Busy day....and paying the price
 

I have a friend with a medical problem that I have been trying to help her with since I got home from the hospital. I spent about four hours on the phone today, moved improperly, sat improperly and let myself get stressed out but the job is done.

The Fibro is raging now. I hate the Fibro monster. He/She is unrelenting and raises it's ugly head at the slightest excuse. When it gets this bad, even the morphine won't touch it. I won't go across the street to the ER for a shot as I refuse to deal with the humiliating and degrading lectures they give concerning not providing pain mgt.

Per history, I am more vulnerable to this degree of "flare" for several months after surgery. The body over reacts to the "violation" it just experienced and the Fibro monster sets up residence until he/she tires and moves on. In the midst of it all, my butt continues to buzz. The Fibro monster can no longer aggravate the neuropathy that is GONE. While my upper body rages, I am at peace from the rib cage on down to my toes. I am blessed.

OK Monster. Bring it on. I am stronger than you and am prepared to wait you out.

Spine

that sounds horrible
i was forced in letting out what
we call that monster
i try real hard to keep it out of our lives

God Bles

Blast that monster!
 

I feel your pain and it frustrates me to tears and anger.
I can pay the price dearly the next day for simply sitting in the wrong kind of chair while visiting with a friend....... which is why the social life is for the pits. :rolleyes: and I don't go out much. Eventually, they are bound to think I'm either stuck up or 'too busy' to go visit them.

So, again I say :Soapbox: BLAST that MONSTER!!

Thanks guys. While I am pretty miserable (physically), I am trying to focus on the knowledge that if this had happened two weeks ago, I would be flaring from head to toe. Really. This IS major improvement.

There are no magic bullets, for me anyhow. I have multiple sources of severe pain and current medical tech. can not address them all. This implant sure has pulled a big chunk out of the mix and it is a miracle. I knew I was pushing the envelope and could easily go into a major flare. Sometimes, we just have to do what we have to do then try to suck up the consequences. I'd do it all over again.

Another interesting side note. My bladder function has improved with the scs. I was not totally incontinent but had "issues". Due to surgery related nerve damage, I have reduced sensation in the saddle region. :mad: I never experience bladder urgency. If I wasn't careful I would not empty completely and was subject to frequent UTIs. Thankfully, I do feel pressure when the bladder fills and can get to the toilett before I would spontaneously empty. I was real close to having to cath. Now, the number of times I "go" per day is appropriate with my fluid intake. I only wake up, needing to use the bathroom, once per night rather than every 1-2 hours. Now I just need to be certain that I totally empty. I told Pain Man about it and he just smiled. He said it was an infrequent bonus but never mentioned it because he didn't want to get my hopes up on a long shot. He wanted my focus on the successful trial. Life is good. :D

:grouphug:

Pain Monster
 

OK Gang, we need to pay a visit to Spine in Wherever Indiana.... or is it Kentucky... or maybe Ohio..... oh well, back there somewhere. Thankfully we can transport via NT to pay a visit and to do the Monster Smash [do you remember that song?]

Pain Monster, here we come!!!! Ta da da TA!! Charge!

:thud: [oops, wrong one] :icon_twisted::Trapeze 2::hit-safe::deadhorse::Bang-Head::Wheel::mf_argue::mf_swordfight::Demonstratio n::Slip::bump::Soapbox:

General Mark, you are a darling warrior!!!
 

I do appreciate each and every one of the troops. Your support has been so important and badly needed. The beauty of these boards is that we can read and reread the info., love and support over and over as needed. That can be a life/mind saver in the middle of the night when our lives seem to become more confusing.

I will let you attack the Monster as I try to behave myself and confine my battles to the spirit realm. In the end, that is where the answer usually is.

I know I am not the only one who has dealt with these issues while living alone. I get so confused as it seems like everything I do violates BLAST in one form or another. It's strange. Now that the neuropathy has been buzzed away and I am recuperating from the procedure rapidly, it all seems to be crashing in on me. NOW I feel exhausted. NOW I am having a difficult time trying to figure out how to do routine tasks. I feel frustation and confusion when all I should be feeling is relief and gratitude.

Thanks for listening. Thanks for being there. You are all so wonderful.

Spine

It's SO good to have you back, Mark! :D

Rae,
 

I have been dealing with exactly the same situation you posted. Strange when you see it in print as you see a "that's my problem too" moment. I am uncomfortable finding a place to sit; usually a chair with arms helps take some of the pressure off the spine; but eventually you feel like an "odd ball" and find staying home much easier.

Kinda dumpy mood today. The flu has been playing off and on for about 10 days now.


