Another VERY Curious SCS Member - PLEASE HELP?
 

Hi There Fellow Members!

I just read thru a number of the threads on this section and rather than hijack someone else's thread I figured I'd post one of my own and ask that all of you assist me by putting all your thoughts, opinions, and personal experience within my thread to assist me during this awful period!

Some of you may know me, but those who don't are welcome to read my introduction thread which explains my history and reason why I have TBI, Cervical damage, and other medical issues. (Basically I was blown up by an IED in Iraq and cannot believe this pain is still getting worse!) Here is my first post on this website which I was extremely touched by all who replied and helped me ever since! You guys are all the best! :eek:

http://neurotalk.psychcentral.com/sh...ght=gunny+fitz

I have been seeing a fantastic new Pain Management Dr who was the Director of ALL Pain Management at Walter Reed / Bethesda for last 8 years before retiring from Navy and going out on his own to help others!
One of the reasons I feel so comfortable with him is that he has seen EVERY possible combat associated injury and done thousands of procedures and treatments for Wounded troops and Vets in his life - those of you who are Vets know what I mean, as it makes one feel as if we have something in common if you know what I mean?

Background:
We have tried EVERY type of Cervical treatment to include stuff like:
-Pain Medication (duh) lol
-Nerve Medications (currently trying Lyrica which makes me too dizzy)
-Many other medications (Topical Compound Creams etc)
-Ketamine Infusions (biggest hallucinogenic trip Ive ever experienced!)
-Facet Injections
-Radio Frequency Ablations (RFA)
-Trigger Point Injections (almost weekly!)
-TENS Unit use
-Massage, Acupuncture, Heat, Ice, and everything else imaginable

**Have the "Coolief" RFA Treatment scheduled in 2 weeks which I have not done yet but am hoping it has better results than regular RFA. :(

NOTE: I have NOT had any invasive fusion surgeries done and honestly wish to avoid going that route for anything - hence the reason I am interested in this SCS Trial and learning more about the entire thing.

I literally live with cervical pain 24/7 which of course leads to daily headaches and weekly migraines. As stated in otter threads of mine, this has all obviously lead to increased Opiod tolerance and dependency which as of right now - the 10/325 Percocet is about the ONLY thing which helps to alleviate my pain, which is obviously just a temporary mask and is not a long term approach to helping with this entire matter! If I could go back and find the person who made, ordered, and laid that IED bomb in place in Iraq I would take pleasure in putting a round into his brain myself! It is absolutely unreal that I am living with the residual pain from that blast 11 years later! And as I have said many times before, some days when i sit here crying my eyes out from how brutal this is for me - I often wish I had died in that explosion and think of ending all this pain via Glock 23 more and more each time the migraines come to visit! :eek:

Therefore, my Doc mentioned the Cervical SCS procedure and stated it was a "last resort" type of thing which can only be done after all other means have been exhausted (Per the Insurance Co regulations). I have tried researching this SCS issue for hours online, watched every video imaginable, and still have not determined whether this is for me. I do like the "Trial Offer" but like everything else in the world - is this just a tease to get us to bite and go for the baited hook like a fish? How many did go for the "hook" and end up regretting it later?

Summary:
As stated in my initial statement here, I am truly seeking any thoughts, opinions, first or second hand experiences from having this SCS procedure done, and hate to say it folks - any horror stories involving this process if there are any? Feel free to send me those via PM if you wish, or ANYTHING you wish to keep confidential feel free to use PM as well ok?

My apologies on such a long frigging post and hope it didnt put you off from the onset? I pray all of you suffering from ANY TYPE of pain find a way to obtain your own relief and wish you all the very best my friends!
Semper Fidelis members!

Gunny :cool:

PS. Thought Id attach a pic of my TBI / PTSD Service Dog sitting on my lap in Pre-Op the day I had my Cervical Epidural. He didnt want to get off when it came my turn to enter the Operating Room. He knew something was terribly wrong and also knows how much pain i feel daily! :D

Hi Gunny,

First, great photo - dogs are SO special. I know they are very important to you personally.

