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!
prayers up for you, your ride, and the med team, and the device!
If you were a Thoroughbred horse, I’d say try DMSO... a friend of mine has a crushed disc and I told him about it, he now uses it by the quart and swears by it.
And I know there is a lot of opposition here. But it has been proven medically and anecdotally that a good bud or two is a powerful analgesic and seems to help the nervous system reset itself.
Good luck!
BTW, lay off the sugars and starches. Insulin is a known stimulant/inflammation agent.
I know very well what pain is.
My sincere prayers that the implant will be a great success.
i pray that you have some peace tonight. try to get some sleep. remember whatever the Lord wants will be the best for you. you’ve done all you can do. (and enjoy those pain meds ;). God bless.
Prayers that this will be successful and will be the answer to your wish for less pain. It’s been a long haul for you and your family!
I hope all goes well trussell! We’ll all be praying for you.
Prayers for a successful surgery
God Bless you T! I’m praying for a successful surgery and little down time!
Kewel!!!
Hang in there
It’s a great life if you don’t weaken....
Prayers that all goes well for you. Try to relax in the meantime !
Praying for you, buddy! Pull through.
You’re in my prayers.
I think this will go very well for you.
Prayers up trussell.
Had the implant for the spinal cord the 27th of January with the temporary unit on the outside of the body for three days and on the 31st had the permanent power pack inserted on the lower left side below the rib cage.
From the 27th of January through the 7th of February felt like I was in a car wreck, was very sore.
I have to admit I do see an improvement in every day functions and have reduced my Vicodin intake from 6 a day down to three a day.
I feel very optimistic about the stimulator and some relief associated with it.
I sure hope it works for you and I hope it keeps working for me also.
Prayers up! And a BTT
BTTT
BTTT
I take it you’re on your way—prayers for a successful surgery and implant.
Prayers up!
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