Gerry

I dont know or understand these flare up at all. Since neck surgery in 2010---I have such severe flare ups--- takes my breath away.The last 2 months I been dealing with all kinds of strange symptoms. First it started with dermatsis,,then I still have eye twiching in right eye seen eye dr said it happens--- now both eyes are twiching for over 2 months. Then I had a pain in the pectoral muscle lasted a few days--now im back to right shoulder and serve pain between shoulder blades. Just this morning I have dermatsis back behind right ear a big red patch and can barley type on the computer due to neck and shoulder pain. Also my 4 finger in numb. I have no clue whats going on in this body---it has never been the same since surgery. Im getting anxiety which I never had before and I know its because of the severe pain.

So sorry you HURT and have FLU
 

Dear Gerry-
Prayin for ya dealing with that pain and icky flubug.
mark56:hug:

I hit a wrong key and lost a post...
 

DONCHA JUST HATE IT WHEN THAT HAPPENS? I had surgeries for degenerative discs in cervical spine throughout 2012, that last one being a fusion of multiple levels. The upshot? The numbness which prevented me from holding anything, prevented me from signing my name, prevented me from driving, and on and on and on..... went AWAY. The pain which made me sob because nerves where squished to nothing in my cervical spine..... resolved!!

I do not know what surgery you had at the time, but I wonder whether despite and maybe BECAUSE of the surgery you experienced you have come to the point of having returned full circle.

Why do I suggest this?

Simple.

Been there, experienced that. When I had lumbar fusion and much much more, the bone growth medium with which the discetomy was packed took off on a sprint through my lumbar area. I began growing spurs, kinda like Klingon ridges [from Star Trek] in the area of the fusion. End result? I was right back where I had started. Nerves impacted. Pain and paralysis ALL OVER AGAIN!!

So, a visit to my friendly and compassionate surgeon. He said I needed to do it again. I did not ask whether he gave volume discounts or a prepaid package deal. I just said "WHEN?"

On the table. More incision. More muscle pulled aside. More bone cut away. THEN things were arrested. It worked.

Possibly a talk with your surgeon might behoove you?
I don't know, but doctors weigh these things,
Prayin for ya,
Mark56:hug:

P.S. I think it worked this time [both the surgey AND the post which has not evaporated into cyberspace...:D]

mark
 

Question? Was your lumbar fusion posterior or anterior? Did the surgeon use medtronic's infuse? My last surgical disaster was when the surgeon did a three level posterior disc/lam, using infuse. That is strictly off label use due to increased risk of fusing overgrowth. One of the surgeons involved was part of the research and development team.

Both pain man and the surgeon who did the implant say it is a real mess in there. I do not plan on corrective surgery as I do not trust anyone.

Spine

Product Liability
 

Hi Spine-
Hope you are doing fairly well today! It is all of one degree F here. A bit chilly.

Lumbar fusion was posterior discectomy-laminectomy-fusion and I do not know whose product was used as the bone growth medium. This occured in 2006, now just over 7 years ago. Who was in the marketplace and what was going on at the time is anybody's guess. I just know the fusion did help save me as the lower half of my body had spontaneously Shut Down from the nerve damage; thus, having had bone overgrowth is something I am willing to have received as a consequence and life has moved on.

Regarding the neurosurgeon who helped me then, I have every respect for him and there is not a trust issue between he and me. We are good.

I am sorry yours was such a mess. It seems everytime we cut into the corpus humanus we pretty much destroy the equilibrium God set in motion.

Caring and praying,
Mark56:hug:

Hi Spiny
 

I have been reading the posts. Sorry you had such an issue with your neck. You mentioned not trusting anyone. My neuro surgeon would be worth seeing, even half a country away Spiny. If you ever want to have another opinion, I would say to come down this way. I really wish it could get better for you. ginnie:hug::grouphug:

I here you, Gerry. I just went thru a pretty severe bout of depression, was in bed 2 solid days. Sometimes everything seems to become a mountain and we simply don't have the energy to fight it. Course I have several things going on right now which will effect my entire future. I'd like to think I'm able-bodied enough to handle these things as they come.....but when a pain flare takes over, well, that's all she wrote :rolleyes:

I hope you're having a better day and that flu bug is gone once and for all.

Rae
:hug:

Rae,
That flu bug just won't go away. Thursday will be two weeks. Just when I think it's on it's way out; by afternoon bodyaches, etc. back. As you say....pain, pain and more pain. The depression is by far the worst of it all.
Take care,
Gerry

Checkin up....
 

Hi Ger,
It's been a few days now. By now I sincerely hope you are on your way OUT of this flu! I've been hearing some very scary things on the news.
Please visit the Dr if things aren't changing....:(

Rae
:hug:

Hi Gerry
 

So sorry you have the flu. Hope it is short duration. Stay warm and do the chicken noodle soup. Prayers are coming your way. xxxginnie:hug:

Two Weeks too Long
 

Yeah Gerry- I had it for eleven days at Christmas time..... ick. Two weeks is entirely too long, so I hope you are able to see Doc and verify whether there is more which can be done to help you.
Prayin,
Mark56:hug:

Well....
 

