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

Procedure went well I think, but I've got a temp of 39.9 after the cooling ice bath when temp was 38.5. DB has had to take time off to pick me up tomorrow as I'm not allowed to be on my own for 72 hours. Other than feeling hot n cold, lethargic mostly with bursts of 30 second activity to sort my bed linen I'm ok, feel very short of breath, but NO chest pain yay xxx