Please Help Me---Assistance - Advice - Anything
 

I am beyond miserable.

Tuesday started my SCS Trial. Dr.'s orders to take it easy Tuesday & Wednesday. The first 48 hours were fantastic! My pain level was reduced to a 4! Very rare does my pain go below a five.

Thursday morning it went downhill and it hasn't stopped. The hip, bumm and calf muscles feel as though they are ripping off the bones. Sleep is trying to find comfort or relief, so the remote is getting a workout! I am on restrictions so i haven't done anything to have jacked it up like this.

It brought me to tears on Thursday. Decided to call my Rep. from Boston Scientific. Hopefully, he would have a suggestion or better yet be able to program a tweek. No such luck.

He said since my pain level was a 4 the first two days proves the stim is helping. Numerous times I told him, yes the first two days were great. Being on restrictions, taking my medications and hardly doing anything played a major roll in keeping the pain tolerable.

He asked what my current pain level was. I said 7/8. He asked i turn off the stim, while we talked. A few minutes later, he asked for my pain level. My answer was 7. He responds, "see it is working. You were just a 7/8, now your just a 7.”

Wow....I didn't know we split numbers so closely! The 7 vs 7/8 certainly had no difference on the intense pain I was feeling.

Then he said, "even with a stim, you will have good days and bad ones."

Have I totally misjudged this unit and what its to do? I can't think straight. I'm overwhelmed. I hurt.

Any advice to set me straight? Have I totally lost it?

Nan you haven't lost it, truly! It is a common story amongst all us scs users even though we have different brands and models! Mine is a Nevro and while operating there is no buzzing sensation anywhere so the only indicator it's working is the "overall" reduction in pain, I say overall because there are days I go to check and see if it's actually on as my pain has gone like yours from a 4 to an 8 overnight!

Splitting hairs, yes we are familiar with reps enthusiasm and oblivion to our situation, my only answer is sadly they are ultimately sales people! Nevro have recently gone through a change in their approach to staffing and the new reps all now come from the medical field rather than pushy sales people!!

Anyway my rep with a background in muscular and skeletal explained when we are in pain we hold our whole body differently and walk and move differently, when our pain is lessened the body muscle mass relaxes and the muscles you have not been using while in pain begin to be used again, you are not aware of it because unless weight lifting and consciously selecting what muscle group to use your body chooses the muscle group. its possible this has happened to you, OR the lead connectivity you had has moved as mine did in trial, I was moving differently and my pain was lessened so less conscious of my movements and managed to catch the external pack on everything and it actually came loose (not the leads inside you the lead that connects to the unit outside your body).

I wish you well, call your rep back and ask him if it's possible the lead externally may have disconnected to the unit somehow. Don't let him positive talk and sales glib you into acceptance, challenge him, he is the one you will have if you go ahead with a permanent unit so it's really important you have a rapport and feel comfortable with him. Reps make a huge huge difference. Read Mark56 story he has a Boston :hug:

you my dear
hit the nail on the head
if i may
please keep a log
i implore you
any conversation interaction persons
reps doctors anyone in the medical
point
you must be your own advocate
use your inner strength
if you have an advocate who goes thought this with you
is of such importance
keeping a log
asking who it is you are speaking with
names very important
and use their name
may God give you inner strength to take on
persons of such rude inappropriate idiotic remarks
such as that rep. oh heck no
i'm with you in spirit all the way
kick butt
me

Nanaz,

I had mentioned previously I had a failed trial.

My rep, immediately following the trial procedure while still in the hospital, did some reprograming. I was so worn out from laying on the table for the trial with the rep. and my PM doctor asking is this better; then that; etc., I could hardly deal with the pain. Was glad when we were through and was off the operating table. After several attempts, it appeared he had reprogramed something that seemed would be okay. I went home from the hospital. The next day I was really having some issues;

Like you, i called my rep. It was the weekend so he said he would meet me at the Pain Management doctor's office on Monday. We met there the upcoming Monday. He tried many different programs; nothing worked. He left the room; then my doctor comes in and says we are going to stop the trial and remove everything. My trial was over. My REP NEVER even came back to say "good bye". He was not getting a sale.

Prior to doing the trial, we were best buddies having a lot in common. We were two happy campers; then the "boom" was lowered. NO SALE!! No Good Bye.

