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Posted 6/13/2009 6:51 PM (GMT 0)
I thought I would post a quick update since many were so supportive after my pain of a pain dr. did his dirty deal. The surgery pain has of course sumbsided and the back is feeling much better. I can now feel the regular foot and leg pain which is a nice change but I know that will grow old again quickly. My SCS is on but very limited as they only programed 1 setting while I was in surgery and I have heard from the Rep. only once, the day after surgery(Tues). I was to hear from the PMS office as to when I was to go in on Mon. to have the staples out but never received the call. I had to go into the office on Friday and I was so involved in counseling students that I forgot to make time to call in to see if they forgot to call me on purpose or they just forgot. I removed the bandages and actually was able to get a little sleep last night with the incisions uncovered. (That was the discharge orders, to remove the bandages after 3 days).  I was called out at 1 in the morning as we had a fire alarm and did not get back to bed until 4, at least no fire. I told my daughter I would go out and watch her ride as she in in an all day event with her horse. I will see how long I can manage and then come home and do the rest thing. Hope a relaxing day finds all of you and the pain is on the low side.   
Posted 6/13/2009 7:25 PM (GMT 0)
Fatherjohn,
I was wondering how you were doing. I was going to pull up the other thread but noticed it was getting long (a tribute to you, my friend!) and had thought about starting a new thread. I'm glad you did.

I am glad to hear the surgery pain is subsiding, and hopefully once you get more programs on the SCS you'll be able to get even more relief. I guess I think of this as similar to the options on my external stim unit (only 4) and I know I constantly play around with them. But I think your SCS has way more options and is more powerful, though I don't know firsthand.

You know I've found having a Monday appointment is good in some ways, but problematic in that when we're supposed to get a call on the "day before" which is this Friday, is often doesn't happen. I always mark these things in big red letters in my calendar book (yea, I still do mine by hand!) so I remember to call on Friday. Otherwise I'm stuck wondering what's up for Monday. I guess all you can do is call them first thing Monday morning and if they try to put you off say they failed to call you on Friday. It was still their responsibility. I just hope you can get some programs and get some relief.

And I sure hope you're not overdoing it. I'll leave it at that! :-)

Hugs,

PaLady
Posted 6/13/2009 8:02 PM (GMT 0)

Father John,

I am so relieved to read that the post op pain is finally subsiding. You had me whinching just reading what you were going through. I can't begin to understand what your PM was thinking when it came to discharging you with no pain meds? Is he out of his mind? Is he one of those PM's who think that you won't need the methadone once you are healed from this scs implant? I sure hope not.
It does seem like something has wigged him out, what exactly, I am not sure.

Anyway, I am glad that  you are feeling a little better. I will hope that you get some more options with your pain control settings and soon so that you can find out what this scs can do for you and what it can not.

Best wishes to you,
Sandi

Posted 6/13/2009 10:57 PM (GMT 0)

FJ,

I am way behind here and I just finished reading the 3 page post on your surgey and I am at a complete and total loss as to what in the hell the PM guy was thinking. I do know one thing I would do just as you are and kick his *** to the curb. You are right, thinking back to the MRI and such, this guy has it in for you for some reason and he intends on doing nothing but dealing you lots of grief as long as you are his patient. End of story.

Now if I read correctly this new one you contacted only does epidurals? If this is correct then he is not the one you need either. He is not going to give pain meds, he only wants to do procedures and I think you have had enough of that crap. Remember there are some PM drs that do procedures only and no meds of any kind, not even Tylenol.

Its imperative that you have a pain mgt dr that will address your need for  proper pain medication. As one of our folks said, the SCS does not work alone, you still need medication. I have a pain pump that gives me meds around the clock, I still have oral meds for BT pain-come on give me a break.

But the real deal breaker here is the nurse. When a nurse in a hospital setting or a drs office tells you to find anothe dr, listen to her or him. They know whats ging on and its not good by a long shot. I am not going to go into a long drawn out note on what an idiot this guy is, you have had enough of that. What I am going to say is this-get the hell out from under his care. In fact, I am hoping you got some medication from your PCP by now. Hugs, Susie

Posted 6/13/2009 11:49 PM (GMT 0)

PAlady, Sandi and Susie, I am trying not to over do it but things like last night happen and I wanted to see my daughter, or better put, I wanted her to see me. She would understand if I did not go out but at the same time, it speaks volumes to her when I am able to make one of her events. She came home with a load of ribbons and did extremely well.