As to your Post, please put the thoughts of taking the Glock Highway out of your mind. I know your Depression and PTSD leads to those Dark thoughts, driven on by the tightening screw of the pains and headaches. We really DO have issues in common, caused, unfortunately on both parts, by wildly different events.

But you have now been given a glimmer of light in the form of the offer of an SCS trial. Believe me, I knew nothing about them 6 months ago, and now, thanks to the Members here, I am educated. I have read all the Posts, all the Threads, everyone coming and going and opinion here is very much Positive. Mark56 is a great proponent, I hope he sees your Post and chips in. He knows it all and shares freely - as do others.

However, there are some negatives. Ger715 is a great friend who has not had a good experience - SHOUT OUT, GERRY!

IMO, as you kindly asked, as you have been given the option of a Trial and the Pain Management Dr you think so much of thinks you are a viable candidate I say 'go for it!' and I wish you more success you can possibly imagine.

Dave.

Deepest Respect
 

Gunny, our mutual friend Dave reached out to me and drew me onto your thread. I read your story...and tears welled up in my eyes. You have given, and given so very dearly. Thank you for having been in theatre. Our son has done multiple tours, as has a friend who nears the wrap up of his full career in SEALS. All of you who served have seen such a hard hard reality..... then YOU pay such a terrible price. Though it may seem little, I am dearly thankful for You.

My journey through pain began not via military sacrifice; instead, I was injured in a high speed car wreck on I-70 commuting one day for a ride to L.A. on an aircraft for my work. I never made it to L.A.

Pretty much all I had to say was documented in my threads you my see in the stickies at the top of our SCS forum. Two posts allowed in the stickies on the top of page 2 give thoughts on surviving surgery under the acronym BLAST and the following post which gives Links to the multiple threads chronicling my journey through surgeries and SCS implant.

Five years ago I received thoracic implant of Boston Scientific Precision Plus SCS. This, I credit as the single life saving event among my 38 visits to the OR to fix my spine. My thoughts had involved either Smith&Wesson or knife as the alternative to pain. Gladly though I got serious therapy to preserve precious life for my family. You have great strength to have avoided a Glock appointment.... and heck, to many other folks are counting on you Gunny. Keep yourself safe.... please.

I use my implanted stim 24/7. I am faithful to keep it charged. It is simple. For me, it works and works well. You know from reading other posts it is not for everyone. Truth be told, it is NOT perfect. It is a means to manage pain. It is not some Cure which will be likely to stop pain.

All of this being said, with it, I have been able to resume my career, and this the most important byproduct, for with me doped up on morphine, I could not work to help provide for my family. We had lost absolutely every dime we had saved. I am now contributing thankfully to our family pedaling back from the financial brink.

You will learn from my Boston Sci threads the experience of "trial use." This path is not lightly taken by onyone, patient or provider. I found Peace from PAIN for the first moments since suffering overwhelming pain those many years. This was my result, and not necessarily yours.....but that Trial is the means to see whether you might be helped by it.

I hope you might read the stuff I mentioned. It is quite a bit, but repeating it all here would be way overboard.

Your dog is a great friend to you! I know he'll help you through this no matter your choice. As for me, if you ask, I will try to respond.

All the best,
M56 :)

Dearest Gunny,

It is impossible for me to express as eloquently as M56 my gratitude for your service and heartbreak at what you are going through. You have had to go through so much and it is just tragic. I am so glad that you have the love and devotion of your wonderful dog to help carry you through.

I too, as so many here, understand the desire for the pain to end no matter what that looks like. I had frighteningly specific thoughts myself in spite of a deep faith, a loving and supportive husband and a teenager to raise. To contemplate ending it when you have much to live for is a statement about how much pain you are having, not your mental health. I do not believe it is a failure to have those thoughts, but that it is an alarm that things are truly dire and you must become even more aggressive about your care for yourself and for your pain.

