I have to give a quick nod to the fact that today marks the 6 month anniversary since my stimulator surgery. So, MyStim and I are gonna spend a nice, quiet evening at home snuggling under the covers and just enjoying each other's company.
That sounds dirty.
Actually, DH and I are going to see the new Harry Potter tonight. It's the first movie I've been to since the surgery and it will be at least 3+ hours. I'm interested to see how I feel by the end of the night. On a side note...I feel as though I should be slightly embarrassed by how excited I am to go see this movie. I'm so not.
So 6 months out, I'm feeling pretty good. I'm able to sit here at the computer for much longer than before without being in so much pain that I feel like projectile vomiting. I am still on the same dose of methadone but have been able to take less morphine for break-through pain. I'm happy with that.
Well, Mr. B is giving me the stink eye. Time to take the little guy out.....
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12 comments:
Happy Anniversary!
Congrats! I just had my 6-week anniversary!
You are still taking morphine? Will you have to do that forever? It seems to me like after 6 months of healing you should be off those heavy painkillers. I hope you don't have to take it forever...that was one of the huge positives about my surgery...no more drugs!
Thanks, Sparky!
Hey Banner:
Yup..I do still take morphine but now it's only a few times a week rather than every 4 hours like it was before the surgery. My methadone dose has remained the same but that is OK. My doctors made it clear to me (before I had the surgery) that my type of pain is rarely 100% alleviated with the stimulator and that I'd still have to be on meds. That's not a big deal to me..I've been on them forever and it's better than the alternative. I just wasn't keen on a big med. increase..which is what I was facing if I didn't have the surgery!
Oh, I see. At least you were prepared to be on meds. If they had promised you you'd be off them, and you were still taking them, that would stink but I guess if you were expecting it, it's okay. Too bad they can't relieve your pain 100% but as long as you can get some quality of life back, it's all worth it.
So, being on "heavy" painkillers like that, will you be able to work or drive or anything like that? Or are those things you had to give up?
Congrats on your six month anniversary! I'm so glad to hear this is working for you. I may have to check into this again. It was brought up in the past but never pursued. Right now it's a balancing act with my pain meds, heating pad and crashing on the couch. Lately it's been worse but I've had a lot going on. I have three month checkups with my primary care doctor and one specialist. I need to get back to the pain clinic and see what they have to say this time around. It's been awhile. I hope you continue to improve and I'll be following your progress. Thanks for all the info you provide!
Congratulations on your 6 month anniversary! I had my 5 week anniversary yesterday. Still dealing with a lot of breakthrough especially on more active days. The meds don't help much with that. Anyway - keep up the great attitude - you inspire us all!
Yes, my doctors were very up-front about the fact that I'd still be on long-term pain meds. after the surgery. To tell you the truth, I would have been fine if I even had to stay on the same dose of morphine for my break-through pain after the surgery. I just didn't want to do a med. change or an increase so, really, things have worked out pretty well.
The only thing I've had to give up because of the pain meds is drinking alcohol (and for some weird reason, grapefruit..something in the grapefruit mixes w/the meds). Not being able to drink is sometimes a bummer when we go to cocktail parties or out to dinner (and I was sad I couldn't drink much champagne at my own wedding!) but in the grand scheme of things it really isn't a big deal.
I am able to drive with the meds (the only time I haven't been able to drive is when I've had a med. increase or change but that is temporary). Other than that, the pain medication helps to normalize my life. There is no way in hell I'd have been able to pass the bar exam without morphine. It was still hell but at least I had something to take the edge off the pain so I could try to think clearly. And the meds don't interfere with my cognition or anything like that. Plus, I've been on strong pain medication for almost 10 years so I'm pretty used them by now.
Ok..so that was a really long answer to your question!
Hi Wrighty!
Thanks for your comment. :) I know..you've been through a lot lately and that can really exacerbate the pain.
It sounds like a trip back to a pain clinic might be a good idea for you (though I'm sure you get sick of endless doctors appointments, like I do!). And if neurostimulation was mentioned in the past for you, then it might be worth having a second conversation to find out more info (I'd be curious to see where they'd suggest placing a stim. for you!).
What r u reading this weekend? I'm almost finished with "Julie & Julia" and am re-reading "The Red Tent" and am listening to "In the Company of a Courtesan" on cd...
Hi seernisse!
Wow..5 weeks already?!! Time flies! I feel for you in regard to the break-through pain. Take heart though...it should get better. You are still in the very early stages of healing. I wasn't able to reduce my MSIR for break-thru until after the 12 week mark. Unfortunately, it just takes time. (booo)
Hope you are enjoying your weekend! :)
Congrats! That is a wonderful mark to reach!!!
Congrats Danimal! You help us all so much! I'm glad to know you're ok with the meds. I some how thought I could cut way back on mine based on the results of the trial stim. The perm. is not doing all that I expected. Maybe I need more time, it's only been 22 days. I wish you well and keep us posted, as I'm sure you will, thanks!
Limojay
I am so glad to have found your blog. Oct. 28th will be my 6th month anniversary of having the stim. I only wish I would have found your blog earlier. Wish I had the energy that you have or use but I am 40 years older. I liked your advice regarding doctors as my pcd just told me this month that there is no cure for peripheral neuropathy and so there was nothing more he could do for it. That means I need to either find a new one or go to the pain clinic doctor again. Thanks so much for your blog.
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