Several weeks later my doctor suggested another trial; I declined. Not sure how much of a medical background the rep has to make decisions like being in an operating room; especially when the permanent implant is being done and making the final decision in some cases when there is a lot of scar tissue from other surgeries; and maybe only one possible lead to be put in.

There have been times noted when the rep makes the final decision with the Neurosurgeon telling the rep of the ability to only implant one lead; and the rep. says to go ahead and do the implant anyway. This is already starting out with some strikes agains success of the implant.

I can only tell you of my experience and decision not to go ahead with another trial since I already knew I didn't want to deal with the recovery of the implant; leads to spinal cord area, as well as a pocket incision to put battery in, but also the way the rep left that day in the doctor's office when he was unable to reprogram worried me a rep might not be there when I needed him/her. I'm sure there are some very reliable reps; but I wasn't going to take any chances. For me another trial was not an option. I had only done the original trial because my Pain Management Doctor mentioned a number of times about doing a trial so I decided to finally get it done.

Yes, I am on pain medication, most likely for life. My PM had warned me there was a good chance even with an SCS I would still require meds; just not as much.

I sincerely wish you the best whatever decision you make.


Gerry

Thank you all for reaching out to me. You have no idea how much I appreciate your words, ideas and sharing your stories helps me along this journey.

There's a note for PamelaJune, Rrae, Eva, and Gerry at the end of this post.

After posting here, I had me a good cry. It was either that or end this pain permanently (which is not an option/but I certainly understand what makes it one for others). Gathered my notebook, made it up to date with everything I've been told about Stim, right thru to today. Then I went thru my 5options for Stim. I played with each one jotting notes on each then naming them. Think I have that part down. The leaning curve hahaha none of them are even close to aiding my back. The pain originates there. The more movement the more pain I experience. Even basic personal tasks like cooking, showering; then household stuff can crank this baby to point I'm angry with myself on why I don't ask my dr,. For a wheelchair. Such a confusing mess.

Sent my Rep a text (so I had it in writing) and told him I'm quite sure the lead has moved. It is doing so/so on my legs but its throwing both my calves into fits. I can hardly stand or walk that's how bad they are. Perhaps I'm having spasms during the Stim/perhaps its the stim in general and this is what others feel.

He asked if I could go to PM tomorrow for a "tweek" and see if he can get better coverage. The unit gets removed Tuesday. I agreed on tomorrow just so I know I can say I have tried everything.

Did you have any strange things going on with your body during stim? My hands and feet are swollen. I never ever deal with this. Got it Tuesday and I am unable to sleep. I don't even get sleepy. Tuesday I figured it was all the pain/emotions from procedure. But I'm still unable to!

I see him tomorrow at 9:30. Will let you know what happens. Thank you so very much for responding to me. I have more info to take tomorrow thanks to you!



Gerry: I too have been told I will probably still need pain meds. Right now I'm truly asking what the point of all this is! Do you get good pain control in that your still able to move about without the pain returning until around the next dose? What I'm on gives me relief for my basic tasks. Throw a short 30 minute shopping trip and I'm screwed til the next dose. Mine are 12 hours apart. I sure don't blame you for not wanting to do this again.

Eva - thank you for being with me in spirit! I am taking notes but you gave me even more to add, and so I've done just that. Thank you. Its hard to think when coping with intense pain.

Rrae - thank you for responding to me during my meltdown phase. I was going down fast. You and PamelaJune gave me enough to tighten my grip and keep holding on. I've been trying stem now and then. I guess I think magically its going to arrange itself where it needs to be I keep on trying. It has my calves hurting quite bad. You've given me hope to keep on with this. Those first two pain free days are still on my mind!

PamelaJune - thank you for responding to my post. You and Rrae gave me hope to cling to. I was at the end of my witts with this entire process. The things you said about pain and the body moving made so much sense! This has been the worst procedure I've ever gone through. People like you reaching out have made it much easier to bare.

Nanaz,

During my failed trial I experience terrible groin pain as well as the pain going to my knees; nothing reached my spine nor my ankles/feet which are my most painful with peripheral neuropathy.

I am prescribed two 60mg's Oxycontins =120mgs every 12 hrs. totaling 240 per day. The insurance will only pay for twice a day so my prescription reads take two 60mg's every 12 hrs. But; I am actually taking one 60 mg's every 6 hrs., along with Oxycodone (Percocet) for break thru pain up to a max of 4 a day (7.5mgs./325) I take about 3 to 3 1/2 a day. Once in a while may take a fourth. I have been on this dose for a few years now. It is enough to keep help me get thru each day. I don't want to go higher.