As far as Monday goes, I will call and if I can't get in I will call my NS who did the surgery and have his nurse remove the staples. My plan is to dump the PMS and try to return to my PCP and see if he will help until I can find a new option. I am goint to propose that he allows me to work with the rep for my SCS and then get some percs or lortabs for break through. He had me on them befiore and this will be a big help. If he has another suggestion I will be all ears. He knows me and we have a very good relationship. He is well aware of my job and is a supporter of the people I work with. I will continue to see if I can find another PMS that will work with my ins. but the PMS is well respected in the area and if he can go to bat for me I hope to have a new pms soon. I could not go to him as he also signed off on my contract and I did not want to put him in a difficult situation pitted against the PMS. I will say that sometimes you have to do what you have to do. I will not misuse my medications and I will never take meds that are not prescribed to me. Some people say integrity is what you do when no one is watching. I teach that it is who you are and what you do all the time. If no one else knows, you do and that should be enough.

I have been invited to speak at a church tomorrow (happens 2 to 3 weeks per month) and present the program we have to recovering addicts. I will take several of my students who will tell their stories. I do this in settings with civic groups, community leaders etc. so I will rest the remainder of the day. Hope your day is going well. Blessings!

Posted 6/14/2009 12:22 AM (GMT 0)
:-)  

 

  Dear fatherjohn,

 

     I am glad that you are healing, even if it is slowly. Gosh, I dont know why.. but so many folks here have well... rather poor doctors. shakehead   I find myself wondering how on earth these guys stay in pratice so long?? Dealing with human lives. Souls. Just *grrr*. How can one man, expect another man.. to endure through such things? Without a moments pause? Well.. ims ure youve had enough and my asking rhetorical questions. Sorry.

 

 

Better things! You daughter sounds like one amazing gal! What all did she win? And did you ever find out who or why the fire alarm had gone off?

 

*huggs*

dani

Posted 6/14/2009 2:55 AM (GMT 0)
Dani, Thanks for checking in. My daughter was part of 4H groups, saddle clubs etc and the day is one of three that they will do over the next 4 months with the county and state fair included. She was riding different trail courses, barrels and poles etc. She took 2 firsts, a second and 3 thirds. Her horse did great and it shows that she has done alot of work with her. The horse is an 8 year old mare that was not treated right and my daughter has retrained it and in three years has made her a different horse. She has made the state team so a busy summer. is ahead for us. I am glad she is 118 and has her own car and gets where she needs to very well.

The fire alarm is apparently a unit on one of our dorm floors sending a false signal so I had to silence the alram and post a fire watch until I can get a tech out Monday. The syetem is a real pain at times and I am the one who always gets called and it seems to happen at night. I took a Lunesta at 8pm last night and finally dozed off at 1pm. I was called at 1:30 and was not fully awake so my son who just got back from Army boot camp last night drove me in so I could take care of things last night.  

I have made the decision to get rid of the doctor so I will call and see if they want to remove the staples and then end the relationship. Hope you are enjoying the weekend.  

Posted 6/14/2009 3:30 AM (GMT 0)
Hi, I'm happy things are better.
Posted 6/14/2009 3:37 AM (GMT 0)
shocked  

:-)  6?! WHOA! That is awesome :-)

 

 

Did it cost alot to put her in 4H? Did you need to pay for alot of equipment? Saddles etc? My youngest daughter has shown a continual intrest in animals and we have discussed the possibility of a program like 4H for when she is of age.  My oldest has an increadible fascination with rocks in all their forms.. That one has proven a little easier to encourage. You woudlnt believe all the places we have gone to search for rocks in all their forms! I dont know how..... but some how they both just had very specific and differant likes, dislikes from the moment they were born. I feel it is important to help facilitate their intrests the best I can.

 

I sure hope it doesnt cost you an arm and a leg to fix your emergency system. It sounds like the dorms have a big system in place, but I just cant imagine that would be very cheap to fix. smhair Im glad that someone was able to keep an eye one things thou. *pew* small blessings.

 

 Technically my weekend starts tomorrow. Im itchin to find some fun with the girls. My mind is filled as of late with thoughts of all these test and my dental re construction.... so, less time spent thinking about it all the better. Enjoy my last day before those guys start poking and prodding and plotting medical bills..

