Victoria - Spondylolisthesis Story (Grade 1)
I have Spondylolisthesis at L4/L5 and in my neck. The surgeons (2 so far) are recommending fusion. I do not want to do it. It scares me! I’ve already survived Breast Cancer and a lot of surgeries. I am not sure I can handle more. I have pain that radiates down my right leg to my foot (no foot drop yet), and pain that radiates down my left arm (Breast Cancer side). I am getting a third opinion on my neck and back (two slips), but no matter what, I cannot do anything until November 2012. And then the doc wants to do my neck first.
In the meantime, I have to continue to work. My job is very physical (lots of bending and lifting - I work in horticulture). I have tried PT, the Egoscue Method, Yoga, Acupuncture, Massage, Chiropractic etc. I've even dipped my whole leg into freezing ice water! I have had 9 surgeries in the past 3 1/2 years for breast cancer stuff and I really, really do not want more surgery and the horrible painful recovery that I hear about from just about everyone. Plus, pain meds and I do not agree, so I do not know what I would do to ward off the pain after surgery. I am almost more afraid of the pain meds than the surgery itself! My Spondylolisthesis has caused Stenosis and Bone Spurs, and that stuff is what pinches on the nerve and causes radiating pain. My slip is only a grade 1, but the instability is pretty extreme.
Of all things, I am a yoga teacher! - Isn’t that just too wild. A Yoga teacher with Breast Cancer and Spondylolisthesis in two places. My situation has caused me to explore meditation and I have done advanced training in a form of Yoga called Yoga Nidra (Yogic Sleep). That practice has helped me a lot. My doc told me the worst thing I could do was to stop moving. I am getting a Cortisone Injection in my Lumbar spine this Wednesday and then that will be followed by a series for my neck. I am hoping these reduce the inflammation and the pain. In the meantime, I have kicked my Yoga practice into higher gear, in terms of its physicality. I was really laying off as I was scared but since my doctor said “yes, do more yoga - it’s great for you,” I am doing just that, but very, very mindfully. I am hyper-flexible, so I am really concentrating on balance and strength. I hope all of the above strategies work so that I can soldier on with the help of the Cortisone, some meditation, and staying strong - and keep the surgeons knife at bay. But if I have to do it, I will.
Thanks to all of you ....
- Victoria
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