Therapy was instrumental in getting me out of very dark place. I could not have done it on my own, no matter how stubborn and generally optimistic I am. it took an exceptional therapist and a lot of EMDR treatment to pull me up. I don't know if you have tried EMDR but it is used most often for trauma and frequently unitized for veteran patients. Though I have not suffered the horrors that you have endured, my injury, numerous operations and severe nerve injury were enough. The EMDR helped me move through the the trauma in a way the conscious brain could not process. My load is much, much lighter these days.

The other thing instrumental for me was a very involved nerve repair surgery of 3.5 hours. I know the place one must be in to contemplate undertaking risk to obtain pain relief. I do still have pain, but not nearly as bad. Although I cannot speak to SCS, I can say that when all else has failed we must sometimes make a real leap of faith to have a comfortable life and I support you no matter what decision you feel is best for you. By all means I would at least pursue the trial and see what it brings.

On a devils advocate note....I saw that you declined a cervical fusion. Obviously I don't know the specifics of your injury and I know the level is very important for outcome. But, I personally know 4 people who have required a fusion of the cervical spine due to pain and motor issues and all have had good outcomes and pain relief. Obviously risks must be carefully weighed and surgery is a very personal decision, but as I can attest to personally, sometimes it is necessary and worthwhile. If the SCS does not bring the relief you so desperately deserve, it may be worth talking with surgery about options. The options are very different than they were even five years ago.

Do please let us know how you are doing and when you are going to have your trial. I am keeping you in my prayers and sending healing love to surround your heart and battered spirit.

:grouphug:

Littlepaw!
 

You light does shine brightly!

Thank you for going into cervical fusion. Among my several levels of fusion, 3 are cervical. That did ultimately help radiating excruciating arm pain due to the cervical injuries.

EMDR - I am doing a lot of that even now, and I agree with your shared thoughts there, too.

May your journey lead to lessened pain for you,
Blessings,
M56 :hug:

Wow.
I have never experienced the level of help and kindness from a forum before and cannot thank you all enough for these awesome words of support my friends! I will start reading all the info you provided me avenues to soon and actually speak about it with my dr.

Today is Sunday and yet again I wake up in severe pain to take meds which have deplenished so low I now start to panic due to the withdrawal soon to follow. Sucks as many of you know! I do realize this SCS is not the Cure All for my issues but if it brings pain to a level I can tolerate it'd be great. Much more reading to do and as stated I have the Coolief RFA to do in 2 weeks. Will keep you all posted my friends and once again........THANK YOU!!!

Gunny,
 

As Dave has mentioned; their are the pros and cons regarding the SCS. I did have a failed trial for the SCS in my lumbar area. My Pain Management doctor wanted me to do another trial. I declined.

As Mark56 mentioned, he had many spinal surgeries prior to the SCS. In this area, because of the SCS, he has managed to have reclaimed much of his life.

A couple of years ago Mark did have cervical fusion surgery because of severe arm pain, etc., which appeared to have helped; but still experienced some pain. I asked him if he was considering an SCS for that area, he said he wasn't. Mark would be better able to fill you in as his need to have fusion surgery rather than an SCS.

As so many have expressed; I extend my gratitude for your service for our country.


Gerry

It is worth a try
 

Gunny, my nephew served with the British, got blown up twice and is in a bad way now with PCS, PTSD. We worry for him, now at only 25 retired out and will never be able to work again.

My hat is off to you and yours for all that you have endured and will continue to do so over time. As English Dave says, hang in there, Glock highway is not well served, coming out of the Navy in the 80's my fiancé took that journey. We all still remember it far too well.