My PM has offered to raise amount if needed; But I tell him I would rather stay on the dose I am currently on. He feels I am a success story because the dose appears to be at a level that covers my pain enough to make life manageable with same does for years. I had originally done the injections, etc. then eventually the trial; but all along this amount of meds were somewhere in the picture giving me relief. I still have 24/7 pain. I can often go from 4 to 8 on a real bad day. Of course, the more I try to do things and sometimes don't have the sense to stop; Then like most of us, we pay for it. That has been times I have had a higher # but not all that often.

I use a cane when I go out for balance; but also because if someone sees you with a cane they will be more careful around you. I fell once when someone moved a chair into me and could not get up on my own. Needed someone under each arm to lift me; Therefore; the cane is my comfort when going out.

Reading other posts thru the years seems to often reveal there are trade-offs with the SCS including spasms; but many feel it is worth it. But I have also read some encouragements; then hear the same person hopes to be able to have their SCS removed. (By the way, removal is quite unusual once the lead gets screed in it is difficult to remove this type of surgery. Many mixed stores; plus and minus. Many insurance companies require psychological testing because there is much to deal with; battery charging, along with certain limitations; also some have expectations that are very high and are open to disappointment. This just often a preliminary testing.

Once again, in my case, later I had some surgeries which had I had the implant done would not have worked out very well. Also it is a good idea to really have the best idea for your situation where you want you battery placed. I know I have quite a bit of lower spine pain so the thought of a battery pocket in my butt does not sound to good for someone like me. You are wise to get all the info you can get. Again, what the expectations are has a lot to do with whether you are satisfied or not.


Praying you will make the decision that is the right one for you.

Gerry

Gerry, NanaZ,
The beauty of this Forum - apart from the connection with people suffering similar problems - is learning of the treatments and drugs available elsewhere in the World which I do not have access to at present.
However, in this case, I am saddened by the trauma and pain caused by your failed SCS trials. It seems that their use is governed by a sales-driven market rather than a results/relief driven one.
Gerry's experience especially has opened my eyes as we have some similarity of areas of damage, and I know now that - should SCS become available over here - I would be an unsuitable candidate for many reasons.
I trust your Pain Consultants find a balanced regimen of meds that give you some quality of life back.

Dave.

Blessings to each of you for your wonderful words, your straight up truths of your experiences!

Today was a grand 're-progamming' with a different rep. I met him during the scs education meeting, months ago.

Hubby asked a lot of questions. His responses were NOT based on sales. Not once did he lean an answer in that direction. Rather, he was very informative, and it just felt like his heart was in it...if that makes sense. On the way home, I asked Richard (my hubby) what he thought. He said this rep had good eye contact when speaking with us and Richard got the feeling he didn't seem to have anything to 'hide' so to speak. There's just something off about the other one. But they all work as a team so I may or may not have either of them again. It all depends on their schedule and which hospital the other is at.

After tomorrow, I see the PM Dr to go over my results. If its a move forward decision, I will be scheduled a consult with a neurosurgeon then be given a date for the surgery. It will be 2-4 weeks til I see the neurosurgeon and another 2-4 weeks after this appt. when a date will be scheduled. So I have plenty of time to research. Which is something I need to do.

In honesty, I found this forum during a search. This forum name and part of Mark56's post was in that search. I read over half his story in one night and finished the next day. So that is how I found my way here!

Yes, they gave us an Educational class on the SCS. If it weren't for reading here before my trial, I would have been sunk in the mud for sure this past week!

So, I got reprogrammed today, plus one setting added just for my back. I found out the lead floats in this space and is only held in place by one stitch. Of course, its going to move in this space and it actually moves downward. So he reset the leads and I had a full afternoon of being pain free. I was active from 3 til 9 as my grandson is sleeping over. I managed until 8 before my pain increased enough that I knew I had to sit. So I listened to my body, turned up the stem and took my first dose of medication today. I can either stim my back or legs. So doing one the other was throbbing. Meds and stim shut them both down!

I also learned nerves to the leg (from the spine) are way bigger than nerves for the back; therefore, its easier to get stim on the legs. The back nerves take a bit more tweeking due to their smaller size.

