Does anyone have a LO with lumbar stenosis?

I can't stand for those seeking advice to be out there in the wilderness. I have not dealt with your issue. Someone has. Hang on.

I would seek chiropractic care before I ever considered surgery.

My niece was scheduled for a hip dysplasia surgery and after 2 chiropractic treatments she no longer needed surgery. Didn't need it in the 1st place, just needed a good adjustment.

Doctors are far to quick to cut us open.

A good, competent DR that’s not money hungry will let you know if they think your FIL is a good candidate for surgery.

My mom had surgery for spinal stenosis at age 75 in 2014 because she was in horrible pain, couldn’t hardly walk. She did great after that surgery. So great that she Refused to stay in rehab the 100 free days that she could have. Came home, refused to hire any kind of help. Had multiple falls. Second surgery in 2015 had disastrous results.

Spinal stenosis surgery is a crap shoot at best with as many people worst off after the surgery as better and the rest unchanged. My mother and I both suffer from spinal stenosis. Your FIL's situation sounds to me like inflammation from all the jarring of the road trip. Anti-inflammatories he can tolerate together with elevated legs (bending the legs at the hip while reclined "opens" the spine) and cool gel packs that conform to the body's shape or a heating pad on low may reduce the swelling, relieve pain and restore leg function. After an inflammation episode has started, it often takes 2-4 weeks to get back to "normal", sometimes longer. I usually try to avoid the episode by taking some anti-inflammatories before/during the long drive and using the ice/cool pack as often as practical during the drive. One spine opening position I use is laying with my back flat on the couch/loveseat and my thighs elevated across the couch arm (those big puffy pillow like arm). I also have a wedge to place under my thighs in the bed. Maintaining an "open spine" position with a heating pad on my back at midday makes a huge difference in how well the rest of my day goes. If your FIL cannot tolerate laying flat on his back, he can lay on his side and pull his knees toward his chest, but this position is harder to hold while relaxed than using the wedge.

Why don't you try chiropractic first? My mom and hubby have had excellent results, and both go only as needed.

Thanks everyone for your responses!
The MRI shows severe lumbar stenosis along with some bulging discs and lots of arthritis. He is referring FIL to a neurosurgeon who is very conservative and has experience with elderly spines. Family doc thinks FIL is in great health for a good surgical outcome if the neurosurgeon seems it necessary. FIL wants to pursue with the specialist to decide on a treatment. I’m kind of worried he will not be able to walk again ever. This is more serious than inflammation. His left leg is completely useless and we have to pick it up for him to get him into and out of the wheelchair or bed etc. He is able to use his arms so we encourage him to use them as much as possible. We got an appt next Tuesday with the specialist and I wish it had been today because I can barely manage the caregiving and he is getting weaker every day. We will ask about chiropractic care and other non invasive measures. Sending thanks for those who gave advice and to everyone who commented!

Saw Neurosurgeon today....FIL having surgery tomorrow. Doc says problem will not get better without surgery and will definitely keep getting worse. He thinks he can clean up the spine enough to get him walking again. Wanted to do outpatient and send FIL home with us and the good old catheter. Then have PT at home after 12 days. I learned from this forum about rehab and Medicare ( thank you!) so I spoke up and told doc I cannot manage the wheelchair and recovery on my own ( DH is beginning a new job next week and cannot help) so I would like to know if rehab is a consideration. He said definitely yes and he would help us arrange that. So now we’re hoping for the best outcome possible and FIL to tolerate surgery as well as he has in the past! I will keep updating for a while in case someone else has a similar situation.

Blue star,, good luck. I work in a Neuro ICU and I have doubts about a 90 year having outpatient spine surgery for everything you mentioned If he is in great shape and very active otherwise you may be ok... I had to rush my 88 YO mom back from a trip today. rush to dr.. barely able to walk. At this point for her the only thing we had to offer was PT. Some 90 YOs are like 60 YOs.. then go for it! But for my mom, several back whacks already.. she is frail and would not likely survive a major operation . So for now we are using the walker and setting up home PT. I have seen some miracles, and am hoping for one for you. but take advantage of the rehab.. they can do a great job. And you can get some rest to regroup for when he gets home. Back surgery is no fun for youngsters.. even less so for the elderly

Choosing rehab is a learning event....doc and nurse kept saying the rehab place we chose was “ aggressive “ in their approach vs our second choice which is a slower type of treatment. I had no idea what that meant. But they approved both of them?

My mom has spinal stenosis and been going to a Physician at a Pain clinic for several years. It's a temporary relief for the condition that last several months. They conducted an non-invasive procedure called "radio frequency" on the lower lumbar nerve endings. A MRI was taken that determine the location for the procedure. The treatments were twice a year, but now medicare only pays for one treatment a year. My understanding of the procedure, the nerves are treated. This was chosen over back surgery, moms to old to recovery from surgery plus 85 years old. Talked to a physician about the prognosis out come of back surgery. My mom used used sunrise pain clinic on rochester road in troy mi., just an alternative we used instead of back surgery.