Starting a new thread.

Leads came out okay. So far, pain is manageable...haven't had to hit the pain meds. yet. I was embarased because I started crying when the nurse came in to take them out. She said "it really helped that much, huh?" I could hardly answer her, so I just nodded. They'll be doing the insurance shuffle and will let me know when the surgery date is set. The trick will be getting enough surgery time at the hospital as it will take longer than usual since I'm getting both a lumbar and cervical stimulator put in. I'll have to figure out some way of distinguishing between remotes as I'll have two of them to deal with once it's all said and done. The nurse said that I wouldn't be allowed to start PT for 4-6 months post surgery. I asked her if I needed to use their PT person or if any PT person would do and she said it has to be someone familiar with working with SCS and know how to help a person SLOWLY regain the strength they've probably lost over the years. So, at least it sounds like I'm in with a good dr. and PT dept.

So glad to hear you have a surgery date, Mark Hopefully I'll get a date set in a couple of weeks and we can do our countdown together.

Good luck with everything. I would cry if my leads were removed from me too! BTW, I have both a lumbar and cervical stimulator and my way of distinguishing the two is by getting a sticker label and writing LUMBAR and CERVICAL and sticking them onto your transponder

Hi Fiona-

I so felt for you reading regarding the removal of your test leads. The experience is traumatizing in the recognition pain is back. I understand so well and the memory is so fresh. May your DATE come soon and we can countdown together!!

Prayers of comfort for you,
Mark56

Fionab
You know you've got your 'gang' here to help you get thru the waiting....!
We'll share every tear with you and do our best to make you laugh...
You've been such an important part of this support group, we are like family!

I'm tickled pink to see Vannafeelbettr is back on board!!
She had such a wonderful way of helping me thru the trial as I went thru my gammet of emotions.....

She's been a huge inspiration to me (and many others!) and no doubt will talk you thru this, as she has both lumbar and cervical SCS as well.

The caring just never lets up around here!!
It's a 24/7 thing!

Be Strong, my friend....
Rae

Well, made it 5 hrs. before had to break down and resume pain meds. Stopped at grocery store on way home and bought a jar of prunes...I bought some other groceries so I could hide the jar of prunes in amongst them. That's one of the main complaints I have about narcotics - the dang constipation that goes along with it. Anyone have any ideas on dealing with constipation...lovely topic, I know

Vanna...any post surgery tips for those of us who get to have two?

Thanks

Hi Fiona-

During childhood I learned a rhyme that went Beans, Beans, the amazing fruit, the more you eat the more you toot..... Despite its seeming distasteful subject matter, constipation is reality for patients prescribed opiates. It is just guaranteed to occur. I have it. It feels awful. It is a constant struggle. Pain borne inactivity, to the extent we succumb, combined with opiates will plug definitely. Then I discovered the true amazing fruit.... prunes.

Now, I did not want another pill or medicinal remedy this time, because I have had enough of those, so I resorted to dried fruit, prunes and apricots. I eat much of them and they usually work, keeping the Mark plumbing functioning. Right now is not one of those times, and it feels yucky ; however, those blessed natural remedies in fruit help me. I rely on them. Sure, at first I felt sort of "embarassed" and soon I decided after a while... SO WHAT, this works. We buy them by the bags full at the grocer and no one cracks a grin at the checkout. It is just part of life.

I hope your plumbing works well with prunes added. I really do.
Your friend in constip, [there is no icon for constipation]
Mark56