Do you know anyone with spinal stenosis?

[Kitty 34]

I broke my neck 24 yrs ago but just today I was diagnosed with this spinal stenosis (a narrowing of the spinal column). I've already looked up info on the Net so I have a good idea of what it is.

However, I'm kind of bummed because it sounds like my riding WDW rides could be over, or doing lots of different activities for that matter could be over.

Does anyone know anything about this condition or anyone that has this. Maybe, just maybe it's not as bad as I'm thinking and I could still go to WDW and ride TOT and Splash MT!!! (keeping my fingers crossed)

 

[DopeyRN]

It simply means the column is narrowed and thus there is more pressing on the nerve roots. Depending on where the narrowing is will determine your symptoms. You may have severe leg pain, for example, if you have stenosis in the lumbar region.

The effect this will have on your life depends on your symptoms. Most people will not change anything until their pain is severe, and then wind up having surgery to release the compressed nerve root. Once you have back surgery, I would not think wilder rides would be a good idea. As long as you can avoid surgery, and it is ok with your doctor, ride away. Good luck!

 

[Piper]

I have spinal stenosis in both my cervical and lumbar spine. I had surgery 2 years ago in the cervical area on 3 levels, but now the area above is having difficulty. I have numbness and significant foot drop in one of my feet and slightly in the other as well as pain in shoulder, hips, legs and feet.

What you can or cannot do should be determined by your doctor. My neck is somewhat unstable right now and so I don't plan on riding anything with jerky motion. Just not worth it in the long run.

There is so much to do at WDW. I am just looking at this as an opportunity to do all those things I didn't have time for before! I am planning a leisurely trip with some tours, lots of shows, parades and people watching. I am also renting an ecv since walking the parks is out of the question.

Ask your doctor--he's the best source of information about you!

 

[kdibattista]

Can I ask (if you have stenosis) how old you are? I'm 26 and was diagnosed 2 years ago in both my back and neck. I have always had problems as long as I can remember but they never checked for that because it normally starts with people in their 50's. The only reason it was diagnosed was because I was in a car accident.

 

[Kitty 34]

Kim, I was in a car accident when I was 25. That's how I broke my neck. I had surgery back then on it and over the past 24 years, my neck has been fine until a few months ago when it really started hurting.

I just can't believe all of a sudden I have to limit my activity after all these years living with a broken neck.

I go in next week for some electric test to see how my nerves and muscles are doing.


Gosh, Piper your's sounds bad. Were you in an accident?

Donna, thanks for the info........I like your last line "ride away".....

 

[kdibattista]

Kitty, if it's any consolation, I have been to Disney numerous times and have never had to limit my activity.... yet. Just see what your doctor has to say - Good Luck!!

 

[Kitty 34]

That's good news Kim.


What baffles me is that I've been to WDW several times in the past few years and have gone on all the rides many many times and never had an ounce of problem with my neck!! Then one day in November I wake up with a "stiff" neck that has never gone away!!

Good thing I don't have a trip planned for this summer, going to Vegas instead. Hopefully the docs will give me the OK to sit at the slots!!!!

 

[Piper]

Originally posted by Kitty 34



Gosh, Piper your's sounds bad. Were you in an accident?

No accident--I was diagnosed with arthritis at the age of 12--many years of that have left me with major problems. I continue to work every day, but that pretty much wears me out so that I do very little after work. However, I must support myself--so I do what I have to do!

 

[nativetxn]

Oh my friend I had no idea you had been in pain. {{{HUGS}}} for you. I don't know anything about spinal stenosis, though.

 

[Kitty 34]

Thanks for the {{{{HUGS}}}} Kath. I didn't know much about spinal stenosis either.......learning it might be a real pain in the neck tho!!!!


Gosh, Piper.......it sounds like you have struggled a long time with it. {{{{{{HUGS}}}}} to you.

 

[Tinkbell]

I'm sorry to hear about your pain. ( (HUGS)) I hope you won't have to limit your activities. Hope to find you riding front seat on Splash Mountain on your next trip.