I was born with spondylolisthesis. I didn't know I had it until I was 55 yrs old. I was afraid to go to doctor when I started having pain about 15 yrs old. I have learned how to live with this condition until recently. In my younger days, I realized I couldn't lift anything heavy, move furniture around etc. if I did, I was on the heating pad all night but the next morning the pain would be gone. I also learned not to sit too long or stand too long. Physical therapy Has helped a lot as I aged. It strenghtens the muscles around your spine. Excercise needs to be done on a daily basis for the rest your life. When I slack off on excercise, the pain is a lot worse. I don't know if everyone's situation is different with this defect. Even when I was young, I couldn't stand for very long. I did work my entire life at a desk job. I learned to get up every two hours and walk around. I also sat on one leg! It must of taken the pressure off my spine. I don't know if any of theses things might help your daughter. I never had injections or surgery. This option scares me so I just learned what I can do and can't do.
Lulu, basically any chair or bed that is supportive, ie not ones with floppy cushions or backs, and not necessarly anything advertised as orthopaedic as they can prove far too firm. I have found mattresses by Dunlopillo to be excellent as they can have a firm layer with a thinner softer layer on the top. The original fitted corset made for my spine ceased to fit me years ago and the replacement on the NHS was uncomfortable. I now find that a simple panti-girdle worn for a few days during an episode with my spine eases the pain - Playtex do a good range. It depends what feels right for you and your shape.
So sorry to hear all your daughters ongoing problems,I'm a mum too and my daughter since the age of 14 has had heart problems and a rare condition called POTS,she basically collapses very frequently,I'm sure u feel the same when I say I wish I could take her illness and have it to give her a normal life.
Her spondylolyethesis grade3 I had been told should be operated on as if it continues to slip,which it will over time,I read her decreased sensation to left foot and her bowel bladder problems think she needs to be reviewed by a consultant asap .physio would be a no no because of her slippage.
please get expert review ASAP,even if it's going into a and e they would then get review by orthopaedics.
other option is seeing GP and asking whether cauda equina could be present,this would be where they have to operate sooner to save nerves etc
keep in touch
k r
ellen
I am new to the forums and I'm very confused after recent events in my life.
I am a 40yr old gent and before my car accident I lived a perfect healthy an very active work and social life.
I was involved in a very nasty accident (passenger) of a car that rolled over multiple times at over 115mph was told very lucky to be alive by paramedics.
Since my accident I have been diagnosed as having
Spondylolistheses grade 2 with bilateral exit foraminal stenosis L5/S1
I have been struggling with very aggressive an excruciating pain in my lower back and left leg, continued pins/needles all down my leg and numbness. I have had an epidural in my spine for pain relief which didn't work I am taking several different types of medication and I can still only walk a short few steps on crutches before my pain is too much. My confusion is I recently had a consultation at prh orthopaedic department during which we spoke about a spinal fusion and nerve decompression operation which I was explained was not a cure but would maybe help me.
Why I was there I requested if I could maybe use a wheelchair for getting out house more (I can't leave house at the moment due to my pain) and was told to see my gp about which I presumed tobe normal procedure.
Well I have received today a copy of the ditated notes and there is a paragraph init that reads as follows,
He (me) does not really come across as a candidate for a spinal fusion and decompression. The pain is related to accident and there are various medico-legal issues. At the moment he is requesting a wheelchair. There are a lot of yellow flags around at the moment.
I'm contacting the pain clinic and see if they can see him sooner. After treatment we may consider referral to Oswestry for spinal fusion.
I have already been seen by pain clinic and received the treatment and it was a fail I am now awaiting a follow up appointment with my consultant which I am going to confront him about the report I got. Hope I not confused anyone I'm just after help with my situation.
Thanks
Hi
im not sure if u r in the uk
i had spondylolyethesis following a fall from a faulty NHS chair,I landed on my back.
i had injections,great for 5 days then wore off
i ended up being contract terminated from NHS have now had spinal ffusion over5 weeks ago.
im doing well still takes ages to walk anywhere and I e now started getting nerve pain in foot.
i hope you get yours sorted,I don't understand they seem focused on legal aspects.i would resee your consultant and ask to be put forward for fusion,I am the wimpiest person going (ex nurse) and I promise you it's not as awful as you think,I was scared I wouldn't walk again,I've got a brilliant consultant,he came with his registrar the next day after op got me up and walked me,I have follow up next week at 6weeks.
keep strong
Hi ellen, sorry to hear about what happened to you that's not good is it. But I am glad u r on road to recovery
I am in uk yes.
I'm not sure wot u meant by contract terminated by nhs?
It's the way my report is written that's bugging me a lot with what he has said he seems to b accusing me ? I'v spent a lot of time on google reading about the terminology "yellow flags" but I don't think I am in that bracket and also my claim has nothing to do with my consultant either it's just very confusing why he would write something like that about me.
Thank you
Ginge
Ps I am also going to push for a fusion operation as I think I am a very good candidate for it and I also think it would help with my pain issues.
Hi ginge
when I said contract with NHS terminated I meant to say I was sacked!!
it was a workplace accident,they provided a faulty chair with castors,I was in charge of ward on night shift,I went to turn and ask a colleague something the chair sent me flying onto my back.
I am taking it all furthur
im I'm glad to hear you will have your back sorted by surgery,with spondylolyethesis it only gets worse,as when at a stage 4 it's virtually hanging off apparently,and if I can get this done anyone can,I'm the biggest wimp going.
i think they meant with the yellow flags(I don't know why they had to say it though) that it's not as critical at the red flags,which mean needing op ASAP.
keep positive
kind regards ellen😎
I see that this post is from over a year ago, so not sure if this will be helpful, however in the case that it is:
I was diagnosed with spondylolisthesis L5/S1 at age 13. I'm now 40. I cannot recall the grade, but if I had to guess, probably 2. I wore a destabilizing back brace for about 6 months and then had a spinal fusion. The fusion eliminated the pain for me for many years. The surgery was hard but I got through it. Afterward I was grateful for it as it eliminated my pain. I'm sure surgery is much better today than it was 26 years ago so if you end up taking this path I wanted to offer my experience to give you hope.
I carried three children with no problem.
I made it through my teen years, 20's and 30's without giving much thought to my back! The experience taught me to take care of my health.
Best to you and your daughter!
Hi,
i am 32 years old now, and i have had Spondylolisthesis for about 10 years, I’d say around grade 2 (50% or less). it has always been quite symptom-less, so occational lowerback pain when i stand for too long, or exercise excessively, which could be mitigated through sitting or laying down.
in the past month, the lowerback pain started existing no matter what i do, and i can “feel” my spine when im laying down. I’m thinking whether or not i should undergo spinal fusion surgery, as the suggestions from doctors are quite different. some say that i should do it while im still young, some say to drag it out until it gets too severe to ignore.
i’m not sure what is the best option right now, so i would like to seek your advice on this matter.
also as a bit of background, I have been very active in weightlifting and boxing etc. for at least the past 5 years, doesnt seem to be affecting the spine.
thanks so much