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!
“I had a double laminectomy last July for the shooting pain in my legs. It worked beautifully. I haven’t had a pain since. Is that a possibility for you?”
I have HNP RT L1-2 L5-1 which is protruding but not pressing on the nerve and was told by 2 of the 3 Specialist that I am not a candidate for surgery.
If they lived a week with the pain I am having they might reconsider.
It seems that I am a candidate for the spinal stimulator and at this time in life I will do just about anything to get feeling good and get off of the Vicodin.
I have terrible stomach issues and I think getting off the pain meds would be going in the right direction.
Hell I just did the math and for the five years of taking these drugs I have consumed roughly 7500 Vicodin...........no wonder my guts hate me.
They told me the medicine patches required a prior approval. I called the doctor’s office and his nurse said that the doctor will not do prior approvals for that drug (even though he made a big deal about wanting me on it and how much he thinks it could help). I asked to speak to the doctor and they said they would have his nurse practitioner call me (yes, the same one who is in trouble with the doctor for not talking with him about my pain). I said “I want to talk to the doctor, he is the one who said he wants me on this medicine” and they said “the doctor doesn’t return calls”. I have another appointment with him on the 31st and will make sure to mention this to him...I can’t believe he is unwilling to talk to his patients when they run into problems like this. If his N.P. tries to come in for my appointment next time, I will say “no, I want to see the doctor today”. I called today to make sure my appointment is with the doctor, not the N.P. It looks like that is the only way I am going to be able to get the doctor to help me is by making a nuisance of myself!
I had the surgery to remove/replace my L5 and fuse to S1...that is what they say led to the “Failed Back Surgery Syndrome” that is the root of my pain issues. They waited too long to do something and because of that, my nerves suffered permanent damage. I feel for you and pray your are helped by this unit. Make sure to demand they work with the unit until they get it programmed like you need it! Don’t let them rush you out with settings that are not right for your needs!
I have been on pain meds for several years. I have had 3 knee surgeries (1994, 1999, 2000), a car accident (Hit by a car while walking 1985) and another accident (hit by a lady backing out of a parking spot 2009), Cerivical/Thorasic/Lumbar spinal injury (work related injury 1990), Motorcycle accident (hit a deer 1991), a ski injury (lost control on ice 1985), sciatica (tripped on anchored vines while doing yard work 2011). I’m a mess, but just want relief from this pain!
I had a doctor once who's NP got stuck doing a lot of his scheduling because it was a small office. One day the doctor said he didn't know if he could keep me as a patient because I had missed so many appointments. I said I haven't missed any! Come to find out his NP was double and triple booking appts and then when she realized she would cancel some but put people down as “no shows”. The doctor had no idea she was doing this and losing him patients because they'd go elsewhere. Your doctor may have no clue what she's telling you!
I am so sorry to hear of your suffering. I had bad back issues years ago and between the excruciating pain and the inability to do much for myself put me in a deep dark depression. I hope your surgery goes well and praying that you get the relief you deserve. Don’t get discouraged if post op if you still have pain for awhile. Recovery and relief sometimes takes awhile until you feel more like yourself again. You have my prayers and empathy for your ordeal; that each day passing will bring you comfort. As devastating and difficult as it is, try your best to stay in a positive state of mind, knowing deep down that all is goiing to go well and that you have the best doctor and surgical team in the world.
Prayers for you, too, Johnny! My brother had one of these done a number of years ago and the improvement was tremendous. He was on Oxy and got strung out on it. He’s weaned off but it took some time. Take it easy during recovery, even if you feel great. Prayers for a complete healing and strength. I also believe they have refined and improved these stimulators over the last few years. I will be wishing both of you well.
Dear God,
Please keep Trussell going and get him better. We love him and want him here with us.
Blessings,
CorporateStepsister
Thank you so much! I apprecaite the prayers so very much. Though I will ask for you to change one thing in your future prayers for me...please change the “him” to “her” God Bless you my friend!
Prayers that you get the successful treatment and relief you need.
Somehow I kinda knew that stimulator was going to help...like it did my other friend. SO glad I was right!...and hope you do get a permanent one! Meanwhile, prayers that the meds and other procedures your doctor is trying will be helpful!
Thank you for keeping us informed! Prayers continue...
May God erase your pain and stress..
I am thinking of you daily.
My best.
You’re in my prayers.
Since most don’t have the selection of long chop sticks I have, because of my cooking interests, maybe a long handled kitchen spatula would be useful— or those great back scratchers that used to be around.
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Thank you for pinging your list and keeping me in your prayers. I appreciate it very much my friend!
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