Your words are fine - not bad at all. In fact they're pretty cussed good. There are web pages devoted to How to Describe Pain using enormous lists of adjectives that don't come close.

Doc

Hi Ginnie,

Yes, I wish people never had to make these decisions, but worse still is someone else making decisions for them.

My pain is... (I don't like to talk about it much) fluctuating. My wife spent most of a day working on a trigger point so I could go out for a few hours yesterday. It worked; I got through the day despite its ups & downs; it was badly needed. Today I'm recovering, and the triggerpoint is rearing its ugly head (more like backside) again....

I don't mean to (oh, what's the word... make less of a situation) but a foot is different (less complicated) than a spine. I think I would have less trepidation about it than spine surgery (but I'm speaking from ignorance) but I get it. I have impingements in both shoulders that I've been ignoring for a couple years now. Every few months they get better for a time, so I think surgery won't be necessary. I guess maybe I'm not really at that crossroads yet, or maybe just in denial.

Doc

RE: Help is on the way
 

Time to Act: Notwithstanding the amount of medication I still have to take,surgery was still a great idea. I also had a massive C2-C7 neck fusion. Just take tylenol for that now. Neuropathic discomfort is barely treatable. Just stay active on Neurotalk.

Good Luck,
RX

Re: decisions/Doc. Smith
 

You are right Dr. smith. A foot is not the same issue as spinal problems. For me it is an additional problem I sure didn't want. I just don't want another surgery, I am tired of them, the whole dog gone thing. I am going to have to do the joint replacement, or it will take my walking away from me. The pain doc. upped my medication until I can get into surgery. I have to heal first from oral surgery, and get an endoscopy. My barretts' esophagus is worse than a year ago, despite a double proton pump inhibitor. I need it checked out to feel comfortable about another surgery. I can't seem to stay out of trouble. I feel blue.
I am sorry about your pain too. I am glad your wife helps you. I am not sure what the therapy is that she does, but if it gets you outside and walking that is a blessing. My spine is pretty good, pain is tolerable. take care Dr.Smith, and I will try to do the same. ginnie

Dear RX
 

I am glad your massive fusion worked out good for you too. I still have some pain but it is tolerable. I had C3-7, wasn't that fun?....nope!.....I don't know about you but I hurt for quite awhile for my recovery time. ginnie

Horatio, glad your fusion went well, and at least that it is controlled with tylenol. That is a definite plus!

Doc, thanks for the confirmation on my elementary description of nerve spasm pain. That's the most graphic way I could come up with to describe it. Doc, it sounds as if you have a very dedicated loving wife to help you. That can make just a world a difference, and I don't mind saying I wish everyone had that in time of major health troubles - myself included. Stress upon stress is no way to fly.........

Miss Ginnie - Okay, enough now - your probs need to just chill out :) - & here's sincerely wishing that they do just that!! My sis-in-law recently had her 3rd ankle surgery by a superb dr., she now has a bionic ankle, and is walking really well. First 2 surgeries were performed by the same doc who was....how shall I say.....pure quack. We just don't appreciate those appendages, feet that is, until one of those little piggies start to squeak! Understand your feeling blue....hope that passes with the next breeze. I know you must be a very positive person by nature....how else could anyone read this forum day after day as you do and post such uplifting remarks for others?

Wishing all a peaceful evening............

Hi Sea horse
 

thanks for your post. I appreciate you asking my body to chill out on the problems. I will go get this blasted surgery, and get over with. It will be OK.
I come here because of the support I get too, with just such an issue. When you see some of the other problems people have, it makes you a bit humble. I learned that from this site for sure. When we join forces it makes all the troubles less. We are not alone. I hope your next appt. goes well. I believe you said it was your pain specialist going to give you another opinion. I saw my pain specialist today, he said yeppers, I need this joint replaced. The two docs did talk, which to me is a real good thing. Let me know how your appt. goes and what he says about your spine condition. take care seahorse.ginnie

Miss Ginnie, the appointment this Friday is with the neurosurgeon, not the pain specialist. I've already seen the pain specialist, and an orthopedic surgeon. Those two are in agreement that surgery is needed, hence the 3rd opinion and trip to the neurosurgeon - possibly the one who will perform the surgery. I will make the hour+ trip unmedicated so he can see the quivering pathetic mess I am minus the pain meds. Whoo-hoo, are we having fun yet???

Yes, I totally agree with you, that reading forums like this and seeing others' problems can be humbling when compared to our own. Spine issues are a witch, but it's not like brain injuries or cancer or HIV that other poor souls are suffering with. We (I) should be more aware of our blessings, but it IS good to have a place to come whine, talk, share information & our experiences, cry, or generally have a pity party when needed!

Many well wishes for your upcoming surgery Miss Ginne. So sorry you have to go through it at all.

Re: Friday appt.
 

Hi sea horse, I will be thinking about you on friday. If this is the third opinion, that agrees, well I think you will be in the OR. I am sorry you have to go through it at all. Let me know how many levels your doctor intends to do. I already know you are prepared with a list of questions to ask. I hope he is nice and has compassion. I loved my second neruo surgeon. Brilliant man who pieced my neck back together. I also hope you own surgery doesn't hurt so much. My results are good, and you have every reason to believe your own results will be good too. I know how frightened you can get, so I am here anytime you want to talk about it. I sure talked my head off the week before I went in for it. Take care Sea horse, you will be in my prayers for Friday, and everyday. ginnie

Seahorse,

As always, just my own opinion.... I'd be inclined to give somewhat less weight to the pain specialist's opinion on surgery than the other two, but I'm really glad you're getting opinions from both an orthopedic and neurosurgeon.

I'm not sure it's such a good idea to make that trip unmedicated. You won't be able to think clearly/straight, and anything you say could be (or be construed as) the drugs (or lack of) talking. The doc should/will base his opinions on your records, films, and an exam - not on "the quivering pathetic mess" without meds. He'll know the difference, and that you're supposed to take those meds around the clock, and it could appear fishy if/that you're not taking them as prescribed (Stockpiling? Diverting?) Be honest, and talk about the pain and its effect on your day-to-day life, activities, family, etc. - just as if you're talking to a pain specialist.

Google: neurosurgeon first visit for more

I hope there is someone you'll be able to bring to the appt. to help with memory, notes, questions, etc.

Good luck & best wishes,

Doc