[Ananimity]

Hello everyone! I've been lurking for a week +, and decided to post about my pending SCS trial to take place 10/31 (18 days away)! I've had back pain for many years since I was a teen, and developed left leg pain approx. 7 years ago. Always have overdone more than I should -- lifting, moving, etc. Had a fusion (L4/L5) in June 2009 which worked OK for about 18 mo. or so, then all the pain quickly came back just as before. Have had numerous epidural steriod injections over the years, with three this year, to no avail (of course). Only had a day or two of relief per shot. This year's MRI shows scar tissue encasing the fusion site and below. So, now I'm thankful to be awaiting my trial. My days, for so long, have been a struggle to get to work -- concentrate during work, and get home to rest. I'm hoping and praying (family/friends too) that I will get a bit of relief and some of my life back. Everyone I see socially asks how my back is...so frustating to know that the back pain has become who I am.
I'm excited to read everyone's posts and the support that all of you share!

[yellow]

Hi and welcome! I know exactly what you mean about the pain defining you to others. It can be a sad and scary thing. I really hope that your trial goes well for you and you experience significant relief!! I also hope that the next 18 days go by quickly, it can be very hard to wait, I know. I just finished up my trial today so if there are any questions that I can answer for you, the experience is very fresh in my mind But there are also a lot of people here with a lot more knowledge than myself, and they are excellent resources- so you have come to the right place!!

[Rrae]

It's great to have you!
I know what you mean about our 'issue' becoming our identity
Not quite what we signed up for!
There's plenty of FAITH to go around here, that's for sure!

I'm excited for you that you are going to have the chance at possibly getting this device that could potentially give you a better quality of life, and allow you to be more comfortable at work.
When you got those injections, did you get temporary relief at least? If so, that's a good sign. It shows that those nerves 'want' to respond.

If you have any questions about your upcoming trial, don't hesitate to ask.
There's plenty to read here

Please stick around and keep us updated.
We're behind you all the way!

Rae

[Ananimity]

Hi Yellow -- I've been glad to read your "journal" during the trial. Hopefully, I can try to get into work, to see how well the trial helps while sitting in my office chair. Work would be great if I could lay prone all day. ha
My one concern is being able to keep the hygene up to a tolerable level....lol I've thought of going in to a quickie hair place for a shampoo and dry. My trail is for ten days, which seems long, and I am concerned too of the need of help just to do stuff around the apartment. My oldest will help, and the youngest will, but not without letting me know how she feels about it.
Thank you too Rrae I did have a day to so of relief from the injections. Those were three seperate wonderful days of relief! The nerves are being squished from DDD too. Another ? (question) Is there a possibility that we can hurt ourselves more, and not know it (because of the covering/disguising) of pain? Has that happened to anyone?
My dream is to be able to get up and ride a bike again - or even dance without pain! Dreams can come true

[yellow]

As for washing your hair, here's what I did. I had had a tunneled epidural catheter in for 6 weeks shortly before the trial, and I couldn't get my back wet during any of that time, so I came up with this idea then. I took a garbage bag every day and cut holes in the top and sides. Then I put my head and arms through the holes and I used waterproof tape to tape around them so water couldn't get in. I also wrapped a towel around my waist underneath as extra protection. I got in the shower with it and washed my hair. I never had a problem with water going down my back and it's a way to do it without having to bend your back. So that was just my experience Then outside of the shower, of course, I did sponge baths to keep my body clean.

[Mark56]

You have ARRIVED! Welcome!! So, how about the idea of returning to activities known before SCS...... before PAIN?!? KZLRogue on this forum, just search her posts has resumed golfing and karate. She is an Army veteran and was very much into things physical before pain got the best of her. I have resumed bicycle riding and have resumed the practice of my profession. My wife and I have not taken to the dance floor much.... but we have taken a bit of a spin once [my legs are numb below the knees due to permanent nerve damage] and that was both special and a blessing. We will try again I am sure.

So, do I think I will resume alpine skiing, an activity I enjoyed for 35 years before injury? Nope, probably not.... Hiking and hunting as I did in wilderness areas.... probably not. Am I blessed nevertheless?? ABSOLUTELY!!

Thank you for arriving here and participating with us! We will wrap around you and support your forthcoming Trial. Prayers will come your way. Advice whether you want it or not [we do tend to tuck hints in here or there, like Rrae's ever present Grab Thingies, or dry shampoo, or BLAST [avoid bending, lifting, stretching or twisting during the Trial]...... you know, stuff which would be good to know, also, like don't drive during the Trial...... AND do ENJOY the relief SCS can produce if it is going to be right for you.... oh yeah.

Prayin here,
Mark56

[Ananimity]

Thank you Yelllow for the shampoo idea. ha - after using "dry" shampoo for a couple of days, my hair feels and looks worse that if I had left it alone (even tho it smells better).
Mark - I truly hope that I can ride a bicycle in the future. It would be nice for a change from walking.
My trial is 14 days away! I've only told a couple ladies in my office about the trial. They are more concerned about who is going to take care of my boss while I'm gone. I know everyone at work is tired of seeing me walk funny, or watch me use my grabber to get things. Oh well - gotta take care of myself! Thank you again for sharing your experiences

[Mark56]

Go for it, Vivster!!!
[well, at least there is a rocket smilie]
Mark56

[Ananimity]

Was happy today to receive my phone call from the surgery center. I'll need to get some "Hibiclens" soap this week for my last two showers. lol Now to continue to be patient. I'm enjoying reading everyone's past posts regarding their trial and especially about not -bending, lifting, twisting, etc.
Been reminding my youngest that I can not bend any longer to feed her kitten, and clean his box. I just can't do it anymore but, still live the little thing anyway.
I pray everyone here has a great eveningHave a great weekend!

[Lisa in Ohio]

Hi Vivster, I really would not recommend the dry shampoo at all. It made my hair feel worse than it did when it was grungy and it doesn't even work for my dogs. Also beware of the microwave hair wash stuff too, it was pretty yucky. I did talk to my stylist afterwards, of course, and he said I should have made an appt. He said they could have gotten my hair washed while supporting my neck and that they had done it before. I do have a lot of thick heavy hair, and really understand where you are coming from. I used body spray from Bath and Body to help keep it fresh, but my trial was only seven days. I did cheat and got into a low bath on about day 5 and sat on my feet to keep my dressing dry and that did feel good!

Here is to hoping that your trial will go well and that you will find significant relief.
Good Luck, Lisa