I have a Nevro SCS I have had my ups and downs with it, but, in combination with nerve blocks and SCS I have managed to reduce my meds and return to the workplace after a 2 plus year hiatus. My injuries pale in comparison to what you have experienced, but I thank my pain mgt specialist every day for his perseverance and threading the damn lead in the first instance. Do ask and trial, nothing ventured nothing gained. Follow Mark56 BLaST and keep in contact with us all on here.

All brand units will achieve similar results if tolerated but operate differently, mine has no buzzing sensation as it operates on high frequency so other than a reduction in pain, I have no clue it is on. I like that! :grouphug:

Hi PamelaJune,

Nice to hear you are still ploughing forward, workwise.

Dave.

Since you are so kind and helpful to me I thought Id bring you up to date on me.

Had 12 trigger point injections done Monday afternoon which always seem to help with the pain for awhile. However, due to running out of my pain meds before the refill date, the Dr would not give me anything to take in the interim (Which is actually a horrible thing to do-though he's already done it 3 times for me before) I am suffering here pretty bad w withdrawals, but the neck and head pain has been good for the first in a LONG time!

Coolief Radio Frequency Ablation set in 2 weeks.

So I sit here debating which of these is worse for me (yes I know one is more or less temporary and the other is not) :) So thats where I am right now at this moment my friends. Catch up with you soon and let you know the outcome!

Hey Gunny,

Sorry about the withdrawals, but try to melt into the relief of the reduced neck and head pain as much as you can. You know there is much more to come now that you have started a positive course.

Hope the easing will act as a mood elevator in the long run. You know we are always here when the storm clouds gather.

Dave.

Damn, how is it you all are so great? Lol ;)
I truly cannot thank you all enough, why didn't I find this forum long ago when I was REALLY REALLY bad and admitted myself into the intense PTSD program at Baltimores VA Hospital? You're all the greatest folks a friend can ask for!!

2 AM and I'm still awake, writing a song
If I get it all down on paper, it's no longer inside of me,
Threatening the life it belongs to
And I feel like I'm naked in front of the crowd
Cause these words are my diary, screaming out loud
And I know that you'll use them, however you want to

Just a little song for you folks who are awake at the same awful hour due to pain racking their bodies. (Though is a good song anyway if you know the entire thing n who sings it-lol)

Song at 2
 

Hey kiddo....we do know that up at 2 thing
When it hurts it hurts
If you get the words, lyrics, tune out...that is a good thing.
Just keep on keepin on
It'll work out
Then get
Some rest, the best you can

Got your back,
Us :grouphug:

Hi Mark.
Appreciate the kind words and thoughts.
Only puzzling thing I'd the "Kiddo" thing since I'm A LOT older than you may think my friend, unless youre in your 70s or something? Lol ;)

Kiddo
 

Something I have used to refer to people meaningful to me
No offense meant
I reckon we are not that far apart

Hi Gunner
 

Good to meet you!
Thank you for your service and sacrifice to this wonderful country of ours **meaningful fist bump** :Tip-Hat:

Thanks for posting your background. It's heart wrenching to read, that's for sure. The good that comes out of each of our experiences is the fact that here we are, all together in a place where we can share and understand on a level that many people just don't quite 'get', though our friends and family do the best they can to be supportive. Living with chronic pain and the depression that it can bring is something that is hard to comprehend to others, unless actually having experienced it themselves.

I've been MIA from NT for quite awhile, but it sure is good to see the ol' gang still here being absolutely wonderful (as always) :grouphug:
So much heart and soul comes from this wonderful group. Isn't it amazing?
I remember when I first came here feeling completely alone, scared, drained of hope, and not having a clue what an SCS was. I live in a very rural area where information on these pain issues and medical options is few and far between.

I'm in my 5th year of my lumbar SCS. Love it!
It does a great job of covering over the horrid burning neuropathy/RSD pain in lower extremities. It feels like a cat purring.
As this 'kiddo' :D ages however, I've been dealing with other painful issues, mainly in my lower back (DDD, ruptured disks, bla bla) in which the SCS can't do anything for, so I still take strong pain meds unfortunately.

