Floppy feet and eventually drop foot

[MajorHart]

Hi,
I will let someone more knowledgeable than I answer your question re e-stim, which I have not used for some time.
However, your post sure sounds like you may have severe central or lateral spinal stenosis and a CT scan with canal measurement and appropriate interpretation may be helpful. MRI may also augment it.
At the tender age of 45 I had 3rd surery, this time to clean bone for severe stenosis and it was a life saver. Previous diagnosis in spite of my best effort were incompetent.
I wish you the best.
jerry Hesch MHS
PS, yes, not all stenoisis is amenable to PT flexion exercise, etc, severe stenosis by definition is NOT.

Thanks much for the reply. In november of last year I had an aortic valve replacement - they said my heart was strong and my coronary arteries were clear - they said I just wore out the valve but they gave me a bovine valve. They also said to continue the heavy exercise and I will - I guess most older people don't exercise so they thought the bovine valve would be better. This is finally over - I'm lifting weights again and walking at least a mile a day and using the stairstepper too. My cbc last week had cholesterol at 167. All my numbers were in the normal range and they said there was nothing wrong with me at all. I feel great and strong - much better than before my operation.

I'm going to see if the VA will do those tests as soon as I see the doctor again. I did have aortic stenosis. As a long time exerciser I would think spinal stenosis would be out of the question - but I know nothing about that. I'm also thinking I might have a compressed nerve in there somewhere. I can run if I didn't have to worry about my toes dragging -I do stationary jogging at home too.

Thanks for the response.

MajorHart

Thanks again.

[jerryhesch]

It does not sound like typical stenosis in which weakness is progressive as one walks with spine upright, wheras an exercise bike is tolerated better because the spine is in relative flexion. These tests though may have false +, false -, like all others. These tests probably do not hold up when it is beyond severe-or is atypical. Whatever the cause, it appears that it has not yet been identified. Be cautious with weights, some advice from a good physio re technique, amount of weight and range may be in order. wish I were closer!
jerry hesch