Basically, out of 7 days I had 3 good and 4 miserable. My calf pain was gone by lunchtime. It was due to most all the stim being at the lower end of the lead. I don't ever want to go through another day of any of these 4 miserable ones with this stim. This pain is enough then add that on.....well, I was closest I've ever been to the edge.

I get this removed tomorrow at 10a.m., then home for a much needed shower!!!!

Have our grandson tomorrow night. By Wednesday I will be back to learn all I can. Please know, I appreciate your honesty. I'm not afraid of the good, bad and ugly! If there's anymore advice or thoughts, or other places i might learn, please share.

Thank you for allowing me to lean on you this past week and for holding me up. Some may say.....'its just words'......that's OK....to me your words were my everything.

Nanaz,

I think you are very wise to take the route you are on. You sincerely want to know good/bad/plus and minus', not just what you want to hear.

Also, your experience of the bad days was a good eye opener, knowing there might be possibly some days that the stim is not doing as good as it may have done the day before. You seem to be aware there might not be positive only days, but the chance of days with pain. Having meds as a stand-by/break thru is good just in case there may be those days when they may be needed.

I feel you accomplished the expectations test and are doing "great" accepting expectations realistically.

A good rep will not only want a sale; but care enough whether a patient has issues that would NOT make them a good candidate which instead would give them a life of added pain. That is cruel and heartless. I originally thought I had that kind of rep; but was wrong. The same is true with a surgeon being up front with a patient giving them the plus; as well as the minus' and what their chances are for successful surgery.

You have and are still doing your homework. Keep up the good work.

Please keep us informed as to how and what is being done, as well as outcome.

Wishing you all the best.


Gerry

NanaZ,
So pleased today you found a Rep with your interests at heart and have had a good day. I could tell by the tone of your writing how much this day has meant to you - and reading of another member's relief brings us comfort too.
Whatever the future brings for you I hope you keep us informed.

Dave.

Dear Nanaz
 

I am SO VERY GLAD you found your way here and so many reached out in a big way to help and hug.

You have learned much in the short time of your trial. Yes, the rep can be and seem compassionate as you are going into the process. Yes, the trial is "oh so tenuous" because a single stitch holds the lead sort of in place. Yes, relief can come in bucketsfull while the risk of an opposite result is peeking just around the corner.....

I have a Boston Sci, and have used it faithfully since 2010. It has been, well, truly, a lifesaver. Pain diminished to manageability in that lumbar/leg region treated by the stim. I cried when, during trial, it seemed pain was "washed away." Then I cried again after the trial was removed. It was good it was removed, because I had developed an infection from the insertion point of the leads into my spine.

Gotta tell you, though, even with my rep "forgetting who the heck I am" after cinching the sale and seeing to the install and program [I programmed myself], I am very happy with my stim. Is it perfect? No. But my happiness is secure. I would do this again......in a heartbeat.

REALLY funny thing..... I applied back then to be one of the patient helpers for Boston Sci....and you know what???? The silence was deafening.

So, this report from a user is both positive and not so much. The company, I could do without. My rep is a nowhere person, whom I never heard from again even having placed a call to touch base. The product.....I am truly blessed to have it.

Thus.... would you expect to have a heartwarming relationship with your car salesperson after concluding a purchase? Probably not. If the car performed well and was not a lemon would that be the most important factor? It is to me.

I'll gladly help or answer questions if you wish from a Boston Sci perspective. Oh, and I have written quite a bit on this path....it is noted in the stickies where links to the threads are found easily.

It is a journey, and not an easy one, but the benefits can be well worth the while. After all, I am back to practicing in my profession, and this is something I feared would never happen again. It can be a good life and the blessings can be there for the grasping.

Yup,
M56 :hug:

Mark,

You have been very fortunate to have had the ability to be able to do the programing yourself. It appears that most depend on the their rep to program/reprogram the stim especially the first few months after the implant. I believe in the past year or so you have had surgery/fusion for the upper portion of your body and have had considerable pain. Do have any thoughts of having an SCS as some have had a second SCS put in for just that purpose?

I am a bit surprised you are describing a car salesperson in the same context as an SCS rep who not only does the sales but in most cases does the programing and reprograming so many count on; especially since most doctors do not do the programing. A car salesperson is just that. Handles the sales; does not and is not expected to do any technical work or reprograming to your car.
To my mind; there is no comparison. In almost all cases, the SCS rep is much needed before, during and after implant of SCS surgery.