I was sitting here and had this thought of you going in saying "Your all fired. Now get over here take these staples out." with a stern face. *scrambling medical staff*  

*warmest huggs*

dani

Posted 6/14/2009 3:59 AM (GMT 0)
Hi Fatherjohn,

I am so happy to hear that you are feeling better & recovering from the surgery!! I hope you enjoyed your daughter's show & it wasn't too painful for you! I can imagine that you are still pretty tender, to say the least! And I'm glad to hear that you are planning on switching docs! This guy has got to go! What a jerk!

Skeye
Posted 6/14/2009 4:26 AM (GMT 0)
Good to hear from you John!! And you must be so very proud of your daughter. IMHO, groups like 4-H and FFA are tops for kids to be involved in. They learn not only about their particular project but the basics of being responsible and how to live day to day. They learn that your community matters and to respect those others. Plus having her to focus on must help take your mind off the pain...I hope!

Chutzie
Posted 6/14/2009 5:00 AM (GMT 0)

Dani, it does not cost that much to join a club like 4H but I can tell you that horses can be expensive. They say that boats are holes in the water you throw money into. Some consider horses hole in the pasture you throw money into. To start out, you can even lease a horse and sometimes they will throw in the tack and saddle. My daughter bought her horse but could not afford alot. She found a horse that someone had mistreated and had been sent to the auction. A lady bought the horse at the auction but then decided that she did not want to train her. My daughter bought the mare from her very cheap (horse at the auction can be very cheap but not worth the money). When we looked for a place to board the horse, the place we decided on was close to where we live and then we found out that they were the people who owned the horse when it was born. They were so happy to have the horse back with them that they have done many extra things for our daughter.

Skeye & Chutz, standing out there today made for a long day but as I figured, if I can force myself to work, I can make a little sacrifice for my daughter. I think I have stated before she is 18 and has never been on a date. She has been asked out she just says she is not interested in dating. That makes me a proud papa. My daughter was either in a private school or home schooled alll the way from 1st grade to high school. 4H has been good for her and she has excelled and they have asked her to come back next year as a leader.

It is funny as she is talking of going to college this fall. My midddle son is also looking at going to college and has been playing basketball with the coach from the college and is hoping to get a scholarship. My oldest son is just home from boot camp and will find out this next week if he is being deployed or possible will be stationed right here since his unit is already in Iraq. If he stays here, he is thinking of college. I am not sure a school can handle all three of them.

Posted 6/14/2009 5:18 AM (GMT 0)
shocked  

 Im glad I braved asking you, rather than looking silly at the school. I think I will have to find another way to facilitate her intrests :-)   I wish we were able to send our daughters to private school, but they are far to costly, even with assistance programs. It is fantastic you were able to homeschool and privte school for your daughter. You must be so proud.  :-)  

*hugg*

dani 

Posted 6/14/2009 6:16 AM (GMT 0)
Dani, We did not think we could afford it either, after I was injured as a law enforcement officer and Work Comp allowed me to return to work as a pastor of a small chuch money was tight. The private school needed someone to teach their math classes. I did not even take math in college as I was given credit for my military schools and the University I attended used thos as math credits. I taught myself math as I taught our oldest son at home. So the church allowed me to teach classes since they could not pay me much. The school allowed me to have my daughter attend school in exchange for teaching math classes. Our math team won awards at state compitions for small schools. We had some amazing students and I taught the way I learned. I ran into a family from the school (that was 6 years ago I taught) and their son is in a physics program at the state university and remembers me as his favorite teacher. Please don't think I am bragging as I am not that important, I just look for opportunities and seek to help others. I could have quit and given up on life after I was injured 11 years ago but I realized there was way to much to do.
Posted 6/14/2009 6:19 AM (GMT 0)
Hi Fatherjohn:

I have not been doing to well as of late, so I have gotten very behind on reading everyone's posts, but I have been thinking about you and PaLady often, so I went back and read your original thread that covered what happened immediately following your surgery, and I am just appalled at how you were treated.  I am so sorry!!!

I'm very happy to hear that you are ending your "relationship" with him, but what he did is absoultely inexcuseable.  As I told you previously, my doctor admitted me for one night, but I wound up staying for two because of the pain I was in. 

I'm so glad that you are doing a little better, and I will "talk" to you more at another time as it is very late.

Lorie

Posted 6/14/2009 6:35 AM (GMT 0)
Lorie, Thanks. It was an ordeal that I would not want to go through again and I am glad I am on this side of it. Hope you get some sleep tonight. Please post when you have time and are feeling better. Would like to hear what is going on in your life.

