I'm on fluids only for 3 days, today my temp has gone down to 37.4 & I have stomach sounds. My stomach is very sore but definitely improved from 2 days ago. Haven't had the magic moment yet

Back pain is definitely not under control, can't do much about it with a no win situation. Taken time off of work, feel worn out. DB not much help. Oh well, at least it is raining here, we do need the water for what is promising to be a long hot drawn out summer. Much like yours in the US. At least I'm able to watch the olympics and read. It could be worse... I could be back in hospital.

Pam, Wondering if you had a case of the stomach flu. You really had an awful time of it.


Gerry

pamela & ger,

i'm not an expert in pain relief by any means. however, i'm wondering if you've seen a pain dr dedicated to pain mgment. perhaps a pain patch? that would help with dosing over an extended period. just a thought.

Pamela - I am glad to hear you are feeling a little better and now have bowel sounds. That is a good sign. I hope things continue to improve for you. I am glad you took some time off work to deal with this.

I know this was discussed in another post but I wonder if a hernia belt would help you or some sort of abdominal binder. My surgery was about a year ago and I still wear mine; not every day but when I feel sore or know I am going to be doing some sort of activity that will require lifting, pushing, pulling, etc. It does help. I got my abdominal binder after my surgery but I know you can get them online and at some of the department/drug stores in the U.S. I know you are not in the U.S. hence the reason I mentioned online. They really are worth it and may help you keep everything in.

As always, please keep us updated on how you are doing. I have been keeping you in my prayers.

Thanks Nancy. Actually, I have been going to Pain Specialists of Greater Chicago s.c. for at least 6 years or 7 years. The doctor I see there was recommended by my orthopedic doctor. Since I am on a top tier medication, the FDA requires I am seen once a month in order to get my prescription. Also random urine testing is done.

Gerry

Hi Nancy, sadly I don't think many of the experts are an expert in pain mgt. More often than not it seems to be trial and error and how much money is in it for the providers incl pharma and electronic stimulation. I do have a good PM right now, been with him since 2014, had previous ones who were also good but only in their field of expertise and once beyond them, well they were of an age where they didn't feel the need to continue to grow their field and or were /are tapering down to retirement. In Aus in particular pain mgt specialists all started out as anaesthetists so talking isn't really a speciality... And on the down side, all those in the city I live in are on the other side if 60. Between my current PM and previous (who is so in demand and now only works 1 day a week at 79) I have been given a semblance of life back, after 2 plus years of being a house bound 4 wall virtual prisoner I was able to venture back out to PT work. Between Gerry & I we have had a litany of other things plague us to the point where I don't think either of us could or would be surprised. Both of us have long moved on from pain patches, unfortunately for me while effective in the earlier years I'm extremely allergic to the adhesive and risks of continued use became to high. Thanks for thinking of us.

you guys are so knowledgeable & experienced. you get like that when you've dealt with so much over so long & learned how to advocate for yourself.

i hope you both will feel better.