The procedure hasn't worked on my upper back. Pain this morning about 6, I've taken 2 x 20/10 Targin & 2 x .200 Temgesic, nothing seems to be helping. I'm tossing whether to go to work today, but given I forced DB out the door yesterday & assisted him go again today I feel bad to give in myself.

I will be turning the SCS back on this Friday & go through a charted program to note what or when I get relief, hope it works.

Additionally, I have the normal familiar lower back pain at a constant 4 each day since the Feb 1 procedure. Feb 17 procedure has made zero difference. None of the epidural procedures seem to have taken, other than to affect the bladder!!

I learned last week the nerve roots for S1 are unable to be injected as it's where the fusion is. So in my mind that means he can't inject L4 or L5 as they are fused to S1. Perhaps he's only been able to give me epidurals in that region and that's why I've not had the success rate others seem to achieve. The T3,4,5 & 6 were definitely root sleeve injections on Feb 1 & I believe they've worked but the T11 & T12 has over taken everything.

You know I wouldn't know about the inability to nerve root inject S1 if it hadn't been for me reading the letter to my GP on my file while he was on the phone. When I see the PM next I will ask him if anything can be done for the lumbar region and see what he says. I don't think he has deliberately withheld information, he's just a very busy man and mildly forgetful, as I say he has written and told my GP but she hasn't relayed the information. I discussed my PM with the male patient in PCU that night, he tends to us both. We agreed he is a brilliant man, expressed our concern he is nearing retirement and how here in WA there are few young PM specialists coming through. Bit of a concern....

Have attached a photo of DD1&2 this morning after DB left for work with DD3&4. They give me so much comfort.

Attached Images

IMG_2861.jpg (225.0 KB, 62 views)

My fusion is L4-5, as well as the laminectomy in the same area. This was done in Nov. 2006. The surgeon said there were more issues including the spinal stenosis; but said he did the areas that were causing the biggest issues., The narrowing of the spinal cord in that area was quite considerable; thus the laminectomy

Even with all my Oxycontin and Percocet, my pain level is always present to what I consider a 6/7. The spine issues continually, as well as the PN; especially the burning ankles/feet. Added to that was the rectal cancer and removal of rectum and continual stomach pain, along with all the laxatives because of the opioids. I am grateful the tumor was at the top of the rectum so even with of the rectum removal, along with a couple of feet of colon, I was able to maintain enough muscle to attach to the "potty" area below. (if I use the a....l word, it just gives a lot of stars/astrics.

The dogs are beautiful and obviously resting well. Did you decide to go to work after all??? How many days do you usually go into work during the week?

Hope something can be done about the SCS. You certainly do not want to deal with another implant. The past couple of months or so, beginning with the bowel obstruction has been one thing after another for you. I hope/prays all will calm down to a more tolerable level.


Gerry

Yes, I'm at work, having my lunch break. Working hard on convincing myself there is no need to go home yet. My pain score for the thoracic is about an 8, it's like a lump of coal burning in one particular spot. Anxiety levels at an all time high... if it's not one thing it's another.

MY GP is on annual leave, won't be back until the 15th. I'm seeing the PM again on Monday 13th, the epidural hasn't made any difference to this pain in my thoracic T11/12 region. I'm aware of it as soon as I awake & throughout the day it gets gradually worse. Being moderately active exacerbates it, i.e. walking & living life in general. By the end of every day it's like a lump of hot coal burning in my back. I've noticed in the last few days along with the burning I'm getting a tingly sensation at times. Mum thinks I've got a trapped nerve.

Another procedure again next Monday, he said yesterday he did the epidural from S1 to T10. But the area I'm having trouble with is T11/12. He works off of his notes, that's twice now he's written down something different to what's been discussed. ie. he said he would inject T11/12 but did T10. & he wrote down I was taking tapentadol when in fact I said Im not taking tapentadol..

Pam,
Am a bit concerned with so many Epidurals, as well as the doctor's inability to look at or keep very important notes.

Pray all will be good.


Gerry

I agree, if the pain I have was bearable I wouldn't go ahead, but I can't keep taking the high dose of pain meds I'm on as I'm walking the thinnest of lines with bowell obstructions, eating 1 solid low fibre meal a day along with Ensure for breakfast & 2 non consecutive days of just water. I think the diet is what's causing the significant increase in headaches. I'm booked in for overnight so at least DB doesn't have to worry over whether I will or won't need a ride home.
Thanks for thinking of me