I believe the flu bug is finally on its way out. Feeling much better. Went for bloodwork this am. for next week's doctors appointment. Felt good to breathe outside air again.

Gerry

Hi Gerry
 

Glad you feel better. So sorry you got sick with that. I have become a germafobic, hate getting out in public. Keep getting well. ginnie:hug:

Sadly, there are numerous bugs crawling around this area. Everyone stay well.

Thrilled Gerry
 

You could breathe a bit of Sonshine air.
Ahhhhhhhhh...........
May you heal well in the Son's embrace,
Mark56:hug:

oh how i know what you mean
wishing nothing but getting better

someone who really cares

A nut here....
 

Flu is wide spread, so what do I do? go to a blues festival with thousands. Wish me good luck tomorrow. I got the shot, but I am a bit concerned. Have the handy wipes ready...
Gerry, keep getting better. Hope the blood test turned out Ok. ginnie:hug:

Ginnie, i had the shot as well. While I had body aches and a off and on fever; the pressure in the chest never got bad. Very little coughing as well. i do believe the shot caused me to have a less serious case.

Have fun and stay well,

Gerry

Re: thank you Gerry
 

I am a bit worried Gerry, as up to now I have not been out in public without being cautious. Even at a walmart. We have lots of tourists who go outside when they are sick because the weather is nice. I have my wipes, and gel, and I will say a big prayer before I go. ( For the others attending as well).
These tickets arn't refundable and I don't want folks to go if they are sick. Weather is beautiful, but tomorrow night down into the 40's.
I am sorry you got the flu even though you had a shot. I know it is only 60% effective. You keep getting well Gerry. Your immune system took a hit with your surgery, so that may be why you got it to begin with. Have a good day today, and I will too. The bucket list goes on...xxxginnie:hug:

And the Beat Goes On
 

While that bucket list declines.....

Enjoy the blues concert!! How cool is that Ginnie!!
Love and hugs for you to "weather" the flu storm without becoming ill.

Music.... ahhhhhhhhhhhh..................................... ................... [so that is what happens when you hold down on a key!]:D

Agape,
Prayin all be WELL,
Mark56:hug::grouphug:

Hey Mark,

Do you want to see a sideways smile.....here it comes...

:-)

Oh well. Just a little deal; not a big deal... :-)


Gerry

Well Gerry
 

:I would have to say you smile sideways beautifully!!:D
Yup,
Mark56:)

Now THAT is my kinda lady!! :cool: :You-Rock:
Me and my (God rest his soul) brother got together EVERY friday and listened to the Blues on the Public Broadcast Radio station.

Such good memories.......

Rae
:grouphug:

Hi Rrae
 

Yes, the blues do get to me. Love them. Ever heard of Joe Bonamassa?
Look on U-tube for "midnight blues" great song.
Festival was packed, and I brought wipes and sanitizer. All was well. I intend to pack in as much life as I am able to do! If my neck hadn't gotten in the way, I would still be jumping out of an airplane! Still alive and kicking hard at 61. Have a great day Rrae. ginnie:hug:

fell yesterday
 

It looks like I better go see the surgeon. Now I get to talk my daughter into taking me up to Louisville. Time to fasten my seat belt. Lol. :D: All prayers appreciated. Thanks.

Spine

When it rains it pours. Praying it is not as bad as you fear.

Hi spiney
 

I hope you are OK. Glad you are going to the doc. I will keep you in my thoughts and prayers. ginnie:hug:

x rays
 

yeppers....go see the doc...get some xrays...got to know
have you caught your breath yet?...so scary...the fall and now the worry...
praying right now
all will be well
Johanna

I need to see the surgeon one more time before he discharges me to pain man so I need to get that over with. My aid was here earlier and ran the hot water over my neck, shoulders and back. That really quieted things down. There is no change in stim function so I think I just jammed my upper body. Iwill just let my daughter think it is a big deal so she will take me. Naughty mother.:eek:

Spine

Sounds like no real harm done. That's good news. Since you need to see the surgeon one more time anyway; seems like a good time to go.

You were genuinely concerned when this first happened so no harm in letting it remain a big deal. Right ??

Gerry

Awwwww Spine
 

Sorry about the fall..... I fell.... at that time right after fusion. Scared the ^!#$^@#!@$%!^ out of us. BUT, CT scan [this was pre-stim] showed everhthing was OK. Just scared.

So, get it checked, and
I hope all is well,
Mark56:hug::grouphug:

I think all is well because the soreness is going down. I feel a bit annoyed with myself as the fall happened the day after pushing the envelope. :mad: I was feeling great and doubled up on the walking. I walked longer and much more intently. I was practically power walking. I was sore the next day and went down. Not too smart,eh? :winky:

Spine