I'm so happy to for you. Its a sign of hope and better times ahead. Sending good and healthy vibes for continued health.

Jack,
Its all in finding the right combination.
I wrote to you that mine was Lyrica & Tramadol with B12 and other supplements.
Once you are successful, expect flares & bad days, but if it is
helpful 75% of the time- you're ahead of the game.
Keep the combination. Do not change, Do not pass GO.
Do not collect $200. Stay on your combination, for at least
a month or more- before you decide you want to 'fiddle around'
(because you are the type that will).
But I bet you'll slowly go back to your successful combination.
That's the way it works.
Don't fight it!

That's wonderful! I can so relate. A break from the pain, no matter how long or short, is *always* a blessing. Hope it continues for you!

Okay
 

Day 2....accept for an occasional twinge.....just residual numbness from the surgery. I never thought that numbness of the feet would be a blessing.....to have 75% improvement is unbelieveable.

Numbness, by itself, would be a blessing for me.

Counting Days
 

If anybody here knows anyone in "recovery" or is in "recovery" they knew the basic rule: One day at a time. Gradually, the days add up.

Jack, you've got TWO DAYS. I want to say for you, "Hi, My name is Jack, I'm a chronic pain patient, and I have two days pain-free."

That's fabulous. Keep the wallet out of your pocket, and don't change a thing. Maybe tomorrow will be another good day.

And, from the peanut gallery, I identify. "I'm LizaJane, and I'm a pain patient, and I have had three days pain-free."

For me, I think it was about a feldenkrais lesson about using the butt more and the back less to walk. It's been amazing to have basic movements remade by a therapist, but I do not care if my back is not fused, as long as I'm not in pain. The conclusion I've reached is this: Surgeons do desperate operations when people's nerves are in danger. I had a desperate operation to get the cyst out. But no way can I imagine a desperate, primitive surgery on my spine just for pain. There are better ways.

So there, all you back surgeons!

I'm LizaJane, and I have 3 days.

So glad Jack and LizaJane are doing better. Here is hoping that many others will join your group.

Much love to you,
Cathie

Thats what I try to do is focus on today and what is happening or I need to do,be grateful for,etc. Sometimes that needs to be even hour by hour. It works to feel less overwhelmed and stay positive. I sound like my therapist. I have been in therapy for too many years I could write the book. I should be in school for psychology but hopefully I will be a good nurse. Hoping for day 3 and sending lucky vibes.

Not so good today
 

I am really beginning to think it is truly coming from my crappy back. I have had stenosis for years, periods of sciatica....chiropractors....etc. But, I noticed that my feet do hurt worse when I am sitting. Last night I was picking weeds out of the yard, by bending down and pulling them up. Last night the burning on the bottom of my toes came back, and I had to come home from work at a conference today, because sitting hurt my feet so much. I have an ice bag on my back right now and I'm going in for an epidural tomorrow. I am going to pay particular attention to have this does or does not help my feet. Arching my back affects my stenosis and bending forward appears to be bad. I don't have any bulging disks or herniated disks...just fairly bad stenosis. Oh...this is so much fun.

Don't stop
 

Jakatak,

Don't stop your meds. You know what Nide44 told you about there being good days and bad days.

I hope you get some relief from the epidural. Maybe it will give you more clues about the cause of your problem. But don't stop the meds in the meantime.

Billye