Martin9. I now have two opinions on spinal cord stimulation, one positive and one negative. I've decided to go ahead with the trial installation. During that week I will experience any help given by the procedure in reducing pain perception. If there is little or no pain reduction then I will not go ahead with the more permanent installation, nor would my doctor support going ahead with the permanent installation.

I would certainly get another opinion about the success rate for spinal cord stimulation but including back strengthening exercises is advice that all of my doctors over my years of back problems have given. For me the exercises have helped to some extent but you must be careful not to injure yourself!

Hey Jeff8.
Several months prior to my Multiple Myaloma diagnosis I had kyphoplasty on two collapsing discs. This had no impact on the severe back pain. The first spine surgeon that I saw took an X-ray and gave me an expensive back brace and sent
me away. I wore the back brace a couple of times. It was much too uncomfortable, and had no impact on the pain. I have one saving grace about what is behind my back pain. Whenever I lift my upper body, as when I use the walker, I have absolutely no lower back pain. Using a cane, causes brief breaks in the pain. Over
the last two years I have increased my exercise which has resulted in a much stronger body allowing me to be more tolerant of the back pain. This has permitted me to be much more active than I was in the past. Based on a meeting with another spine surgeon last week I am starting to add back strengthening exercises to my program. Too early to know how much impact
this will have. He did not see an appropriate for me surgery that could be done.
Please tell me more about your situation.

I agree with the outcome data so, frankly, I am not expecting it to work. That is why I continue to invest in exercise.

Thanks for your reply Dorothy74.
I have been eating organically raised veggies and fruits for many years. In recent years I eat only grass fed meats, and sockeye salmon once or twice a week. I take many other supplements including resveratol. I've been on the Algae Cal program starting 2-3 months into my treatment for MM, two and a half years ago. I do more than light stretching as part of my exercise program. Thanks, and my best to you.