In reading thru your thread, it's obvious that your pain is not being adequately controlled, thus you run out too early. I wonder if your Dr would consider putting you on pain patches? Have you tried those?
I wish I didn't have to take anything, but for the sake of quality of life, I am grateful for my Fentanyl 50mg patches that I change once every 60 hours.No ups and downs with withdrawals to worry about. Just thought I'd throw that out there....

So, how are you feeling at this point about doing the trial SCS since you've received all this wonderful input? I'd say go for it. It certainly isn't for everybody, but the trial will sure give you an idea. If it's not right for you, such as in Ger's case, she opted to not go thru with the permanent.
**Thank YOU Ger for being such a big part of the backbone which makes up this wonderful forum!** :hug:

I wish you the best Gunner, as you sift thru your options.
You've got a wonderful supporter! Your dog is so sweet!
Please keep your thread alive and keep us posted!

Caring,
Rae

I have had nothing but the worse pain and more meds since my SCS 4 weeks ago...and It aint over...now serious upper stomach stuff goin on,. put me in OR 3X.....Listen My FRIEND....U could take a shot...I did....Maybe it will be better...maybe it won't. If yer a gambler..ok...if not...keep the drugs handy. Wish I Did. God Bless U.....Thanks for Protecting OUR COUNTRY!!!!!!!!!
NY Nicky

worked in the trial....
 

worked in the trial....and THEN the real deal....didn't work....ouch!

Hi Nick
 

So sorry to know it did yet work for you! You are living the very reason I lay awake the night before my stim implant.....because it MIGHT not have worked for me.... That was my fear. At least in my situation fear did not become reality.

Has your doc suggested you just dial down your stim to a very low setting....or turn it off altogether? I was just wondering whether they are trying to eliminate triggers for your additional pain.

Hoping things resolve for you.
M56

Hang in there
 

My first 3 months was a real let down to and I'm so sorry you have other issues now kicking in. Don't give up on the SCS just yet, mine really only became noticeably effective in December 2014. Some 12 months after I had it fitted. I have read that paddle leads are worse than percutaneous leads as they scrape out some of the lamina to put the chip in and the lamina pain hurts for months on end. My laminectomy in 1977 still caused pain some years well into the 80's, but I was younger then and more stubborn and refused to give in to my new companion (pain). Hope you can get some relief soon :hug:

Hi there
 

Welcome back mam, we missed you. I confess I have been absent a lot as well, being back and working is good, but it is painful and tiring some days and I fail to log in and touch base with my wonderful NT friends. :hug::hug:

Pamela
 

Yeah, I do remember as well that with the SCS implant it was the laminectomy which took quite a while to resolve. No problem anymore, though!

How about the RRae, huh? Yep she bounces back just full of vim and vigor as though never missing a beat? Pretty cool!

M56 :hug:

Hey Gunny ! I'm Debi...nice to meet you :)
 

From Rrae's post:

"In reading thru your thread, it's obvious that your pain is not being adequately controlled, thus you run out too early. I wonder if your Dr would consider putting you on pain patches? Have you tried those? I wish I didn't have to take anything, but for the sake of quality of life, I am grateful for my Fentanyl 50mg patches that I change once every 60 hours.No ups and downs with withdrawals to worry about. Just thought I'd throw that out there...."


Thank you for your service to our country......I'm an Air Force brat and my dad served 2 tours in Vietnam. He wasn't physically wounded but the mental wounds never left him. God Bless Him and you.

I wanted to comment on Rrae's pain patch shout out.

I'm on BuTrans patch 20 mcg/hr plus Percocet 10-325 three times a day. It started out for breakthrough pain but I have to take them everyday so it's actually part of my treatment plan. This patch didn't change my life but it does help tone down the pain. I know this because I went without one for 5 days at the beginning of the year and was in horrible pain. At least that showed me they worked...lol

I have small fiber neuropathy that affects my feet, legs, hand and arms. Sometimes my jaw and teeth :)
My skin punch biopsy in Sept 2013 showed no A or C fibers left in my feet.

