I am 64 and have had stinging/burning pains in my lower legs for 15 years or so, I had a nerve conductivity test some 12 years ago, but this found nothing abnormal. Last summer the pains increased steeply as did difficulty in walking, and episodes of loss of bowel control. No back pain. In October condition progressed (if that is right word!) rapidly and walking became very difficult, needing support, housebound. Referred to nerve specialist urgently, then MRI of spine and head, resulting in early December spinal decompression and laminectomy operation followed by 12 days rehab/physiotherapy in hospital.
After op. found myself standing straighter - strange sensation of being an inch or so taller. Now in early January mobility slowly improving, can walk a short distance without sticks, but stinging/burning pains in lower legs undiminished. As before op. pains are increased by standing, also sitting presumably due to pressure on spine. Bowels normal. Gabapentin seems to provide a measure of relief from pain (2x300mg per day).
This message was automatically imported from the original Patient Experience
Very interested to hear about your stinging legs. My Mother who lives in UK has had a hip replacement op about 6 weeks ago and has had these unbearably stinging legs from the knee down in both legs ever since op...I think she also initially had occassional loss of bowel control. All most disconcerting for a woman who is normally vibrant and fully active and has all her faculties...I wonder if anyone knows what it could be. The doctors are at a loss and keep giving her different anti biotics, but nothing changes. They also gave her creams for her legs, but its not an outside thing, its apparently coming from within. If anyone else has experienced the dsame thing and someone found a cure for you, please do let me know. Thank you.
Have exactly the same symptoms after right hip op,did you get any solutions to
your problem? I also have persistant anaemia for which I am taking vast quantities
of iron tablets & iron rich food with very little improvement.Grateful for any answers.
Hi, just came across your post which I see is now rather in the past, but I hope you may receive an email showing my interest. I'm 65 with stenosis of the lumbar spine and am down for an op in the spring; I am at something of a loss as to what to expect. The nhs, physios and surgeon and gp, seem positive about outcomes of surgery, and your last post sounds very good. How are you now?