M
mishl.kari
Guest
Hi everyone. I was here several years ago, and now I am back. A short history ---
Serious car accident in 2001 leading to a fusion at L3-L5. The fusion failed, and was redone with new hardware in 2003... The pain NEVER got any better, so after lots of epidurals, drugs, physical therapy - etc... I was approved for a SCS stim. It was installed Dec 05. I had great results and until Jan 09 I was active and down to taking a few vicodin a day -- it was GREAT. Latest X-rays/CT showed stenosis from T-levels down and arthritis, nothing glaringly bad according to the doctors - But boy does it hurt =( My diagnosis is "failed back syndrome".
In January my stim seemed to act erratically, it was determined that I had broken all but 1 lead and was not getting relief.
In July they replaced the stim in its entirety (it is a Medtronic Restore - same as before).
Currently, my pain level starts about a 7 when I wake up, and then varies 5-7 until mid-afternoon when it peaks at around an 8/9. I teach elementary school, and am a single mom.
The pain is higher than anytime I remeraber and I am so frustrated and tired. I am currently back under the pain dr's care and am on Oxycodone IR 5mg/4 hrs. Its not cutting it. Not even close. I have met with the Medtronics rep, who has tried re-programing to no avail - I feel it buzzing but its not doing much to help, I am 2 months post op - why isn't this helping this time??
I am debating using a cane as pain in my right leg and hip is making walking almost impossible - will that help? Someone who uses a cane for pain - is it helpful?
I need to ask my dr about increasing meRAB - in the past (pre stim in 05) I was on Fentenyl patches -- before that Oxyxontin ext release.
My pain Dr seems very reluctant to let me have anything stronger than what I am on. Any suggestions to help? I tried facet joint injections at his suggestion a few weeks ago - I had 3 days of big improvement then it got even WORSE - not eager to do that again.
I know I am rarabling - thanks for reading this far and any suggestions. I feel like I am loosing my mine - I feel alone and frustrated and like giving up. The pain is knocking me out.
Thank you for any suggestions and advice.
Michelle
Serious car accident in 2001 leading to a fusion at L3-L5. The fusion failed, and was redone with new hardware in 2003... The pain NEVER got any better, so after lots of epidurals, drugs, physical therapy - etc... I was approved for a SCS stim. It was installed Dec 05. I had great results and until Jan 09 I was active and down to taking a few vicodin a day -- it was GREAT. Latest X-rays/CT showed stenosis from T-levels down and arthritis, nothing glaringly bad according to the doctors - But boy does it hurt =( My diagnosis is "failed back syndrome".
In January my stim seemed to act erratically, it was determined that I had broken all but 1 lead and was not getting relief.
In July they replaced the stim in its entirety (it is a Medtronic Restore - same as before).
Currently, my pain level starts about a 7 when I wake up, and then varies 5-7 until mid-afternoon when it peaks at around an 8/9. I teach elementary school, and am a single mom.
The pain is higher than anytime I remeraber and I am so frustrated and tired. I am currently back under the pain dr's care and am on Oxycodone IR 5mg/4 hrs. Its not cutting it. Not even close. I have met with the Medtronics rep, who has tried re-programing to no avail - I feel it buzzing but its not doing much to help, I am 2 months post op - why isn't this helping this time??
I am debating using a cane as pain in my right leg and hip is making walking almost impossible - will that help? Someone who uses a cane for pain - is it helpful?
I need to ask my dr about increasing meRAB - in the past (pre stim in 05) I was on Fentenyl patches -- before that Oxyxontin ext release.
My pain Dr seems very reluctant to let me have anything stronger than what I am on. Any suggestions to help? I tried facet joint injections at his suggestion a few weeks ago - I had 3 days of big improvement then it got even WORSE - not eager to do that again.
I know I am rarabling - thanks for reading this far and any suggestions. I feel like I am loosing my mine - I feel alone and frustrated and like giving up. The pain is knocking me out.
Thank you for any suggestions and advice.
Michelle