Posted on 01/17/2014 6:14:56 AM PST by trussell
I have faith that the implant is going to help me...when they took the trial away it was like taking candy from a baby...it was cruel! And waiting so long for the permanent one is cruel too. I am praying I am making the right decision in getting this done. It’s a huge step and one that I struggled with at first. I remember the few days I had the temporary unit in my spine, my legs didn’t hurt, I could lay on my sides and they didn’t hurt! My right hip still hurt like crazy and my back was horrible and my stomach hated me from the buzzing, it would make me sick when I ate! But when the tech messed with the unit before it was removed, she got the buzzing out of my tummy and all the way up my back to the middle of my back! It felt so good, I hated when they took it away!!
Went to the doctor on Wednesday...he asked me how long have I been having the increased pain...I told him that I had complained to his Nurse Practitioner for a few months now and that she has told me “He’s not going to give you anything stronger, period”. He said “I’ll have to have a talk with her, I don’t like to see you in the much pain”. He asked if the percocet was working at all anymore and I said not so much...even when I take 2 of them at once. He said “quit taking those, I’m going to give you dilaudid instead, and give you a numbing PATCH to put on your back...leave it on for 12 hours then replace it with another” He wants to see me in 2 weeks to make sure my pain is being manage. I started the dilaudid a few days ago (as soon as I got through the pharmacy drive through) and so far it only helps at night when I take 2 of them with my nerve medicine and my sleeping medicine. I get the idea that the Nurse Practicianer could be losing her job for not talking to the doctor when I said I was in pain and she said I wasn’t getting anything stronger. She didn’t even TALK to the doctor, and I told him she said that and he confirmed that he didn’t know!
Just found out one of the meds the doc wants me on is not covered by my insurance and it is $275 for a one month supply....no way I will be getting that one. :( The medicine the doc wanted me using is a lidocaine patch, 12 hours each patch then replace it. They say since my insurance won’t cover the patch, they will do the cream instead...but I can’t reach my back to rub a cream on and I’m not comfortable asking my teenage son to rub a cream on my nude back (I am really fat). I am on gabapentin for nerve pain. I’m on amitriptiline 50 mg to help me sleep. As for the new medicine...one 2 mg dilaudid doesn’t do it. I take my middle of the night dose at bedtime...so I take 2 at bedtime as well as taking the gabapentin and amitriptiline. I manage to sleep with that cocktail but the rest of the day is still stiff and sore. I’m hoping I can get the patches so I can get some relief! They talk it up like it’s a miracle drug. Maybe I can find out the name of the manufacturer and see if they can help me get them.
Also, my procedure to implant the spinal cord stimulator is set for January 27th...same day surgery, will be home that night. Really look forward to it, though I’m still scared about having the unit in my spine.
Please, keep up the prayers. I appreciate them so much!
My laminectomy was for L4 and L5. The bones that were pressing the nerves were cut off and my own bone, from another vertebra, was fused, and screws stabilized the graft.
The surgery was done at Andrews Clinic in Gulf Breeze, FL. by Dr. Mark Giovanini. Google it.....micro spine surgery. This procedure is probably done near you. One night in hospital, short recovery time...
Good luck. I know what you are going through.
I meant to send the message to you and Trussell.....please check what I sent to her.
Thank you for the update: Will pray.
(((((Heartfelt Prayers Ascending, Dear Trussell)))))
Prayers up.
Got some bad news (or maybe not if I chose to believe God has a reason for this)...the insurance is dragging their feet in getting this approved, so now...I have to wait until the 2nd week of February. I was looking forward to having this for relief sooner than that.
Continued prayers
BTTT
That is SO frustrating!
I will keep praying, of course!
((((HUGS))))
Well, the insurance companies can rot in Hades for all I care.
The Lord has you in his hand, relax. We are all sending prayers.
Basticthes.
Let’s go with “God has a reason” (that I wish we could fathom). Prayers for you, trussell.
Prayers sent.
Keeping you in my prayers, t. My favorite scripture is “God Is perfecting that thing that concerns me”. He Is- count on it. I hope you are a finding a way to at least be more comfortable.
Dang! I was hoping you were getting help sooner rather than later!
Continue Prayers.
God be with you that this period of suffering is not without merit.
Continued prayers for you.
Trussell, I am so sorry that you are in pain and have to suffer disappointment on top of it. But, keep your chin up and know that God never leaves us alone. He may have something else entirely for you (who can know?) that is better than what is now planned.
As I’ve had opportunity to look back on some situations, I’ve been able to see things come together in ways that were a testament to the hand of God working miracles. Things that seemed to go wrong turned out to be a true blessing in the end.
Hang in there and know that you have the prayers of so many who care.
SC
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