Another update for no particular reason other than it is quite unexpected (and a positive - not many of those on the health front lately). In summary I have spinal stenosis and 3 different doctors have affirmed that just treating the symptoms is the right path for now (surgery being the other path). So it is spinal epidurals no more often than every 3 months until that will no longer support my lifestyle - then we revisit surgery.
Round 1 of the spinal epidural was 90+% relief for 2 months, then a gradual decline until the 6th month when I could no longer live a normal (for me) life. So another spinal epidural at that time (and I should not have waited that long). It was 5 1/2 months ago when I got my 2nd epidural and it followed the identical path for the first 2-3 months. Then the worsening of pain stopped and actually reversed. At this point (5 1/2 months since the last epidural) my stenosis driven discomfort is basically 100% gone! Been that way for at least 6-8 weeks. I am not looking that gift horse in the mouth - just take the good news when it comes your way.
dave
ps. Following what my brother refers to as the 'old age pain migration' my shoulder is now limiting most of my riding to my indoor trainer. Still - shoulder problems are generally more solve-able than are back problems. Specialist appointment coming up (eventually - the best shoulder guy in the area is booked out a good bit).