Due to those results my pain mgmt. dr wants me to try an SCS. He was honest with me and said I might get only 50% relief in my legs and feet but he feels this is my best option for a better quality of life. Being home 99% of the time is NO life whatsoever.

I've put off doing the trial due to fear of having something implanted in me :) Just kinds freaks me out but I may try the trial after the 1st of next year.

My husband had major surgery on May 20th (cervical schwannoma tumor removed, they operated neck, front and back. 10 hour surgery) and he's having a very hard time recovering. I won't even be able to consider a SCS trial until he is back on his feet and able to help me.

Sorry the post is so long but I haven't written on here in a while. Been reading all the posts though so I wasn't gone :)

The BuTrans patch is only changed once a week which is very convenient for me.

Take are and please keep us posted.

This is a very special place that I found in 2013 and so very glad that I did. These people are amazing and always ready to help in any situation.

Debi from Georgia

PLEASE don't think I am not out here reading these from time to time my friends!
Matter of fact I received an OUTSTANDING Private Msg from a member here who truly opened my eyes to SCS and all. I check in when i can but i admit it should be more, because you folks are super and I appreciate every one of ya. KEEP EM COMING and much appreciated folks!

Gunny ;)

hello Gunny

my name is Eva
i have been following your story
hats off to you and ALL divisions of
what makes our military defense as a whole
to say thank you for you made it back
many that perished in fighting for our continued
FREEDOM
to have men and women take on the role
to protect me my family and the rest of us
who many forget
we
this country a melting pot
of every nation living as one
you have come back maimed
i am so grateful for the sacrifice

you have stepped into a world of
so much knowledge on the SCS
and been Graced by this community
what better way to informed yourself of
the device but with persons who share their
experience strength and hope with the SCS

your furry companion is what has
a hold on me
a animal lover myself
to have your furry love must
without no doubt has been the
most comforting being in this
moment in your life
a beautiful animal
to understand their owner their pal

i won't speak of myself
just know i understand
i am not a recipient of the SCS
i was just to scared of another surgery

the amount of knowledge is endless
and what may not work for one
might work for another

don't stop sharing
your experience strength and hope
is very much needed

Graced we are when we encounter neurotalk
bless we are to know you
be safe
and give some sugar love to your furry partner
may your walk in life be magical
you and many others like yourself
deserve it
love
me

Hello everyone!
As I just explained to another great and knowledgeable member here who was kind enough to share some deep info on many issues via PM- that iI've been off the radar alot lately and not even signed on to this site nor many other forums I live on for both my Ducati and Dodge diesel. So sorry I haven't responded to anything here at all friends!

I've been fighting off demons of depression, PTSD, suicidal thoughts and all sorts of crap for a few weeks. I go for my Coolief RFA next Friday and hope it does what it's supposed to do w burning the nerves in a larger area this time as explained in the link to the procedure I posted in an earlier reply (I think I did but too lazy to even look back at all my posts) guess you could say I'm in another deep rut and have a bit of trouble shaking this one off. ;)

So please don't let me absence and lack of replies mean anything adverse to you all, because I SERIOUSLY appreciate everything you write and pass onto me here my friends! It means more than you'll ever know and I absolutely love seeing a new reply or PM notice when I open the site up ! I am out here and will try better to keep up my end by keeping up w my responses to you kind folks! Not to sound too corny with this - but I love you all for the things you say and help you provide! :)

Gunny out.......

