Prayin' for ya!
 

Hey Spine,
So sorry that your having such a major pain flare after that tiny window during which you were able to experience some relief! It's great that you have the health aide, though, so at least you can get some temporary relief from the hot bath. Hope it works, and I'll for sure be keeping you in my prayers.

Gentle hugs,
Jan :hug:

Hearing your pain, Spine.....
Praying that you have whatever means possible to ease the pain while you get thru this hardest part of the wait. Hopefully you have something to help you sleep as a means of escape also.
Please Lord let the appointment date get here soon!

Caring,
Rae
:grouphug:

If possible; might be good if the meds are increased during this period as well as a sleep aid. You need some relief. I don't know what I would do without the knowlege that with my sleep aid, my pain is gone for at least 6 hrs. or so.

Praying for you,

Gerry)

I'm on a boatload of meds now. When the nerve/Fibro circle of pain gets going, meds mean nothing. I call my PM meds my bedtime snack. They knock most folks into the next world. The only way to bring it down in a predictable period of time is to hospitalize me. KY Medicaid is my primary ins. and they won't cover pain, mobility or quality of life issues. Eight years ago, I would be in the rehab hospital getting six hours of boot camp therapy...to include two hours of pool therapy a day. After ten days, I would leave a new woman.

It doesn't take a whole lot to cause a major full body flare anymore. I have been dealing with this since 1976 and it has gotten progressively worse. If the body perceives that it has been violated, all heck breaks loose. A big concern that I have but haven't discussed is the possibility that my body will not accept the scs implant once it is in. I have several friends who have it as bad as I do in conjunction with other spinal issues. They had very successful trials but when the device was implanted, the body went wild and had to come out after a reasonable period of time for the body to adjust. This is something I'd appreciate you praying about. Care/Caid know nothing about this possibility or I would not have been approved. ;)

DEAR LORD ABOVE! We must stand in agreement that this will NOT be the case with you!!! :eek:

Have you made mention of this concern to your doctor?
Probably would be a good idea :hug:

Oh my goodness I do hope that wont happen to you Spine95 that would be awful. You are suffering so so long and even though there could be light at the end of the tunnel you cant be sure.....we will all be praying that it will work for you and that your body wont reject it!

Jackie:hug:

I mentioned my concern to my pain doc. He said it was a real possibility, given that I react strongly to a minor tooth extraction. On the other hand, my body could adjust after a period of time. Now that I know that the scs will relieve the neuropathy, I must give it a try. Some Fibros are so sensitive that their bodies will not even tollerate the electrical stimulation. If a tens unit aggravates the Fibro, there is no point in even doing a trial. Fibro is about an exaggerated response to a perceived stimuli. Patients are different and respond differently. It sounds whacko but one can tollerate the electrical current yet reject the device as a threat. I won't know until I try and I firmly believe it is my turn for a miracle

I really need to know what to expect post op.
 

I've read all of the appropriate threads and also know that we are all different. My concern is that I will be living alone. I can get by with insisting on staying with my daughter in Louisville for two days after the surgery and then she will be ready to bring me home. She works full time and has a husband and two little ones. I've never been a priority. I have always taken care of myself after major open spinal surgery, even when I had one adult child living in the same town at the time. No help with housekeeping or meals. I hate to whine but I was a lot younger then and could push the envelope.......not that it was wise. I do have an aide that comes in three times a week to assist me with bathing and can grocery shop once every two weeks. I don't want to compromise the implant as I am at the end of my rope after 30 years of pain. Thanks.

You are a tuffie! :) ..... and very independent. It will be good that you are staying with your daughter after the surgery. The first couple of days after surgery you probably will just want to lay on ice and relax the best you can. Sounds like you will be in a busy household, but if there is a room you can go to relax, that would be ideal.
If your Dr allows, you will probably need help with bathing, or at least a sponge bath of sorts. Washing your hair for sure you'll want some extra hands, as you can't reach or bend. I knelt by my bathtub and gently leaned under the faucett to wash my hair. Or, there is such a thing as 'dry shampoo' which you can find at a local drug store or pharmacy. From what I've heard tho, people aren't too crazy about it.

Don't be afraid to ask for the help. This is a time when you really need it.
......if your daughter doesn't have 'time' to put you a priority, you could remind her that you gave BIRTH to her! :o

Have your home ready for you when you get back. Place everyday utensils and such at waist level (countertops, shelves, etc). Have easy to cook meals, get one of those 'reacher/grabber' things to help with grabbing stuff. It's great that you have an aide that comes by. She can help with washing your hair and running errands for you, as well as chores around the house.
'Listen' to your body. Don't push yourself in ANY way! Believe me when I say this! :rolleyes: I did and I ended up with a migrated lead. Evidentally the breakthru pain med I was on made me believe I was invincible.

And of course, you've got us! We'll help in any way we can. That's what this great place is for. If you are having a bad day and need to vent, this is the place! It won't be long for the surgical pain to wear off and you'll be encouraged day by day as your unit offers you the stimulation to cover your pain.

I picture you getting thru this quite well!

Rae
:grouphug: