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!
BTTT
BTTT
Oh no! I thought it would start working right away. God bless you, and give you strength to overcome the pain. I hope the swelling subsides quickly, so they can program the stimulator soon. Extra prayers for you this morning Dear.
Glad you got through the procedure. As hard as it is, try your best to relax and continue to ask Him for strength and relief. Continued prayers for you.
I still smile because that is my nature, but this pain is intense...and I’m sick to my stomach from the pain. I talked to the rep a little bit ago and they agreed to do some light programming tomorrow, but they are worried if they do too much, it could end up being uncomfortable when the surgical pain subsides.
I’ll keep you in my prayers for the rotator cuff. Prayers for relief from your pain. God bless you for keeping up your good nature. Hugs!
Have you ever considered using numbing cream that is often used for backaches? You could smear it on the painful spot and hopefully something good will come of it.
Don’t worry about me, I’m fine.
You keep smiling and coming back for support.
“The pain is so intense toniht that I am bawling my head off from the pain. I took my dilaudid, but nothing helps. Just laying down causes horrible pain. Sitting up, re-adjusting, nothing helps.”
Just went through the same as you.
All I can say is I hope things get much better (and I truly think they will) I FEEL YOUR PAIN and it took about 1 week to get to the point that I could be some what comfortable.
I could not lay on my back or my side....so whats left?
Healing is what it will take.
Today is the 13th and I still couldn’t run a sprint with a turtle but the misery from the surgery will subside!
I have an appointment tomorrow for possible stitches being removed.
It will get better but the surgery itself really sucks!
I am not able to use that right now as I can’t put anything that is moist on the incision. That was a good idea though, thank you for that suggestion!
Your welcome; how about around the incision, in the general area?
I’m praying for you, hang in there.
Prayers going up and cyber hugs going out to you!
Nerve endings may be raw just from the implant surgery...not to mention the longterm problems you’ve had prior to the procedure. I pray it won’t be much longer until you get the relief you need. Praying and repeating “Heal”.
Still thinking of you, too. Prayers for the healing of those nerve-endings and finally some relief from the stimulator. (HEAL) Please God, send healing to my friends.
Getting some minor programming on the unit today. They don’t want to do much because they are worried that if they do too much power, it will be uncomfortable when my surgical pain gets better. I just look forward to having a little bit of pain control. The medication isn’t working well at all.
Though the pain meds aren’t working well, I was able to adjust my position without the pain being so terrible I cried. It still hurt, but not like it was the night before last. It works better if someone will push me to get me past the point of “hanging”.
Thank you to all my friends for the prayers. God Bless you all!
Stay strong Trussell, we are all pulling for you! You are one of the very best freepers and I’m so sad you are suffering now.
I hope the pain meds will “kick in” and be more efficacious for you soon.
See, that is a good $12 word - efficacious, I just love that word.
Can you tell us a little bit about the unit? I’m curious how this thing works.
BTTT
We praise Thee o Lord and we adore Thee.
In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost, amen.
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