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For Fatherjohn - SCS implant on Monday!

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Posted 6/7/2009 9:40 PM (GMT 0)
Fatherjohn,
I just wanted to wish you all the best tomorrow!!! I hope by tomorrow night, or maybe Tuesday we'll be partying and comparing stories! wink

I am sending positive energy and wishes for a successful implant to you!!

Hugs!!

PaLady
Posted 6/8/2009 12:02 AM (GMT 0)
Thanks PAlady, I was thinking about starting a thread as tomorrow is a big day for others as well. I know that Cshelp has a big Dr. appointment tomorrow and I think Anice has a PT appointment as well. All I can say is I hope you are doing better about tomorrow than I am. I won't go into it but this last week has been tough and I am not sure I want my PMS in the operating room tomorrow. I have actually taken several days off and have not even called the office. They found that strange and have called me several times just to check in with me. My staff cannot remember me not checking in even if I went on vacation. Any way, blessings on you and I will keep you and the others in my thoughts and prayers tomorrow. I am sure it will be good to have a distraction tomorrow that hopefully will help others as well.

Posted 6/8/2009 1:38 AM (GMT 0)
FJ, whats this "you didn't call in" stuff all about? Does this implant thing have you that un-erved? I hope your OK as that is so unlike you??? I can understand if the meds that don't work, the lousy drs, the horrable pain and the unknown has finnally gotten to you. What you have been through would have broken lesser men long ago!!! Please tell me and the rest of your caring family who love and respect you so much that you are alright??? Sorry if I'm offbase here, I've spent most of my life off base so as you know it's nothing new for me. I'm thrilled that you are taking time off and already did but again, is everything OK> If not is there anything I can do top help you?
Did I tell you my wife and I are tentively flying out to Bremerton Wash on July 10th to see my oldest come back from 8 months deployment? How far are you from Seatle? Should I bring a couple long rods with me? Maybe by then you're pain will be on the back burner and you can show me how to catch some of those west coast fishies???
PA, just didn't want to leave you out! I'll be talking to the man upstairs about all Y'all Monyana> tonight too as well as all the regulars on my list> Anice & Cshelp!!!
God night all and big hugie-wuggs to all my Peeps!
Pete
Posted 6/8/2009 1:48 AM (GMT 0)
Hi Fatherjohn & Palady,

I want to wish you BOTH the best of luck tomorrow!! I know that both of you will do just fine, but I'll be keeping you both in my thoughts & prayers, anyway!

Fatherjohn - Do you have to stay overnight, or is it outpatient surgery? I'm glad to hear that you took a few days off, but I hope it wasn't do to anything bad! I hope that the surgery will not bring you too much new pain & that you will make a speedy recovery! Hopefully you will be sacrificing a bit of additional pain in the short term, for relief of your normal pain in the long term!

Palady - I hope that your procedures tomorrow are speedy & painless! I know the prep that you are doing tonight is no fun, but hopefully, that will be the only discomfort that you will have to suffer through! Tell those docs & nurses to be gentle with your body! I hope that you have a nice nap & that's all!

Again, best of luck to you both! You both have a big group of fans cheering you on!

hugs,
Skeye
Posted 6/8/2009 2:41 AM (GMT 0)
Pete, geeze you won't let things alone, huh. I will check my calendar in the morning and see what things look like. I was to be in Seattle a couple weeks ago to speak at several of our centers in that area and had to postpone due to the trial stim being put in the day before. I know you will want to spend as much time with your son as possible but it would be a blessing to meet you.  

The PMS and I are not looking at things the same way. He feels that I can't be in that much pain if I work as much as I do. My work (Corp. Officers) had me in more meetings than I have ever been in for a week and they don't seem to care how much pain I am in either. I took a few days off and the pain level shot up with no way out. the PMS said he is not going to address anything until after I have recovered from the SCS and we see how that works. In the mean time, no sleep just more pain. I had a less than happy day at the hospital this week and I probably was not in the best of moods to start with. There is more to it but I am fed up right now and not even looking forward to tomorrow. Someone said "Cheer up, things could be worse." So I cheered up and guess what, things got worse. Maybe a twinge of depression and after I get done with the doctors tomorrow the better it will be. The surgery is not an issue just the doctors. I hope to be home tomorrow but they already told me they might be keeping me for an extended stay. The surgeon made a comment that he might take a look at his previous work (fussion) since he will be in the area. The surgeon told me that after he cuts in to place the transmitter in my back he will wake me up and do the remainder with me some what alert. Anyway, I will share more latter.

To all my CP family, thanks for caring.     

Posted 6/8/2009 2:49 AM (GMT 0)
Fatherjohn

I do wish wish you the best of luck tomorrow, and hope everything goes smoothly for you!

Take Care My Friend!

White Beard

Posted 6/8/2009 3:22 AM (GMT 0)
Thanks White Beard, I am sure all will go as planned. I have not heard an update on you lately. I either missed it or you have flown under the radar. Let us know how you are doing. Blessings!

Posted 6/8/2009 4:19 AM (GMT 0)
Fatherjohn
You take care and I wish you the best tomorrow. Someone at work told me that she had a SCS placed and it worked wonders. She had to have it removed because she had a rare allergy to the device. I understand when you say that doctors dont understand the pain when one works. It works both ways, I hurt more when I am not working and I dont know why, the nocs are the worst, I just push and push and push myself keeping busy to make the real world disappear, and I know thats not right. I didnt realize you were having this done tommorrow and I am sorry. You be strong and I will be strong You are in my prayers
cshelp
Posted 6/8/2009 4:35 AM (GMT 0)
Cshelp, thanks for the support. Many on here know that I work long hours and to have the docs use it against you is tough. I usually work over 50 hours a week. My PCP knows me and says that part of the reason I work these long hours is I block the pain during the day and only when I get home do I feel the level that it really is. If they let me out tomorrow, I will check in with you all. I am working in the morning and then heading to the hospital. I might be there overnight since I won't get in till late afternoon. I will be keeping you in my prayers for your Dr. appointment tomorrow. Go get im.

Posted 6/8/2009 4:41 AM (GMT 0)
Fatherjohn,

I just popped online briefly and I'm thankful Pete and others are checking in on you. I think my worst may be over, but am a bit concerned about you - although glad that you took time off work if it was what you needed.

I will be thinking of you tomorrow and look forward to both of us being in better shape for communicating shortly.

And CShelp and White Beard and Anice and anyone else with a procedure or treatment this week - I send my hugs and positive thoughts to you, too!

And Lindaloo, a special hug to you! (((((((((Lindaloo))))))))

PaLady

Post Edited (PAlady) : 6/7/2009 10:48:39 PM (GMT-6)

Posted 6/8/2009 5:33 AM (GMT 0)
Fatherjohn:

I am sorry I did not get to log on to the computer until this late hour (1:28 a.m. EST), but I wanted to wish you well.  I'm pretty sure I've told you that I've had a neurostimulator for about 10 years, and an intrathecal pump for about 8, so if you have any questions or concerns about what you are feeling after the procedure, feel free to ask. 

I was scheduled to stay for 1 night, and wound up staying for 2 for pain control, so I would recommend that you stay if they give you the choice.

Anyway, my best wishes to you, and you will be in my thoughts and prayers.

Lorie

 

Posted 6/8/2009 2:25 PM (GMT 0)
Bluejet, Thanks and I am sure that somewhere along the way there will be a question. My biggest problem is not with the SCS but what the SCS does not due and that is deal with the pain at night. My PMS does not think I can be in much pain as I work. So from a functionality view, there is no problem. My PMS and my Surgeon almost called the implant off because I manage to work without and pain meds most of the time. Then at night I don't sleep because of the pain. I have been saving all my methadone for night and take it about 1 1/2 hour before bed. My PMS said he is ok with that as long as I don't take more than the daily dose. Not the recommended way to take it but he refuses to address the pain at night since I work. He will wait until the healing takes place from the implant and the says he will consider looking at the pain leve at night. I ran my trial all night but no relief and no sleep. I was to have the implant last week but was resheduled. Now I am back on for today.

Where did you have the receiver placed?

Posted 6/8/2009 2:52 PM (GMT 0)

FatherJohn,

Best of luck today!  I know first hand how people at work truly do not understand the level of pain you are dealing with.  You are being dedicated, they see it as you "if you can work it can't be that bad".  I lived that for 3 years and when I finally gave notice, EVERYONE was shocked...I wanted to shout......Unfortunately, until someone actually experiences something similar they really can't relate.  This is WHY you MUST take the time you need to recuperate and put yourself FIRST for a change!

