Elderly dad can’t sit still, spinal stenosis surgery last year was successful. But…

[properlyproper]

My dad is 80 and always been the sort of person who HAS to be doing things, very restless, always helping people out, doing DIY and using power tools, just never been able to sit still.

He had surgery last year for spinal stenosis and although the surgery was a success, he still has some discomfort from damaged nerves and presumably scar tissue etc.
Because of this he is now totally unable to sit still with the discomfort, and he will spend the entire day pottering around in the cold garden and garage. Obviously he was a doer anyway, and so it works for him on an emotional level, but I am concerned what will happen when he becomes more frail and can’t keep busy, will he just live in pain until he dies? I feel like he’s either going to have a fall and experience more discomfort or collapse at some point.

Anyone else been here? what do I do? D

Yes. Severe stenosis. I have nerve damage. Honestly, proper pressure cushions (think wheelchair user level) and also nerve pain killers like pregabalin make it tolerable. Otherwise yes it’s impossible to sit down still. Desk work is painful. I’m 3.5 years post op and it is still getting better.

Your dad sounds amazing! Does he keep his back warm enough? Use lots of cushions?

I have spine problems and I think if I make it to 80 I’ll be taking plenty of the nerve-blocking painkillers, while still moving a fair bit.

Like @DeltaVariant says, Pregabalin works.

It’s just not easy to come off once you’ve started to rely on it.

At the moment, I’m using a small daily dose of Nortriptyline.

Does he have a good quality sacral cushion? The sort with the U shape cut out at the back so there is no pressure on the spine? My friend has spinal stenosis and found it helpful. Also shoes with air filled soles as shock absorbers.

Absolutely this. I think it’s harder to get off than morphine. I’m 34 and expect to use it for life if I’m honest. I have nerve damage that will never get better.

However, I really wouldn’t care at the OPs Dads age. Quality of life etc mean pregabalin, gabapentin etc are worth a shot.