It ended up being just a consultation as he didn't feel that doing the pain generator test would be beneficial. I think I mentioned it was to be a nerve block using an anesthetic to see if I got temp. pain relief in neck so they could clarify which nerves are the problem.

He said that there was no point in doing it because even if I did get relief there would be little he could do given the SCS leads in my cervical area. I asked about getting epidural shots and he says he would not give them to me as it's too easy to nick the cervical leads or cause an infection on the cervical leads and he wasn't going to take that chance.

The other option is to do an ablation but he would rather have the dr. who implanted the SCS's resume my care and talk about that possibility with me. I'm rather bummed because I thought epidural shots every few months would be an easy remedy.

This dr. did say that a last resort is to have a fusion where the problem nerves are. I thought a fusion was just for a ruptured/herniated disk but he says they are also done to open up the space around the nerve to give it more room. He suspects the main culprit is C7-T1 (which is what is affecting my arms/hands/upper back) and that the nerves at C3-4 were brought into play when another doctor twisted my head/neck. He says the nerves at C3-4 are what affects the jaw, teeth, face etc. Hopefully those nerves will calm down in time but given the fact that they were so easily irritated may indicate they are problematic and were just waiting to become a problem.

He did think that I have a separate shoulder issue, so will continue getting the steroid shots into my shoulders. So, will keep on trying to figure things out

Thanks for your prayers, Mark

How are things going for you, Pooh?

He said that the only way he would do epidurals in my cervical area was if I had the cervical SCS and its leads removed. He asked if I thought I'd get more pain relief with epidurals given that the cervical SCS is not helping my pain as much as I need. Will have to think about this

I absolutely get it
have it
take it off everyday
and the head
i experience right ear
and jaw ache
there are certain i have
just learned to live with it
pray for a miracle

someone who cares

That was the reason for my cervical fusion last Aug. Too tiny a space left for my nerve roots, so the arms were losing function while pain was out of the roof.

Prayin your nerves will just calm. Kinda hoping the same for my right arm, as the nerve has been a bad little kid and hurting to beat the band. Don't especially want anymore surgery, just working with physical therapy to see if it will calm.

Prayin yet for FIONA

AND

for POOH

Yup

for a miracle
someone who cares

Hello all. Have just finished my last shift this week.I am having some of the worst pain I have had in 2 years.My little monster caught the "crud" Stayed home with her 2 days this week. I always ponder how small children can run such high temps (102.9) and other then extra naps show no symptoms other wise. She is now sleeping in the bed next to me. Have taken WAY to many pain meds in hopes of being able to carry her to her own bed. My hunny is out checking on the calving cows so I am on my own to get her into bed. If I cannot get her there he will take care of that chore when he comes in. I am wondering if a pain pump may be in my future instead of and ablation. If I have to go that way I will probally have to give up my surgery, ER and floor nursing. I am not sure I will be able to do a "desk job" as my body does not like to sit for any amount of time I NEED to be productive am not a stay at home type of lady either....
Just not sure what I am going to do Praying the rest of our bunch here are doing better then this old broad
z

Pray for you regardless whether you refer to yourself as an old....... b'cause you are among those for whom I care.

I hope your needs may be met without having to go the route which might disrupt that which seems to provide you the motion and means to be there for others via nursing. You are a blessing to all whom you touch under your care, AND I am so glad to know you have the monster in your care and presence, for it is precisely where she needs to find nurturing care and comfort as she matures.

You, my friend, have my undying respect in taking pain while pushing on,
Hugs and prayers surrounding you,
Yup,

by the grace of god
as you are his worker in the end
and will br rewarded
amen!

You are one HECK of a multi-tasking supermom/nurse/farmin/SUPER HERO
Wow! I hope the little one is feelin better. My grandboy went thru something very similar. I'm so sorry that this pain won't just leave you the heck alone. You truly are a tuffy, Pooh.

The nerve ablation thing sounded very intriguing when I first heard about it. That's the only input I can offer tho .
Just wanted to give you a shoutout since I've been gone, and that you are always at the top of my prayer list!

Rae

Thanks for the love , support and PRAYERS
ZZ