You are in my Prayers!

XXOO
Patti

PALady, Lindaloo, CShelp and Anice good luck today too( hope I didn't forget anyone!  May all the rest of us have a low pain day!

Posted 6/9/2009 12:33 AM (GMT 0)
Best of luck FatherJohn, nighttime is the pits when you're in pain. I think when you're busy its easier to keep that screaming blue fury in the background but at night it raises its ugly head.  I really have you and PAlady firmly in my thoughts today, I'm sending lots of positive cyber vibes for both your processes. Doctors can be so unfeeling sometimes, you feel like they're just ticking off the boxes and then you're in the too hard basket. But I'm feeling very positive today for the two of you, you deserve a good outcome with the amount of goodwill you both give to others. Best of luck, golitho.

I just realised it's Monday night for you. I'm slightly confused as we had a public hol yesterday!!! So I really hope it all went well and that your not in too much pain, forgive me my sillyness, but I am thinking of you.


Post Edited (golitho) : 6/8/2009 6:41:51 PM (GMT-6)

Posted 6/9/2009 1:15 AM (GMT 0)
Hi fatherjohn,

I hope everything today went well & that you are resting comfortably!! Let us know how you are doing whenever you can! We already miss your presence here!

hugs,
Skeye
Posted 6/9/2009 4:57 AM (GMT 0)

Thanks all for the support. It was not a very good day. I will try and post more later as I am in alot of pain and not many options. Hope the rest had a good day. I am concerned about Cshelp and how her day went. Blessings!

Posted 6/9/2009 5:13 AM (GMT 0)
fatherjohn
I do not like the sound of your post! I do hope you are alright? Your in my Prayers fatherjohn, it sounds like you might need all the help you can get! Please keep us posted as you feel you can!
Peace be with YOU!

White Beard
Posted 6/9/2009 5:31 AM (GMT 0)
Hi Fatherjohn:

I'm sorry that the day was not a good one - I will look for the post as to what caused it when you feel up to it.  I'm assuming since you did post that they did not keep you overnight which I think stinks.  None of us like to be in the hospital, but these days, it seems as though they have no regard for how difficult it will be for you at home with no options other than to go to the ER if you are experiencing a lot of pain or any kind of complications. 

You asked where my generator is implanted.  I have actually had it moved twice - originally it was just above my right buttock, but I go through batteries very quickly (anywhere from 2 - 11 months, rather than the 5 - 7 years they say), so after several battery changes they decided they couldn't keep cutting that same spot open anymore so they moved it just to the left of my spine in my mid-back, at the time I was dealing with that MRSA (anti-biotic resistant staph), and that area became horribly infected with it and the unit actually burned an impression of the unit on the inside of my skin.  The whole unit had to be completely removed until I wasMRSA free for 6 months, and when it was reimplanted, they put it to the right of my spine in my mid-back.  The original spot was the best out of the three.  Easy to reach, and it didn't get in the way of anything.  The current spot is very hard for me to reach because I can not twist much at all, so somewhere down the road, when I'm due for a battery change, I think I may ask him to move it to my stomach if possible.  I'm not sure if they can because I have an intrathecal pump and a gastric pacemaker which is actually the same exact device as the SCS, it is just implanted in my stomach. 

A few years ago, my stomach completely shut down as a result of the narcotic pain meds.  When I would eat, the food would sit in my stomach for days and rot, and I would start vomitting and could not stop.  For a year I was so ill and no one could figure out what was wrong with me.  Finally, someone did and after research on the internet, she found a doctor that does this procedure of implanting the unit in the stomach and it stimulates my stomach to work.  I wish I got as much relief from the SCS as I do from the gastric pacemaker.

Anyway, I don't know if all three can be in my stomach, because they may interfere with one another.

Enough about me, I'm sorry for going on about myself.  I hope the implant is in and that you will be on your way to some relief.  I'm sorry your doctor is being so difficult.  I tried really hard to keep on working too after my injury.  I did so for 4 1/2 years and if I could have kept going I would have.  I absolutely loved my job.  I was a teacher in correctional facility.

Take care,

Lorie

Posted 6/9/2009 5:41 AM (GMT 0)
I can't post much as they did send me home with nothing for pain. Asyou can imagine it is overwhelming. The PMS is refusing to do anything with meds.