Wishing you and yours a wonderful New Year.


Gerry

Hi Gerry.... and Car Sales
 

I understand well the reality and need for a good dialogue with the rep. Yup.

Thing of it is, in my case, I have bought cars before which required programming of special features.... the sales rep was oh so happy to help until I drove away from the lot, yet afterward, that next sale was really compelling to them.

Similarly, my rep was helpful and communicative through the trial.....before leaving the figurative "lot." They were part of the surgery team for the implant. They were very kind in allowing me to program the unit myself. I had politely urged that I actually feel the body from inside out, whereas they only hear verbal responses to posed questions. Once that program session was over, I never had a return of another phone call with a question. To this day, they are a Boston Sci rep...... busy, I might add, working with my surgeon [he confirmed that at my six month review after cervical fusion last January]. Methinks he is a busy guy.

Another stim for my cervical stuff and arms? I dunno. I am kinda tired of surgery, having endured 36 in my time after the wreck 10 years ago. If I do something like that, it will be forced by a pain profile I cannot bear "once again." I pray to God I don't have to go there again.

Hugz to all,
M56 :grouphug:

Mark,
It would appear you were "oh so fortunate" to have the ability to do the programing yourself. But you were/are always on top of things. The best at what you do. I rest my case.:winky:


Gerry

Oh So Fortunate
 

Yup, if I had not been allowed to touch the precious programming keys, my outcome could have been just like so many others who have to go back and back for tweaking sessions.

Huh,
M56:eek:

I learn so much for possible future situations from these open discussions.
Thank you both,

Dave.

Nanaz, You'll be ok.
 

I didn't have the best experience either when I had my trial but it was more relief than I had, had in a long time so I decided to go with it. Since drugs aren't an option for me. Not that I'm allergic, but it's just personal choice.

Same as you, two days in, I'm feeling awesome. told me that I would have the trial in for 5 days. Well it lasted for about two and a half.

Now like you I felt good so I wanted to go out and go things. So I went to the Zoo. (I would like to say that this is totally a true story and I hope that it cheers you up, at the time it wasn't so funny, but I can laugh at it now.)

I'm walking around the zoo with some friends and we're all having a good time, now this was in the summer time in florida so of course it's a bit hot, and I'm a big dude so I'm sweating a lot. not noticing that my tape is coming off and my lead is falling out. I just walk around the corner to see the manatees and it comes completely out, shocking the hell outta my legs almost making me fall. I immediately turn it off from the little button on the side.

Playing around with the remote I see if I can just change to another program and see if it works out. To get a clear understanding of my surroundings. I'm standing right in front of the manatee tank and there are children everywhere. As soon as I turn on another program it feels like a **stepped up behind and took a taser to my**. Screaming in pain and holding myself I manage to it off. then shouting profanity and punching the glass of the manatee tank making all the children run away in terror and also making the manatees swim away from me.

Now, all of this happened to me and I still went ahead with the surgery. I also got the paddle style instead of the lead. Because the paddle would fit better for me since I'm 6'7", Apparently it was a surprise that I have more torque when I turn my body than that of regular sized people, go figure huh?

I also have a Boston Scientific, Spectra to be more specific and it works great for me. I was even back to work earlier than i had originally planned. about two weeks. give or take a day or two.

Now That IS.....
 

WAY COOL, just Way Cool indeed!
Good post and sharing Luthier!
Thanks,
M56:)

SOmething I don't understand here. The Nevro Implant outputs at 10K Hz. (That's 10,000 vibrations per second) Amplitide does not increase with frequency, which is why the Nevro Implant Operates at this frequency. The only control you have are 3 level of amplitude, and within those levels, 6 minor adjustments of the amplitude (more milli-amps) in incremental steps. Each step can greatly alter you reaction, take it slowly. I have had my implant in for a year. The inside arch of my feet were beginning to atrophy, and itched so bad, I scratched them with implement s till they bled. The Nevro implant has removed that sensation. I can now walk far better and the atrophy/neurapathy, has reversed. I do not allow them to program the "On/Off" duty cycles. My pain is constant, and this type of cycling caused too much pain. My implant is set at the factory standard, I usually run it on the second to the lowest setting. At times, for a day or two, I run it at the highest setting when my legs are "on fire".

