This topic is about a person who has been dealing with spinal disc degeneration and severe leg pain, especially challenging because they have an ileostomy. They have had multiple surgeries in the past and are now seeking advice on how to manage their condition and explore treatment options. Here are some helpful insights and advice shared by others:

1. Water-based exercise can be very beneficial. Exercising in a pool helps reduce the weight load on your body, which can loosen the spine and lessen pain. This can be a great alternative if walking is too painful.

2. Consider minimally invasive lumbar surgery. There are clinics, such as one in Irving, Texas, that perform endoscopic disc procedures. These involve implanting small plates or spacers and usually require just an overnight stay. The recovery involves a short period of wearing a brace and has minimal impact on a stoma. It might be worth looking for a similar center in Canada.

3. Don’t delay seeing a specialist. It's important to consult a qualified colorectal or spinal surgeon, even if it means traveling a long distance. Personal experiences shared emphasize the complications that can arise from not seeing a specialist.

4. Intrathecal pain-pump therapy could be an option. This involves a Medtronic Pain Stimulator, which is an implanted morphine pump that delivers medication directly to the affected spinal area. There is a trial period with an external pump before implantation. The dosage can be adjusted, and monthly refills are quick and painless, with minimized systemic side effects.

5. General pain-management tips include staying mobile every day and using prescribed pain medication as needed. Keeping active can help manage pain levels and improve overall well-being.