Spinal Stenosis

I have spinal stenosis due to arthritis in the lumbar region which has been confirmed by an MRI.  I am presently seeing a pain control specialist and have just started spinal injections of steroids.
I have had severe disabling pain since Nov. 2007, and am on Oxycontin 20mg q12h plus a 3rd pill daily if required.
As long as I sit, and do no significant walking (anything more than 5 min) I can remain fairly comfortable, but not pain free.
I am considering surgery as my quality of life is severly limited by the pain.  I am worried about complications and also wonder how long the surgery would be effective for as it will not cure the arthritis, only the pressure.  How long will it be before the bony buildup again puts pressure on the nerve.  I do not want to go through the discomfort of surgery if the results are short lived.  
Also what % of people recieve no relief from surgery and why?
At this time I am very discouraged and a little depressed.  The pain at times is unbearable, I go to the ER for and injection, and I feel the prognosis is not very good.  I would like to get my life back if possible but am beginning to wonder if this is a realistic expectation.
I am going to physio as well.
Any information you can give me on prognosis with and without surgery would be very much appreciated.
Thanks

[ouchme]

I too have  this condition and have been helped with topamax 100mg q d
I had horrible migraines and neck pain. This medicine has really been a life safer for me. I can now work more regularly and do more normal activities.I am terrified of surgery on my neck.The injections did not help me a whole lot I had two series of them and they were so painful when they gave them to me I screamed and screamed because they hurt so bad! The first doctor was ham fisted never go back to him. But I am almost off of pain meds except for rare occsional brake through pain med. very happy with topamax. God bless my neurologist because he so helped me. Talk to your doc,maybe this drug can help you as well.  

[stannash]

Hi I just read your post I used to take topamax for migrains also but new ins would not pay for it. I use amatriptaline  for my head aches now I too have noticed they help my nerve pain.

[tanglewood]

I am sorry you have this condition - I also have spinal stenosis, ddd, severe arthritis, etc. I have severe neck and head pain that goes into my arms at times. My doctors have all told me that I'm not a candidate for surgery because I have too many issues. I am being scheduled for a spinal cord stimulator. I had the trial last week and the relief was amazing. If your surgery is successful (and I am told that surgery on the neck is more successful than the low back surgery) then I think it can help you for years to come. If you get to the point where I am, you might look into the SCS. Good luck.