Pm. I'm gonna put up a thread on this for all the Vets in this forum but figured I'd mention to you all since you're my closest family within. It's an organization that solicits all Vets or even active / reserve military troops to become part of the crew which handles all the work on race bikes and cars during any competition events. I met the founder last year at a pro bike race in Jersey and he showed me around to all the Vets who were helping race tears work on the bikes. It's a pretty cool idea to involve Vets in something they enjoy doing and being part of a team that keeps these Pros going! Check out the site if you wish and if you can think of anyone who'd be interested at all feel free to have them contact me. ;)

http://www.vetmotorsports.org/

Hey Gunny,

Don't let those Demons drag you down - you know we will always be here to support and try to lift you whenever you need. Work to your own timetable, but please do not isolate yourself.

Looking forward to hearing positive results from your upcoming treatments.

Thinking of you.

Dave.

If you all keep up these nice comments and support I just may Crack a smile, which I haven't done in years! :)

Hey Gunny,
 

Thanks, You have me smiling :) and it's just about midnight here.



Gerry

Hey Gunny,

G'wan, crack a little one for us all:

http://neurotalk.psychcentral.com/thread223892.html

Dave.

Hey Gunny,

You gotta read the joke. I read it a few minutes ago and I'm still smiling! I hope you are doing alright today. :hug:

Dave - special thanks on that one. It was a great endnote to an already fabulous day.

Hello Everyone!
Just thought I'd once again say THANK YOU and that I just posted a new thread related to the procedure I am about to get first thing tomorrow am! Didnt want to put it in here, though i mentioned it a few times, so that others can find it if doing a search on "COOLIEF" Radio Frequency Ablation for possible treatments.

http://neurotalk.psychcentral.com/sh...d.php?t=224207

Next up after this will be something for BOTH pain and symptoms of PTSD & Depression. Its called a Stellate Ganglion Block which Ive read to be of great help to those with these issues as well.

http://www.cedars-sinai.edu/Patients...on-Blocks.aspx

http://www.foxnews.com/health/2012/0...d-in-veterans/

So, until then my friends. I will try my best to keep my spirits up and all. I will admit that I think of my own demise every single day, though not with a plan or serious thought- just thinking about it overall. :) (Perhaps I shouldn't be saying this here?)

Thrilled
 

Oh so happy for you
There is hope
Do do your homework
Your wanted wherever you post
Hug your partner for me
Having your dog knowing the
comfort you get
I need to find a friend
I am just not ready to replace
my dog that still lives
He lives with my eldest
Helps alert when she is in seizure
mode
You be well
Stay strong
Love
Me

Well, I got thru the 3 hour procedure and am now home in AGONY !
Made it all the way to the OR before the Doc observed they prepared him the wrong Coolief "kit" that has all the proper equipment in it - all the correct needles and hardware. The one they had ready was for a lumbar procedure and couldn't be used on a neck.

My Doc was furious since it wasn't replaced by the people tasked with ensuring new ones were ordered immediately after being used. Murphy 's Law showed up and they didn't have a replacement in the hospital. Because of this the Dr himself pulled some serious strings by calling Walter Reed and borrowing one from his old crew there. He literally jumped in his Porsche and raced over there to pick it up and get right back to me! Talk about personal concern and service!

Don't recall much of it due to some heavy anesthesia which still lingers now so I better sign off before I start making some uncool comments here! ;)

Hey Gunny,

That is dedication on your behalf. What a great Dr.

You have gotten through the worst of it, now is the time to stay calm, relax and patiently wait for the effects to kick in for your benefit.

We are all here for you.

Dave.

Your Doc
 

Is great! Talk about dedication to your needs!

Be well,
M56

Fingers crossed
 

Gunny, got my toes n fingers crossed and saying a small prayer for you. Really I am hoping this Coolief RFA has worked and you can get some much needed relief.

Dear Gunny,

I want to thank you for your service and hope there will be a resolution to your pain issue soon. :hug:

Gunny,
 

So sorry you had to be put thru all that extra anxiety; but you seemed to really do your best to hang in there. Your doc is "unbelievable". I would think knowing how much he cared really helped.

Hope the "agony" is only temporary and you are now getting good relief from your procedure. When you feel up to it; let us know how you are coming along.
Because we care....


Gerry