Pain Pump Approved!

Sorry I have had a lot going on..... I won't go into details. But I did pass my psyche eval. & approved for the pain pump. Now all I need is to set the date, I am so excited! I can not wait...... Here's hoping to a new me in '09. Just in time for my birthday, too!

i wish u all the best and enjoy every minute of pain free life!!!!
i suffer for years of chronic pain and because of the IBS i am only on duloxetin,60mg a day.i even did not know that is a pain pump.

i am realy ,realy happy for u and hope u will update the outcome.i cannot remember how is to have 'normal' pain only and not to be scared that is geting worse....

kinds regards,
anele

Kttn...
I know you can't go into detail about the psych evaluation but could you say a few
words about what was difficul to answer.
I couldn't sit and talk for two hours. It would be totally impossible. I couldn't even
do one hours.
What would they do with someone like me.
I'm thinking of one again. I'll talk to my doctor Wed.
I have this horrible sizzle all up and down my spine.
I beginnng to think I need a nerve block.

Well, congratulations Kttn. I hope you dance. : - )

Congrats Kttn!! As one who is getting ready to do her Psych Evaluation for the SCS trial I am really hoping that mine goes as well as yours did. I am so happy for you! I'm counting down the days when I hear those words as well that I got approved then you and I will dance around! And plan a party in HW that will be like no other ever seen!!! he he he Get them New England Lobsters ready and that yummy New York Cheese cake cause we are going to partaaaay around here real soon!! *take notice the confidence that is now replaced the doom and gloom once inside Scarred ...........But.......not over confident*

Hugs Kttn!

Scarred

Pamela, I don't mind at all....
It began with (of course) did I have a history of depression or anxiety (of course) I went into some detail about some childhood issues.....how long, what medications, am i considering counseling on a regular basis, how did i deal with the issues (alcoholic parents & a date rape) from my past, did i get counseling when it had happened, how did i learn to coupe with it all, etc. He asked what would I say to someone who asks how to describe the procedure.... what was I expecting from the procedure.... do i have any idea of the medications that can go into the pump (i rambled a few i had heard about)... did i have any questions about the procedure? did i have any major things, moving, divorce/marriage coming up, and yes i am in the middle of moving- he said 100% do not do anything to jeopardize the surgery once its in.... we talked about it where it would run up to- he explained the catheter can only go so far up my back, it would help some with my neck- but it doesn't run that far up the spine. We also talked about it helping with my constipation, and that the meds can be anywhere from 300-500% stronger, but shouldn't have much of a fuzzy feeling. Be careful the first few months, explained about if it leaked, just pretty much take it easy the first month or two. Keep an eye on it. Also, with a history of depression, make sure I stayed on my meds- said that's very important. That's the sum of it. A lot of the questions were about the childhood issues, I am sure a regular person would only have an hour or so of questions. It wasn't that bad. I just asked some questions. Oh it is outpatient, they increase the meds every hour until the pain is under control. He also said there is meds to help the spasms..... yeah! Thats about all I can remember.
PAlady- I sometimes think about people on here, especially when they are having a rough time, I know you have been going through some tough times. I wasn't thinking about you IN THE MIDDLE of my apt, silly! lol. I have just been praying for some people in here. I know a lot of people are going through times that are tough, myself included- but I am a strong believer in Karma.... you reap what you sow. Even though technically I don't know anyone on here, I kinda feel like we are all friends. Its nice to know people who GET IT.
........hope this helps....... -Shannon

PA- don't ruin my reputation....... *wink* ((hugs back)) If the world was just a little kinder to others, what a difference. People don't even know their neighbors anymore. Its sad. I think too us CP'ers like to talk..... :) and why not? We are softies.... we understand. We are kind, caring people, unless our meds are tampered with. ha ha. I just think sometimes you need to stop and think about other people. Smell the roses so they say. The world would be a better place. Since when is it cool to be so cruel to people. Elders. Disabled. Homeless. Its SO sad. A simple hello can change a persons entire day. So yeah, I think about a lot of people on here, cause I know its a hard time right now. And especially those of us having trouble managing our pain daily. Its so hard to stay positive and keep yourself in check. Too easy to be angry, depressed & upset- its just not worth the energy! I'd rather send out happy thoughts.... hoping it will come back to me. :) The good book even mentions to be kind that you never know who is hidden in someones clothes. My hubby gets mad at me because I ALWAYS give some money, even if its just $5 to homeless people when I see them or they are begging for money- or especially food , it's the one that really hurts my heart. I will go buy a gift card for McD or someplace so they can have a meal. I couldn't imagine life so low you couldn't take a bath or even have a regular meal. Breaks my heart. I also carry ponchos & umbrellas in my car for them, I can't bear to see a person in the rain without SOMETHING for shelter. I am a big sucker, sure I am probably being conned..... but $5 won't break me & it can mean the difference between a meal for someone else, or starving..... sad it happens in the US. Ridiculous. OK, done with my soapbox. I'll step down!!

Kttn: I remember from the last Psych Evaluation the Psychiatrist concentrated a lot on my childhood. Was it happy? Did I have any problems with my parents? How many siblings did I have? Do I still have a good relationship with all of them? and so on.... It seemed odd to me at the time as my mom, dad, sis and brother really have nothing to do with how I will react to the SCS or my after care. But I answered his questions the best I could and tried to be as honest as I could about things. Yeah I'm the middle of three.....yeah I have some issues with being a middle child.....but after 45 years with this family I've learned that cannot please them all the time...hell I am lucky to please them at all LOL. But that is not my fault and I can't bear that burden my entire life.

They do not care if I have pain, nor do they care if my pain goes away and that is a fact that I have learned that I can't change. So being honest with the Evaluation and the Psychologist is going to be the best way for me to get through this and it sounds like that is the approach that you took as well. I am so glad that you are going to get the pump and maybe just maybe.....we will both get a little more relief soon

Hugs

Scarred

Hi.... Me. lol. Someone may come along and explain better than I can, but here goes...... I am allergic to sulfa which is one of the reasons I am going on the pump. I have gone through a myriad of meds, and you can always check out the medtronic website. So there is a catheter inserted into your spinal cord that goes up your spine. They can look under a certain light and tell where the areas are affected. The catheter constantly delivers a cocktail (lots of meds to choose from) into the affected areas.... there is a little round device implanted into your side (on the right) that monthly they inject the meds into. Like I said, I am sure someone with experience will come along and correct if I made a mistake or add to it. The advantage is there is less meds going into your body since it bypasses your liver. Even though the meds are 300-500% stronger. You don't get that buzzed feeling. I'm hoping it helps a lot. ***fingers crossed***

Thanks all for the well wishes! i just love you guys...... update...... my insurance is giving them grief, waiting on them- 2 weeks & counting; please pray for a speedy approval. thanks all!

Congrats kttn, that's wonderful news! I hope your insurance approves it in a timely fashion & you can schedule the surgery soon! Hopefully it will make a huge difference for you!

Skeye