Good News on the Pain Control Front

firegirl969 · #1 10/09/09, 05:42 PM

This week, I went for my spinal cord stimulator trial. They installed it on Tuesday via a minor surgery procedure. I wore the external stimulator in a belt around my waist for three days. It was remote controlled and had 4 program settings for me to try out. I got a great deal of relief from it, and I was even able to get out of the bed by myself and dress myself without experiencing extreme pain. They removed it this morning, and I already really miss it. I was able to cut 8 pain pills (Ultram, mild) and 2 muscle relaxers a day out of my medication taking, and it greatly reduced the amount of time I had to spend in the electric wheelchair as I walked quite a bit without pain. Yipee!!! I was not able to tolerate it at night. It felt like bugs crawling on me when I laid down with it. Oh well, it did work well during the day. I go the neurosurgeon the second week in November to schedule the permanent one to be installed into my back. I will post updates when they are available. If others haven't tried this as an option to medications, feel free to PM me for more info.

sancraft · #2 10/09/09, 06:44 PM

Wow, I will ask my doctor about that. My back pain was gotten so bad, that it is severely limiting my activity. I was literally in bed all day today and yesterday.

Tricky Grama · #3 10/09/09, 08:20 PM

Good for you Firegirl! Prayers of thanks for the relief.
Sandcraft-hopefully that would work for you too.

Patty

Kmac15 · #4 10/09/09, 08:27 PM

I am so glad to hear that you found something that is helping. DH has back problems and it can really take you out of the game fast.

Windy_jem · #5 10/09/09, 08:45 PM

I'm so happy that you found something to help you!

Kelly · #6 10/10/09, 06:08 AM

Firegirl,
My husband has one implanted and he said to make sure and tell you to take your time when they are installing it (you will be awake as they test your pain). He goes in periodically to have the computer adjusted and is due to go in again as his pain has been worse the last few weeks (the low barometric pressure really seems to correlate with his pain). Good luck to you and feel free to pm me if you have any questions.

firegirl969 · #7 10/10/09, 02:48 PM

Thanks for all of the good wishes.

Thanks Kelly for the info. Yes, any change in the barimetric pressure affects my pain level a bunch. When the tropical storms were going up the east coast recently, I couldn't even get out of the bed. I can also tell DH when it is going to rain by the pain levels some days. I will probably take you up on the offer for info as the time gets closer for the surgery.

Blessings to all, firegirl