Recent content by Alpine

If you have a friend or family meraber to go to the doctor with you, it's a huge help. They can pay attention to the things that you are missing. I've even brought a tape recorder when I'm on my own. Sorry you are in so much pain.

SounRAB SO familiar. Although I had back problems before my pregnancies. I had a laminectomy/discectomy at L5/S1 6 months before my first pregnancy. I did fine during my first pregnancy, but I found that my hips started to hurt abouth 6 months after delivery. I had another baby 3 years...

My husband works with a guy that had the x-stop procedure with great relief. I think he's pretty happy he had the surgery and he's in a lot less pain. Sorry I don't have more details. Lisa

I had an SCS implant in March of 2008 in an attempt to control pain associated with DDD (L5/S1). The SCS was not successful for me and actually caused pain in a new location. When I turned the stimulator on I got pain near the lead (T9) that was pretty intense. I believe it did work on my leg...

Chevmal, I had a neurosurgeon do my SCS implant and my PM doctor was in the OR to assist. They explained to me that they like to do the stimulator first, then fusion, then the pain med pump as a last resort. But, I'm sure other doctors have different opinions on this. The trial is not...

That sounRAB SO familiar. My husband works long hours too. And I also hate waiting on other people to do things. I know my husband will load the dishwasher, but it may be 3-4 days before he gets to it. I also used to push myself beyond my abilities (we're building a house, so I can totally...

Are they going to put your implant in on Monday? If so, good luck!

Megss, I'm so sorry that you are having such a hard time. Chronic pain sucks and people (even docs) who haven't experienced it have no clue. I'm glad you got some good drugs for now anyway. You may want to see if this new doc will prescribe a nerve medication (Lyrica or neurontin). I bet it...

Lynn, I had a fusion (L5/S1) about 2 weeks after you (Dec. 30th) and I completely understand your depression. It's really hard! I too am feeling much better and I'm always wanting to do things that I know I shouldn't be doing. In answer to your question about when the fusing process...

Thanks for your input. I do have a paddle lead and my unit is made by BS. When I turn it on, it feels like I'm getting an electrical shock right into the surrounding tissue. Is that what yours feels like? What kind of muscle relaxers are you using? Do you use them prior to turning the unit...

Thanks for all the ideas and support. I am definitely finding that my boys are much more capable than I ever imagined.

Good luck with your surgery! I am 3 weeks post-op from an L5/S1 PLIF. I am walking 2 miles a day, but I do it in 2-3 separate walks. I also live in a cold climate. If you can tolerate the temp and bundle up, I highly recommend walking outside. I walked a lot in the hospital and then in my...

Good luck Kathy! I'll think good thoughts for you on Monday. Lisa

I no longer do the cleaning in my own home either. It's just too painful. I would definitely try to consider your options. I can't even imagine how you feel at the end of the day. I hope you find a treatment that helps.

Lorie, I have had the stimulator rep program my device 3 times now. With each program, the electrical sensation is in the same place. I really think that the placement of the lead is the culprit. I must be getting some current through the lami. You're right, I don't think that the paddle...