This is probably a really dumb question but have you talked to the Oncologist about it?

As you know, the spine is a hot spot for MM and it could be part if not all of what you are feeling. My DH had a similar issue in his lower spine and was given Norco for it. Eventually a Fentynal patch was added. Don’t be afraid to use something like that, as long as you follow your doctors guidence it could help. Just a thought, I’m sorry for what you are going through Chisue. (((Hugs)))

My sister who is also 80 just had surgery for spinal stenosis about 5 months ago. She was at the point that she could not stand for more than a few minutes. She had the surgery then went to rehab after 2 or 3 days in the hospital. She fought going into rehab (wanted to go home to have her daughter and me to look after her) but after one night at home had to agree to go into rehab. She spent about 10 days there and it was really a god send. They worked with her every day, taught her how to sit, stand and get in and out of bed safely. It took about another 6 weeks to begin to get around but at that point she could even drive. She is doing well (just spent an hour walking around a thrift store she has been wanting to explore) . She does have an additional problem which may have to be addressed at a later time. She is not 100% but much better off.

Gosh, you guys are wonderful! Thanks so much.

Lukki -- I failed to say that my workup for the MM showed the spinal stenosis. That was end of June 2018. The back pain was really bad then, but eased as the MM treatments brought my IgG down rapidly. It was over 6000; is now below 1600. I still tried the steroid injection -- to my sorrow! The back pain has gotten b-a-d last two months, while the MM numbers look great. I have another puzzle, with suddenly poor BUN and creatinine numbers and foamy urine the last two months. Ultrasound on kidneys showed no problems there. Mystery. You are so kind to even think about revisiting MM stuff so soon after losing your DH to the darn thing.

satine -- That's SO encouraging to hear about your sister! Did she consider the less invasive PILD decompression? My DH has been my rehab nurse during two hip replacements, with visiting PT, but we were both *younger* back then. I'd probably need the nursing home thing if I had back surgery.

Chisue, I am not sure if the PILD was offered or maybe she just wasnt a candidate for it. She has had both hips and both knees replaced and after those surgeries she returned home directly from the hospital where her DH was there for her. Unfortunately he passed away a little over a year ago so she lives alone now.

satine -- Thanks for your quick reply. I'm pretty happy to hear an 80-year-old isn't *too old* for back surgery. (And grateful to still have DH around; just lucky for me.)

I have spinal stenosis and I have looked into the Vertiflex Proceedure. That is where they place the spacers in.

I have an appointment for a consult with my Dr. at the pain clinic in mid May. Has been over a year since I had my last pain shot.

Here is the link for the spinal surgery procedure, it's a day surgery and very successful. You may want to look in to it. https://www.pain.com/en/chronic-pain-solutions/vertiflex-procedure.html?utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=nmd-scs-us-paincomlaunch-patient&utm_content=surgery-vf_branding&utm_term=spinal_stenosis_surgery&gclid=EAIaIQobChMIprfLm7yK8AIVlElyCh13GQVGEAAYAyAAEgJ4kfD_BwE

Oh...I see. I think about you all the time and wonder how you are. I’m glad to hear the numbers are down and your kidneys are still working like they should. MM is full of mysteries which used to drive me crazy. I have good and bad days, nights are a misery, but oddly, I don’t think about the MM, I just miss him.

kathyg -- I'll be 'all ears' to hear what your pain doctor has to say about this.

yayagal -- Super link. Thank you.

I'm not finding much on any group in my Chicago area that offers the Vertiflex. I see old (2015) chat back and forth between doctors about the difficulty of *billing* for this. Looks like Medicare only recently OK'd it.

I really appreciate everyone's time, sharing experiences with this kind of pain.

chisue I was on a Zoom meeting with my Dr. and he explained the procedure to us. It was very informative. I had to sign up for it. My friend did too, but she is not a candidate for it.

My doctor said before COVID he would travel throughout the states and teach other Dr.'s how to do the Vertiflex Procedure.

Wish I would have saved all the paper work I had on it, I could have sent it to you. Will try to get more when I see him in mid May.

chisue If I remember I will ask my doctor if he could recommend someone in the Chicago area.