Posted 6/14/2009 8:31 AM (GMT 0)
Fatherjohn,
I see I'm not the only one up walking the floors! Saw you onine so I just thought I'd say hello.

Must be the lunesta isn't helping you much toinght. You still need to work on the sleeping issue, I gather. I hope you find a solution soon.

Wishing you some sweet dreams....even one or two for starters.

Hugs,

PaLady
p.s. Congratulations to your daughter! I wish our local 4H would have had horses as a choice for us girls when I was young. I was never very good at the sewing thing! rolleyes
Posted 6/14/2009 9:02 AM (GMT 0)

Well there are few of us still up, its almost 4:00am here. I just do not know how to turn this day/night thing around. Its just absolutely wearing me out because I am not a daytime sleeper. No wonder I stay tired.

FJ glad to hear you are feeling somewhat a little better, it shows in your posts. But again, you just had surgery so please remember that and take it easy. What did the rep have to say about activities post-op? Sure would hate to see something move around back there that shouldn't because of too much activity. It will take some time for inside stuff to heal up you know. 

I am so glad you are kicking that jerk to the curb. I think your PCP would be apalled at how the PM dr behaved during this surgery process. That may be the very reason he will be willing to help you out until you can get in with a new one. At some point down the line I think I would consider filing a complaint on him simply because he is extremely unqualified to be treating people as patients. Give him a little grief back. I know you are not one to stir the pot, but I have to wonder how he handles his other patients, I am guessing not very well.

Keep us posted on how you are getting along and remember you just had surgery. Susie

Posted 6/14/2009 9:57 AM (GMT 0)
PAlady & Susie, I lost my computer for awhile. My son who just returned home from Boot Camp went out with friends to watch a movie and when he returned, I was on the couch as it is going to be one of them sleepless nights. He confiscated my computer to look at things and he just gave it back. Kids these days. Don't they know they should be in bed? I am sure that part of my problem tonight is being out at the horse show today (yesterday) and then I cooked dinner for my family which was more standing then I should have. I am running the SCS tonight and with it on I won't sleep but the pain is not bad either.

The Rep did not say much as they have not seen me since surgery. I am surprised they have only called once but they may be just waiting for the PMS to set a time. I will call them on Monday as well. I don't know about you two but I spend time reflecting while awake on nights like this. Helps pass the time since there are no cooking shows on and the ones that do show up are all leftovers (reruns). I hope you don't get this messgae til morning.

Posted 6/14/2009 10:10 PM (GMT 0)
Late night crew, There were a few of us up late last night which is not good. I managed to get about 2 hours before I had to leave to speak at a church. Now I am home and have confined myself to bed. It only takes one day to set us back. Susie, you mentioned that it had not been a wek yet and to watch doing too much. Ok, so I did too much. How many of us have either felt better and did more than we should or out of obligation did something we knew we would pay the price for. Sometimes we have to wait and see if the price we pay was worth it. In my case, I would not change spending time with my daughter yesterday so I can't complain today. I would say that I am not looking forward to a long night tonight and if I do, I hope the rest of the crew is able to bypass the late hours. But knowing the cruelty of CP, there will always be a few that are enduring the late hours. Hope your Sunday is relaxing and peaceful.

Posted 6/15/2009 5:24 AM (GMT 0)
FJ I do not blame you a bit for going to see your daughter at her event. At least that activity was a pleasant one no doubt and probably was the best medicine for the moment. But you are also doing alot of other things, I just know many times over doing costs us in the long run and can have negative affects. I guess its keeping the whole surgery and healing process in a proper perspective. We all do many things that we look back on later and think, what was I thinking? I managed to shut my brain off at 6:00am this morning, just as I was ready to doze off one of the dogs saw it was getting daylight and her alarm went off, So, by 7:00 I was back up for the day. I am trying to figure out how to get back to a normal sleep routine, mainly sleeping in a bed at night not sitting in a chair catnapping lol. Too old for that crap and its hard on the body. I had a terrrific day, grandson is back from vacation and we all met at my daughters today for a cookout and swimming. Tx is having an early heat wave and a swimming pool is a must if you are going to be outside. It makes me cringe to think what July and August will be like.Again, good luck with your calls tomorrow for the search for a new PM dr. Susie
Posted 6/16/2009 4:34 AM (GMT 0)
Hi Fatherjohn,

