[Hana]

Hi All!

I guess i I've been been a little shy and not knowing where to wade in. I think I will try to address each area where it is appropriate..let me just say that I got RSD in my upper extremities when I was a budding teenager, well over 30 years ago. Fortunately it didn't spread to my legs. Since I have other issues besides that I haven't known where to begin. Let me just say that I understand where most of you are coming from trying to decide what to do with the pain and and treatments. Ouch! I had the stellate ganglion blocks, bier blocks and sympathectomies, even first rib resections after more conservative efforts. My L brachial plexus is gone. I will try to address my issues in their separate forums as much is possible.

While RSD would've been enough, I was also in a car accident with spinal cord trauma a few years ago and have a mild- moderate TBI. For now, let me just say that I lost the ability to write,(for one) and I tend to perseverate on one topic… so please bear with me and my wordiness. I try to go back and edit but I'm not very organized with that either. Thank you for your patience and I hope to not only be able to contribute to this website and you and get valuable advice.

I have degenerative spondylolisthesis L2/3 a and 4/5, with sciatica and RSD that is settling in to my legs. My neck has also been fused and I have radiculopathy to my fingers as well. The last few months my muscles are really aching and a general myalgia diagnosis has been given. .Now my medications are not working. Pain is unbelievable... Stabbing, aching freezing burning...by 2 in the afternoon I cannot stand up anymore. My hands are not working with the RSD either. I already take two narcotics at fairly low levels and muscle relaxants for the pain. My body cannot take more.
I have found a surgeon I trust who says I had choices to make for pain relief. He can either give me two stimulators, one lumbar and one thoracic cervical, or I can have a pump in either place along with a stimulator. Fortunately, from what I've seen 'Mark56' has the more desired Boston scientific device which would be used. He also asked me if I wanted RFA before doing the implant. I am terrified! I already have RSD that has been so bad… My life has been consumed by it and I don't want to aggravate it. That's also my logic for not having a stimulator for my upper extremities which have been rocked by RSD..and vibration is an irritant as much as rubbing me with a feather on my hands. My legs and feet only have beginning symptoms at this point. So this is where I am right now. If you have any thoughts about which way to go please feel free to speak!! My brain is overloaded!

I have felt at times over the years that this pain devastated my life… Took me away from friends and family, school, my job and my favorite activities. Over and over I have tried to work with it and eventually have come to a place of peace. I realize this tremendous strength that we all have that we're not aware of until we need it. We are not our pain and nothing will cause me to appreciate life as much as the pain I have had to live with. I value every moment, and I try to make the most of the good ones. I'm so grateful for this community and the information you have to share, and I hope to contribute too.

HELP!

May we all live well. Namaste.

Hana

[Darlene]

Hana,

It is great to have you come and be with us. You will fine a great number of dear friends to listen when you are in need of ears. Please, just let us know how we can help you out. You will find out we are supportive and relaxing place.

Looks like you are going through a lot. I see you have found the Spinal Disorders & Back Pain, here is another forum for you to check into:

Traumatic Brain Injury and Post Concussion Syndrome:
http://neurotalk.psychcentral.com/forum92.html

Please keep us up to date on your situation. Again welcome, looking forward to seeing you around. My thoughts and prayers are with you.

Darlene