Posted 6/9/2009 1:29 PM (GMT 0)

FatherJohn,

How awful, can you call your PMD for help?  When I had knee replacement a few years ago, the Ortho surgeon would not give me anything but Darvocet....after being on Percocet this was like taking a placebo...not only did I go through withdrawal but the pain was unbearable.  I ended up calling my PMD who was in shock over this situation.  The Ortho asked why I would need pain medication if I had a Cervical Fusion...in his experience I was fixed.????? DUH!

I am so sorry this is happening to you....

(((((((((((((((((((((((((((FJ)))))))))))))))))))))

XXOO
Patti

Posted 6/9/2009 5:05 PM (GMT 0)
Fatherjohn,

I hope you are doing ok. Did you call the md about the pain? You are in my prayers.

cshelp
Posted 6/9/2009 5:34 PM (GMT 0)
it is my pms that won't allow pain meds. he will only give me 5mg of methadone 3 times a day. he said he is making a referral to a pain psych. i don't know what he problem is. when i can move i will be his problem

Dani, thanks for the card. it was great.


Post Edited (fatherjohn) : 6/9/2009 11:51:11 AM (GMT-6)

Posted 6/9/2009 6:30 PM (GMT 0)
Awe FatherJohn, wanted to says you'll be in my thoughts and prayers and
of course lots and lots of soft HUGZ...sure wish I could help you out more...
Sure hope you can get a low pain day soon...
more soft hugz
((((((((((((((((((((((((FatherJohn)))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))
Posted 6/9/2009 7:59 PM (GMT 0)

I might make it. I was not sure when I tried to sleep last night. I just got up and walked around the house a bit. I really don't want to be whiney, sniffling, moaning baby so I'll watch what I say. Everything was mixed up at the hospital. I guess I was not supposed to shave my back as they were going to cancel as they did not want the liability of me getting an infection because I used a razor. I told the nurse I used an electric razor. She told a small lie. She changed it from I shaved the day before to I shaved 4 days ago.

Then came the anesthesiaologist. He asked me what meds I took the night before. So I told him including the 15 mg of methadone. He blew a gasket. How could I take 15 mg when I am supposed to take 5 three times a day. Simple I said, my PMS oked it. Then I mentioned to him that I was t be awake for part of the surgery as the had to make sure the paddlers were positioned right. At this he said that was not in the orders and he left. He asked in an outside voice where the surgeon was. He was late so people were not happy. After the surgery, my pms told me he was questioned by the anesthesioligist if he knew how to prescribe methadone. I did not take their pain shots in recovery as my bladder does not want to work and you can't go home until you fill the little bottle. Latter the PMS came in and he knew I was not using the pain meds so I could pee (the surgeon know I have this problem so he had extra liquids pushed through the IV). I asked if he was going to write a script so I could deal with the pain at home. That is when he told me he was not going to give me anything and was going to refer me to a pain psych. The nurse and my wife both about fell over. After he left, the nurse told me to find a new doctor. The surgeon knew from last surgery that the bladder was an issue so he tried to help. I had 4 caths put in and taken out in 4 days last surgery and ended up extending my bladder almost the size of a 2 liter bottle. They were afraid I would have to use a cath for the rest of my life.

After the PMS left, and I filled enough of the bottle I was readt to leave as I was hurting and upset. They checked my blood pressure and we had a problem. They waited a short time and it was too high so the would not dismiss me. The nurse did not want to call the pms so she checked the chart and the surgeon gave orders for post op and the nurse said it was stretching it but she would give me a nice shot to handle the pain and hopefully bring the bp down. After an hour the bp was down enough to dismiss me. I finally made it home and I have to go see the PMS next Monday. I don't think I will take my wife as she was not a happy camper. When they were trying to get my bp down, she looked at me and said think about your happy plkace (in a joking voice) I told her at that point one did not exist.  I know I don't have reason to be that upset and I will keep watching cooking shows untill I find my happy place.

Posted 6/9/2009 8:50 PM (GMT 0)
Fatherjohn,
I am wishing I could reach out and hug you. I'm crying for us both today. I don't even have the strength to type much but we'll be comparing notes later. I suspect not for a few days. I am feeling worse on my second day and I think I have too many meds in me. It's all about these people not knowing what to do with a CPP. And YOURS was a procedure for a CPP.

I sending you healing thoughts. Too woozy to type much more. Back to bed for me. Cooking shows for you.

hugs,
PaLady
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