I just spent the last hour throwing up from pain (what fun and my doc is out of the country for 2 wks), but I didn't want to go off to bed before checking on how you are doing (and now that there is nothing left in my stomach, it should be "safe" to try to read again, and I don't think I'll be sleeping anytime soon sad)! I haven't been around much over the past few days, but I've been thinking about you & praying for you a lot! I still just cannot believe what that "doctor" did to you! I sure hope that your PCP agrees to take you on as a CP patient again! Then you can give that awful PMS a piece of your mind (although I suppose it is best not to burn your bridges, but still, what he did to you... that's just about unforgivable in my book)! Were you able to get your staples out today? I hope you are continuing to heal & feel better! Hopefully you are able to get in touch with the SCS rep soon & add some more programs to your SCS! Don't work too hard!

lots of hugs,
Skeye

Dani - Buying the horse is by far the cheapest part of the deal. Then you have to think about board (unless you have your own place, and board, at least where I live is ridiculously expensive - around $500/month, and that is bare minimum board - usually for 24 hr turnout, not even a stall, or exercise!), then feed, vet bills, farrier bills, tack & other supplies, fees for training or lessons, etc, etc, etc. It can be very expensive! If your daughter is really interested in horses, the best thing to do is find a local barn that gives lessons & start there. Around here, lessons usually run around $45 for 1/2 hr private lesson, or $30 for 1 hr group or semi-private lesson. Leasing a horse is less expensive than buying, but can still be quite pricey (depends on the quality of the horse, what you will be using the horse for, & the terms of the lease). I think lessons are definitely the way to go at first. If she really likes it & is old enough, then she can probably help out at the barn & maybe even get free riding time, or find a special horse that she gets attached to. So don't rule it out completely. Maybe not owning, but there are other ways!
Posted 6/16/2009 4:51 AM (GMT 0)

Skeye, Thanks for thinking of me. It was a loooong day. So many issues to deal with at work. I called my PMS this morning and they called me bacl and could not get me in until tomorrow. The SCS Rep. will join us at that time. I called my PCP this morning as well. They called me back and of course the red flags were up. I explained several things to the nurse who stated she would call me back. Then I would explain more and she would call me back. The end result, thye will get me in on Wed. as we evaluate what the options are. They were very nice about it. I can imagine that my PCP was trying to understand why I would be ditching a PMS when I have no other PMS options. He knows me as a someone who does not complain much and I have endured much pain for years and I do not make demands. So I am sure he sees this as out of character. While all this was unfolding my son and daughter were on the freeway and blew the engine on her car. Oh well, these things keep life from being dull.

Sorry to hear that you are not feeling well. Please take care of yourself. I will keep you in my prayers. Sleep does not feel like it is hanging around at this point so I might catch up with you later. (You are right, the horse is the cheapest part)

Posted 6/16/2009 6:33 AM (GMT 0)
Fatherjohn,
I hope things start running smoother tomorrow (no pun intended) once your see your PMS & the rep. I can well imagine your PCP's office staff getting bits and pieces confused in the translation, as well your PCP not understanding what REALLY happened to you.

I just wish for you some relief and some respit from the pain. You have more than earned it!

PaLady
Posted 6/16/2009 2:56 PM (GMT 0)
Congratulations to your daughter Father John! She did incredibly well. Her hard work and dedication shone through in the work that her horse was willing to do during the show.
I love horses, have since I was a child, in fact, I used to earn my riding time by working at the local horse stable. Those memories are some of the most pleasant ones that I have from my childhood.
I've tried to pass along the love of horses and animals in general to our children and they all love to ride when they can.
Anyway, I am glad that you are going to dump that sorry excuse for a PM. I am appalled that he treats his patients that way. I have read too many times of people getting the scs put in , only to find out that their PM now believes that any oral pain meds are not needed once it is in.
We should be told these things before the implant and trial for that matter. I've also read that some doctors are telling patients that scs covers back pain as well as the nerve pain, which to my knowledge may happen at times due to the positioning of the leads, however that is not what the companies are saying is a reason to implant them.
I have opted not to go the scs route, for many reasons, at least for now, but I hate to see people like you, who believe that it might be a good addition to your pain regimine, only to find that they are treated much differently than they were before they underwent the testing and implants.
I hope for a low pain day for you today and one that you can relax a bit and get some much needed rest in.
Sandi
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