It's may be different for different conditions, but I do believe there is a common ground. I wish Nevro would release to it's patients empirical studies so we could find ourselves, compare, and use our minds and stop fumbling, and use this data to our advantage. People in pain seem to be more involved in their care, and are seekers of knowledge. We need this information. IMHO. :)

Aus have had the use of Nevro for longer than the US, FDA took longer to approve it, not sure why. I've had my Nevro since Dec 2013, I've had a number of ups and downs along the way with it. The Aus reps I'm told assisted with the training of the US reps. All our Aus reps have had previous working life exp in nursing / medical / physiology and I've found them to be marvellous. My rep contacts me every 6 months, yep even after all this time.

Recently in July I was admitted to emergency early morning for severe pain, complete inability to walk. I accidentally left my Remote at home, panicking I texted my rep asked if she or any of the others were in the vicinity of where I was could someone come in and turn it off as they wanted to do a CT scan. As it turned out she was across the other side of the city & in peak hour, she jumped in her car, came straight to emergency, explained at reception who she was & was bought through immediately. My husband was blown away when she pulled out her laptop, logged on, verified all that had happened on my stim in the last 24 hrs, its charge level & when I last charged etc and then she turned it off. She proceeded to sit and talk with us both for another 20 minutes or so to see if there would be benefits to her returning & retweaking my program once I'd had the CT. They were giving me morphine to control the pain & of course once the stim turned off the pain went from what I was saying 10/10 to 20/10. We determined the stim was doing what it could in the level it was set at & this pain a complete new issue. Since then I've had to have major spine surgery again - a Retroperitoneal Anterior Lumbar Interbody Fusion, I've been in hospital now for 3 weeks. My rep has kept in contact with me the entire time, her commitment to her job (& her colleagues) is so very unlike reps I hear of from other brands & yes, I do liken them to car sales reps or insurance sales reps. Deal done see ya... I think my rep deserves employee of the year!! I've texted & spoken to her direct line Manager.

John over the years I've trialled each amplitude, program etc & I've found the lower the setting, the better coverage. Mine is set now for fixed upper back coverage if in P3 but I can play with P 1, 2 & 3 levels 1 thru 7 as I desire. I can change from fixed upper by dropping it back to P2. I have for the last 8 months kept it on amp 2, P1 level 6 or 7 & for my thoracic pain it has kept it well under control. My Lumbar is stuffed now with this new surgery & will likely require new programming. I might go for fixed Lumbar & option to change thoracic. Not sure why both can't be programmed to be fixed, suspect it has to do with number of leads & points. I have 2 leads 16 points. But, I'm not a tech person so I could be talking out of my butt!

Wow! That response was so informative, I will be copying and pasting it to a text to further study. I am an Electronic Technician. I fix electronics to component level. The Nevro operates a Sinusoidal alternative frequency waveform at 10K Hertz, 1/Time = 1/Hertz. So that's 10,000 pulses per second. Freqyenct does not increase the strength, the adjustment we have is increasing or lowering the Amplitude. What really interested me about you post is the Thoracic part. I have two inoperable blown Thoracic disc. I get hospitalized when they give me trouble breathing. For my feet, I an on P1, Level 2. That keeps them in check. I will have to try your Thoracic settings just to see. Can you please tell me how much time you have found for this device to make a difference? I know that may be different for everyone, but we are all human, so the difference may not be as great.

I have four Lumbar InteBody cages, with scar tissue wrapped around my Lumbar Spine. The pain will eventually make it almost impossible to walk. I will go as long as I can, "Go not gentle into that good night", right!

Sometimes, I will run it all out, the Highest setting, for around 8 hours. This does tire me but seems to "Zero" out the Implants activity, and the lower settings then again work beter. I have found that 96% of the time, less is mre with this device.. I look forward to conversing with you again. The FDA in America is full of Political Action Committees (PACs) and our government is for the most part, corrupt. The American with Disabilities at is now used as toilet paper.
I love my country, a few consider we disabled to be a drain. I was hurt making weapons of war for the U.S.. Maybe that is why I suffer so, maybe not, maybe it has nothing to do with it. I don't know. I may sound bitter, but I am not. It's just that somehow an Orangutan has been elected president. I would have preferred a Chimp, or Squirrel Monkey, or Kermit, the Frog. ;)