back problems

[lucylocket2]

My mother in law has been diagonised with degenerative lumbar in the lower back region. We really don't know what it is. has anybody ever heard or had this problem? She is in a lot of pain. Please help us.

[cugirl]

My mother has this.  This year she has had surgery on her back, the third surgery in 9 years.  The first 2 surgeries were for bulging disks, slipped disks, etc.  The last surgery she had was where they went in and scraped her spine of calcium deposits.  They told her then that she has a spinal stenosis, where the spine narrows.  That was causing her to lose the feeling in both her legs.  Before her surgery she could hardle walk and started using a cane then a walker.  After her surgery she can now fully walk again.  She still cant do some things, twist, bend certain ways.  But with the help of physical therapy and occupational therapy she is back at work and does pretty much what she wants.  Heres some info:

http://www.aafp.org/afp/20040801/517.html

Hope this helps!

[lucylocket2]

thanks! she just started having problems last week. it hit her like aton of bricks. she had a constant ache and then sharp pains when she moved certain ways. they gave her steroids, and they seemed to help some. the doc. told her she needs physical therapy. she goes next week. if it just started how long before it will get really bad? I am really worried about her. she is a small woman. will it make her shrink more? do u know what the next phase will be.do u know what she should and shouldn't do. As far as lifting or other activities. thanks again.I really appriciate your info.

[cugirl]

My mom was not allowed to sweep, mop, vacumm, etc after her other surgeries ....and its bad on your back.  Try not to let her lift heavy stuff either.  And if she has to pick something up try to lift with your legs instead of your back.  The best way to pick up paper or something small is to do the golfer lift.  Have you ever seen golfers pick up the golf balls? Then lean over and keep one leg out straight and keep there back straight....its the best thing for the back instead of bending.  They usually do not do surgery until you start feeling leg pain.  My mom first went to physical therapy in the summer of 05 to help her back since she didnt have the leg pain.  But between Oct and Dec it all went down hill really fast...she couldnt hardly feel her toes and feet...everything was ice cold.  And the Dr sceduled a surgery for Jan 19th...needless to say she had emergency surgery Jan 6th.  Everyones different so physical therapy may help your MIL. But be sure she eats good to keep up her energy...this pain can drain everything from you.  I dont want to scare you...but this is just what happened to my mom.  It dont mean the exact thing will happen to your MIL.

[lucylocket2]

thanks. I am so sorry to hear about your mom.I see my mil and couldn't imagine if it was my mother. Same thing I guess. Because we are really close. It worries me about the eating good part. she is a vegitarian. she doesn't drink milk either.really, she lives on salad's and fruit.she prides herself on being so small. she doesn't have an eating disorder or anyting like that .she eat's A LOT  of candy!  she is thinking it's not that big of a deal. and from what u have said and what I have seen on the net,I am flippin out. she is going to go to therapy though.
She won't listen to me about the not lifting part. I guess those who don't listen .... feel.  thanks for answering me again. sorry again about your mom. glad to hear she is doing better though. So does this mean there isn't a cure for it?

[cugirl]

After her surgery they havent said any thing else about her spine narrowing.  They were talking about a metal rod at one point but not anymore since she had emergency surgery and is doing fine.  I guess the rod is the only way to keep the spine there since its disingrating.  You said your MIL does not drink milk...does she take a multi vit with calcium?  If not she should...epescailly because of osteoprosis.  And Im sure that would help with the spine too. Make it stronger.  Ive heard that women in there 20's should start taking calcium so it builds up in there bodys for later in life when osteoprosis is more likely to happen.

[lucylocket2]

Hey! Thanks again. My mil won't even take a tylonol if she is dying with a headache. A vitamin is totally out of her element. I have told her and told her. Maybe now she will listen. I will go get her some and get her to take it. She is very hard headed. Just like her son(ha ha). What about her not eating meat? Is that ok? I feel like now that the doctor has told her thisshe will start taking better care of herself. I hope! thanks again.