scans, xrays and nerve conduction studies. I was supposed to go back and see the neurologist about a year ago, but then along came Covid19, which postponed my appointment indefinitely. I eventually got another appointment to see him in December for my results. I have problems in the L4 L5 S1 areas in lower spine. I have got bone spurs which need taking off to release the pinching of the sciatic nerves, arthritis both sides of lower back and the vertabre in my spine are unstable and sliding over each other causing horrendous jarring pains. I can't walk far before the pain is so bad that I have to sit down for a few minutes before I can walk a little further. The consultant has listed me for a laminectomy (decompression and spinal fusion) He also said he could take away the arthritus at the same time. He told me that he's nervous about doing the operation due to all my other health problems. ( which has made me rather nervous too). I've obviously got widespread fibro pain, mild asthma, hiatus hernia, high blood pressure, as well as a blood condition which is something to do with clotting called factor five leiden. I am a 67year old female. I have obviously been trying to find out as much as I can about the operation, but I can only find bad reviews on some forums. My operation date is looming and I just wondered if anyone on this site has had a laminectomy and what results they had after the surgery. Any replies would help me to decide whether to go ahead with the surgery or not. Thank's everyone.

 

[sunkacola]

Hi and welcome to the forum. Sorry you are facing such a hard decision.
I have not had that surgery, so cannot help in that way. But I think if I were in your position I would go for a second opinion from a different surgeon. I know that might be hard to arrange, but would be worth it in my opinion. If the one you are seeing admits to being nervous, it's worth a second consult. If the second one says it's risky as well, you might want to find alternate ways of dealing with the issue.

Sometimes back surgery has great results, but sometimes it makes things worse. Perhaps you can put off the date while you get a second opinion.

 

[Browneyedgirl]

Hi sunkacola. Thanks for your reply. It sounds a good idea but this operation has been on hold for the past year due to Covid. I got a new appointment to see the consultant in the middle of December and an operation date came through quicker than I thought. Its less than two weeks away so there is no time to get a second opinion now. The surgeon is a specialist guy in Spinal surgery and its getting done in a lovely little hospital where everyone has their own room and en-suite, so should be safe from any Covid too. I am hoping to get some feedback from a few people that have had spinal surgery to see how they got on. But thank you very much sunkacola for writing to me, I appreciate your reply.

 

[Rainbow]

Hi, am also new here (joined today) & already got myself in a pickle having fallen at the first hurdle of trying to register, so if I mess up again please bear with me...
My question is has anyone else who is Fibro diagnosed suffered an ongoing negative reaction to their first vaccination?
I ask because I was vaccinated with the Pfizer brand exactly 2 weeks ago & though I expected to feel rotten for a couple of days afterwards,
which I most certainly did, having to stay in bed for a couple of days, am still feeling rotten now two weeks later.
I'm feel wiped-out having even less energy than usual, which isn't a lot at the best of times but now am unable to do my daily walks & my legs are aching & they feel heavy & am going to bed even earlier than ever.
It would help me a lot to know if others have any kind of similar experience, or is it just me?

 

[JayCS]

I am in a slightly similar situation, due to a spinal tumour having been found when checking my symptoms. It has to be checked once a year, after the first 2 MRI's showed it's probably not growing. An operation would be very hard on my fibro, sleep, back etc. The neurological surgeon says it's no problem for him to get it out, but all other docs say: don't, and I'm OK with that. I sometimes wonder if any pain is caused by it, or if my stretching might be getting on it, but I very much doubt it, from what I've been told.
(Rainbow's found the vaccine thread I now see... ;-))

 

[Rainbow]

Sorry All, being new it's taking me a while to find my way around. which I blame on Fibrofog, or 'Cognitive impairment' if I've messed-up really badly & if all else fails, the 5th Amendment, which I'm grateful to Uncle Sam for, as nobody pleads it more than me.

Browneyedgirl that's a difficult decision your faced with but only you can make it.
However, if it were me in the same position but wasn't sure, then I'd postpone & continue to be undecided, until I am sure
but that's just me, ie very much influenced by 'worst case scenario'.

Whatever you decide I wish you well & please keep us updated. x

 

[humordopey]

It's a hard decision indeed, but whatever makes you feel better. Keep us posted. Wishing you well!