I read your article on Stenosis . . . it's nice to see an article written that is all inclusive - very well done. I must also note, that I was impressed to see mention to Ehlers Danlos in there as well, as I find most medical professionals haven't even heard of it.

Now for the stumper (as far as every specialist I have ever met - so far)

What exactly is there left to do for a patient (yes, me) has advanced Degenerative Spine Disease that is very progressive. When I say DSD, I am referring to the entire (every level)of the spine in almost every aspect - incl. severe stenosis, DDD, multiple hernations & bulges, w/ tear & mass and retrospondylolisthesis (at L5-S1), and abutting the cord (T8), severe instability (due to Ehlers Danlos), severe facet arthropathy w/ hypertrophy of ligamentum flavum, osteophytes, end plate erosion & schmorl nodes, spondylolsis, scoliosis & kyphosis (Thoracic), hyperlordosis, sacroiliac dysfunction, brachial plexus dysfunction, TOC, etc. and ALL conventional methods have failed (and possibly done more damage w/ PT due to EDS). Indication has been made by several specialists for full fusion, but inoperable entirely due to EDS (though I don't entirely agree w/).

Pt is only 43/w and has been physically disabled b/c of it & require mobility aids since unable to use wheelchair (physically incapable of 'sitting' for going on 4 yrs). Severe radicular symptoms, neuropathy, cauda equina (full urinary & bowel), and besides chronic severe pain & weakness, loss of balance, impaired gross motor skills/ coordination, beginning to experience progressive deterioration of fine motor skills (already have lost use of last 2 fingers, bilaterally)& other sensory changes, incl. extreme changes in body temp, and peripheral sensory. Not sure if any relation to spine or Hx of severe/chronic migraines, but over past 8 mos beginning to exp. symptoms identical to retinal detachment resulting in episodes of complete bilateral blindness (full web/ white light) lasting initially 5-10min & progressing to most recent of 3 hours. Recent visit to Retinal Surgeon says it's neurologically based.

No ortho/neuro spine specialist willing to continue Pt consult since there is "nothing they can do"(or as I say willing to do, due primarily to fear/lack of knowledge of EDS b/c no treatment/cure). Also express much confusion over symptoms (which are textbook), but each out of over 18 seen all have different opinions overall (2 agree re:fusion & unwillingness and 0 take all conditions as a whole into consideration). Pain mgt. only recourse w/ high dosage narcotics & injections of Kenalog - every 2 weeks. Pain Mgt. frustrated due to high metab of Rx, minimal result & aggressive progression of Dx (also w/ lack of knowledge re: EDS) NO EDS specialists available in local area, other than for Dx only.

So, I am very interested in YOUR personal opinion/ comment on the situation. Am curious as to how YOU would assess & attempt treatment, should you be interested???

This clears up a lot of myth surrounding sciatica....

I'm suffering from it right now so it's nice to get some straight answers from a person who knows.

Thank you so much for taking the time to write this.