[Spiney95]

It took three hours but it's in and working like a charm. Pain Man was a doll and kept the Versed coming so I was comfortable as possible and still communicative. I had no idea how weak my legs were until the pain was down and I tried to walk upright. It's going to take some time to get them back. I will always need a walker due to the falling issues but I can settle for reduced pain levels and increased function. Off to bed now. I am anxious to see how long I can sleep at one stretch now.

[tkayewade]

Yay!! So happy for you!! I hope everything continues to go well.

[JavaJan]

Originally Posted by spine95

It took three hours but it's in and working like a charm. Pain Man was a doll and kept the Versed coming so I was comfortable as possible and still communicative. I had no idea how weak my legs were until the pain was down and I tried to walk upright. It's going to take some time to get them back. I will always need a walker due to the falling issues but I can settle for reduced pain levels and increased function. Off to bed now. I am anxious to see how long I can sleep at one stretch now.

SO glad it all went well!! Now you can just rest and let the stim thing do its work. I'll be praying that your pain disappears and you can get some real rest. Take good care of you! I understand how it is, living alone...same here. It's not so bad, though....at least if you feel bitchy or whatever you don't have to worry about how anyone else feels!

Happy for ya,
Jan

[Spiney95]

The lidocaine has worn off now and I am having signifiant discomfort from all of that "rooting around" he did. I can tollerate surgical pain because I know what it is and know that once it peaks, it will start going down. So far, the nerve pain is completely gone. The best news is that I can get the device serviced in my home town and not have to travel 2 hours on a highway full of pot holes.

[Mark56]

And a big Hooray!!! : o)

Yup,
Mark56

[besidemyself]

Spine95: Regarding Topomax - I tried several different drugs for my nerve pain with great results, but horrible side affects. The nerve blocks and such did not have good long term results for me. Topomax was a life saver for me. Short term side effect was a little "messy head" for about a month, and a "lot" of weight loss until I got on the right dose... but, I needed some weight loss because of the weight gain I incurred from the Pshychoit drugs they put me on before they actually put me on the drugs that actually handled my pain. In fact I am a size 6-8 female normally, but when I got into my accident, they tried to put me on these anti-psychochoit (sp) drugs for the pain that did NO good!! and I gained 60 pounds in 60 days. I thought it was "water weight". When I told the doctor it wasn't working and I wanted to get off the drug and asked if I would lose the weight she told me, "No, your appetite actually increased and you actually gained that weight... it's not water"..... It took me several years after that before I got on topomax to finally relieve my "NERVE" pain... I was on several other pain medications for the other injuries, but I couldn't get the nerve pain under control. I was at 180 pounds, but before the accident and before the anti-Pshyshochit drug I was at 130 pounds. Once I got on the topomax, I dropped down to 120 pounds in about 60 days. So be very careful. My doctor progressively increased my dosage because of the "weireness" side affects and my body's side affects... and, I was enjoying the weight loss. But, if you can't tolorate the weight loss, you really need to be careful. But, the "weirdness" is temporary. By weirdness I mean severe moodswings, lack of concentration..... etc.. Good Luck

Originally Posted by spine95

It took three hours but it's in and working like a charm. Pain Man was a doll and kept the Versed coming so I was comfortable as possible and still communicative. I had no idea how weak my legs were until the pain was down and I tried to walk upright. It's going to take some time to get them back. I will always need a walker due to the falling issues but I can settle for reduced pain levels and increased function. Off to bed now. I am anxious to see how long I can sleep at one stretch now.

[besidemyself]

Glad your surgery went well. On my topomax post. That was meant for someone else. Sorry. Hope your'e feeling better. All the best.

Originally Posted by JavaJan

SO glad it all went well!! Now you can just rest and let the stim thing do its work. I'll be praying that your pain disappears and you can get some real rest. Take good care of you! I understand how it is, living alone...same here. It's not so bad, though....at least if you feel bitchy or whatever you don't have to worry about how anyone else feels!

Happy for ya,
Jan

[Rrae]

Yay for you, Spine! I know you are feeling the discomforts of all the prodding and poking during the surgery and no doubt your body is pretty PO'd...... but you're gonna do just great. I could tell by reading your 1st post in this thread.
I know it'll take awhile for your legs to gain strength, but it WILL happen.
How exciting to know you are getting a quality of LIFE back again!!

Thank you Besidemyself - for sharing about the Topamax. I would be interested in talking to my Dr about trying it for the breakthru neuropathy I battle. And boy do I know exactly what you mean about that rapid weight gain! It's very alarming, especially becoming short of breath and everything else that comes with the extra weight. My story is very similar to yours except the culprit in my case was Lyrica!
I can't believe your Dr actually told you it was because your appetite increased is why you gained the weight. Good Lord!
Well, I'm happy to know you are back down to your ideal weight. It sure took awhile but so am I.

Rae

[Spiney95]

I'll be just fine. All of my spine surgeries have been open and huge so this really isn't much. I'm just on the grouchy side when I am due for a breakthrough. I have my work cut out for me once I have the inplant and I am healed up. My gait and posture are bizzare now from compensation. My muscle tone and the core and legs are shot. I will get it back as I have always been up to a good challenge once the pain is properly controled. Back to sleep now. The BTs are kicking in. Have a great day.