[VodKanockers]

I haven't been on here in AGES. I think the last time i was on was after my first rib bisection surgery (did nothing) in may of last year.

my trial for a pain pump started tuesday. They had to do a blood patch yestarday to stop the horrendous spinal headache i had. So Tuesday and Wednesday was not fun at all.

However, today was AMAZING! 15 years of constant pain and i mean CONSTANT pain ended about 10am this morning after they raised the dosage i was getting. i forgot what it was like to not be in pain. It's like i don't even remember how to be normal. i'm so used to battling through a work day doing everything i can to make it to the end of the day everyday and then laying down the rest of the night. that was my life for a long long time.

i still have an scs and i'm going to keep it along with the pump. They say they can do the permanent implant as early as 5/7.

anywho...just wanted to pass on some good news for once. I know this is tough but keep fighting everyone!!!

[Mark56]

I love it when life takes a turn for the better or the blessed!!
May you come to know peace and joy in your permanent, VodKa!
Yup.
Mark56zz

[Rrae]

This is FANTASTIC NEWS!!! How great of you to come here to share this with us! I remember you were having quite a rough time of it. I'm overjoyed for you!

You must promise to stick around and share how this all unfolds for you ok!!

You've made my day to say the least!!

Rae

[yellow]

That's so wonderful and I'm so happy for you that your pain is GONE!!

[Ananimity]

So glad to read you are getting relief from constant pain. Hard to spend all day at work, to come home and recover. So familiar. Keep us updated!

[Mark56]

Hi Viv- May you be blessed with less and less pain. Working can be hard. I feel blessed to be able to practice law all day, then come home worn out from the pain my SCS blocks, for it still takes a toll on the body though the mind does not register it, then add gout and denervation of my right arm to the mix, and there is pain beyond the SCS capability.... so, taking gout meds, and tolerating the rest as I am Blessed to be able to work and provide.

Blessings on you,
Mark56z

[VodKanockers]

thanks everyone. getting relief from my pain has been a long journey. this all started 15 years ago. couldn't even guess how many doctor visits, procedures, tests, etc. the pump is the first thing that REALLY made a difference. i almost felt like non of this ever happened during the trial. i felt normal. my kids don't know the 'normal' me. but they're going to get introduced very soon. i can't wait for the implant on 5/15.

however...i'm having major problems with the spinal headaches. they've done 3 blood patches and i'm looking at having #4 asap. i can barely stand up the headache is so bad. not sure why they aren't 'taking'. i'm doing everything they say to do. it's getting old because i've burned up 4 vacation days already because of these stupid headaches. now if they could return my call that would be good...

[Sophie_]

Hi Viv,

I haven't been on the site in ages either but we're always welcome back. That's great news for you and you should make the most of it, it's all any of us want is to be pain free, I did get that after my first surgery 16 years ago and I'm praying that with a little bit more surgery to remove scare tissue, get my SCS back I'll be pain free again with my life back.

It's tough to work and be in chronic pain, well done you, what do you work at if I can ask.

Again enjoy your pain free time, I bet you have a huge grin!

All the best

Sinéad xxx

[Ananimity]

VodKanockers - we look forward to your surgery date! It's only a week away. Hope you are finding relief from headaches as well. I haven't heard of a blood patch before.
Awaiting my appt. with new pain management doc next week too.

[VodKanockers]

Sophie - i work in IT. I've been at my same job for the last 12 years. hoping i can get back on track at work. it's been a struggle, recently been demoted. i just can't work the 55 hours a week my coworkers put. that doesn't sit well w/ the boss. here i am at almost 1 am working (between following up on this forum)

Ananimity - the blood patches blow. i'm had 4 and might need #5, going to avoid it if at all possible. it's an epidural of your own blood used to stop a leak of spinal fluid caused by the pump trial (or anything invasive to the spinal cord as i understand). w/o them the leaking causes absolutely insane headaches when you're not laying down. i thought migraines were bad

5 days until my implant. i'm a wreck. can't take nsaids leading up to the surgery or tylenol (me and tylenol don't get along very well) and my one prescription ran out and i refuse to refill it. so, i did some of this to myself. 5 long day...

thanks all for your encouragement. it means a lot!