I am definitely going to wait until my next appointment to discuss the taper with him. I could probably handle 25 steps while I'm out for Winter Break, however, I would like to enjoy some of the time...
Hey, SE :-) I used to post under "SicNTiredOfBnSicNTired" but changed since that was just awful for people to type! (if that helps remind you of my health issues). Your suggestion is pretty much what...
I've been on Fentanyl patches for (at least) 3, maybe 4 years now. Things just aren't getting any better so PM doc is working with me & my meds to try and help me. I should say here, that along with...
Hee Hee I agree, hence the reason I never actually "signed off" :-P JB <----- def much easier!...
I used to be SicNTiredOfB'nSicNTired... While the name fits extremely well, I just felt like I needed to change in hopes of being identified easier. Names are hard to secure here, many I try are...
Excellent post, Retired Mom, and I happen to agree 100%! If I had one complaint, it is that I don't have enough time to spend here and get to know everyone even better. That said, I know that I can...
Just to refresh - My PM had suggested RFA, as well as referred me to a neurosurgeon. Surgeon said that yes, I am a candidate for fusion (said he would do two levels, C5-6 & C6-7), however, as my MRI...
Oh, how I wish I had anything to offer. I am a teacher in a high school about the same size (of students, have no idea about sq ft!). With the exception of a few details, I can literally say "I feel...
Hubs and I "laid like broccoli" all weekend. Kids were at their Dad's, and with the exception of Homecoming on Friday night where my oldest played with the High School Band (she's in 8th grade), we...
I'm so sorry that relief was not to be today, David. I hope the tests are conclusive and that whatever is wrong is the least invasive (as least invasive as major surgery *can* be), with the easiest...
How wonderful that your PM doc is so caring. I lucked out and got a good one on my first time. I was very nieve when it came to PM, and the more I read, I am so grateful for my doc... It seems all to...
Ouch! Hate that it involved an ER trip but glad you were seen and are getting more relief! So... Just the weekend to get through (easier said than done, eh?) then, hopefully more relief is in sight!...
I'm lucky too, Shell, in that I teach High School kids. I visited my youngest's third grade class last year and was completely worn out after 10 minutes... And that was just watching them all!! The...
Excellent question, Betsey! And yes, thank you for asking it. For me, I don't know if it is diminished drive, although I'm not "in the mood" near as much as I used to be, as it is that the meds,...
As I've mentioned, I am the primary bread winner and my husband, very recently, lost his one night per week job which is really gonna hurt! I teach, so fortunately, I have summers off. However, we...
Quiet weekend, kids were at their Dad's so hubby and I stayed home and did absolutely nothing! So far, I haven't noticed any difference from the patch increase. I'm thinking that instead of taking...
Hi, Ashley :-) I hate to see you young 'uns around here. Don't get me wrong, this group is one of the warmest, welcoming groups around and I know you'll feel the warmth, as I have. I just think it's...
First of all, Matt, no offense taken... Ever! I totally want people to shoot straight with me, always! Sometimes (this isn't one of them), the truth hurts, but honestly, I didn't come here for people...
Yes, very important questions, indeed. I was wondering the same things myself. The surgeon didn't seem too impressed with PM in general. Thank you, Matt, for pointing out that these questions are...
Not Kaely, but my English husband says it's just Toffee. He laughed at me when we were first married, when I would say "English muffins", although, I don't think they actually have those :-P His...
Hi, Matt. I'm so sorry that you are feeling so bad. I've sat here, after reading your post, and written out several replies... And deleted them all. I honestly don't know what to say, other than I'm...
I have recruited my kids in my quests for pain relief. Often, I'll have them "hit" my back. Might not make much sense, but it's kinda those times where it "hurts so good", if you know what I mean....
My apologies for taking *way* more than my fair share from this board. I am facing having to make the decision of whether or not to have surgery (to fuse C5-6 and C6-7). While either waiting to...
Wow! Very informative! I've heard that with the RFA the surgeon has to stimulate the nerve before burning it to be sure that he or she has the correct one, that this causes a lot of pain, much like a...
First of all, thank you ALL so much for sharing your stories! I can't tell you how much I appreciate you obliging me by opening up to me with what must be some fairly traumatic parts of some of your...
Thank you both for taking the time to reply. This is exactly what I need... The more information I can get, the better. I realize there will be certainly two schools of thought (do it / don't do it),...
Today was my consult with the neurosurgeon to see *if* I'm fixable and if so, how? First of all, he explained that my films don't look horrible. Yes, I have big bulges at C5-6 and C6-7 in addition to...
Hi, Matt :-) Wonderful news that you busted that joint! Glad to hear that you are out and ready to begin the road to recovery. Hate to hear that you have the possible biopsy in your future... Fingers...
Welcome, Leslie! I totally get how you describe us as "suffering in silence". I often feel like that is the only thing that ever comes out of my mouth, especially at home, but more lately, at work,...
Thinking of you... xx...
Thanks to you both for your kind replies! Lots of very helpful information, Retired Mom... I plan on doing some investigating to see what might be available in or around our town. Will start the...
The short version - increase patch strength and wait to see what neurosurgeon says on Wednesday. Full kit-n-kaboodle: I arrived in tears because that was the longest car journey I have driven since...
First soccer game for my son was Saturday morning (unfortunately, they didn't get the *W*). Rest of the weekend was spent in bed / hanging with the kids and dreading Monday :-( I had my PM appt today...
Wonderful to hear from you, Matt! So sorry that you have been undermedicated and pneumonia, to boot! Jeez. Ditto what Splashdancer said :-P Hope your doc is able to sort that staff out and get you...
Thanks for the welcome, Lynnzack! I'm glad you, too, have found a place to discuss your CP, just sorry that any of us have to even be here. Hope I didn't offend anyone... My reasons for not posting...
Welcome! I, too, am a newbie :-) I have neck / shoulder / back problems stemming from disc herniations in my C-spine. Have been a chronic pain patient for almost six years. I, too, use Fentanyl...
Wonderful news!! :yeah: Truly hope you find answers soon and can get back on track to feeling better....
I'm with Sandi! Anxiously awaiting, but it pales in comparison... So glad to see you with such a positive mind and heart, David. I meant it when I said I could learn a lot from you :-)...
I am so sorry you have to go through this. You all are in my thoughts. Please, please don't forget to take care of yourself. Take care xx...
Thank you so much, White Beard, for your welcome and concern. I had no idea how very serious my symptoms are. Of course, I know that I am getting worse, but I had no idea of the seriousness. I have...
Well, the kids had the weekend at their Dad's, so it was (thankfully) very quiet around here. I sure miss them when they are gone, but I just remember that they always come home! So, since F1...
Thinking of you......
Sending well wishes from here, too. You have already been such a support to me, I only hope to offer the same in return! Good luck! :-)...
Thanks for the welcome, David! I must admit that, while lurking, I have followed your posts with a very heavy heart. Seems like such an unfair hand you have been dealt, although, you sound as if you...
Hi, Chartreux :-) Thank you for the suggestions! I feel permanently attached to my heating pad, in fact, just before getting my last injection, my doctor informed me that I need to back off, as I am...
Wonderful! I have seen those topics and will definitely look forward to them in future :-) Thanks for the cc&p ;-)...
Hey, SE! No worries at all! I have complete mush-for-brains and am constantly forgetting things. I can't function at work without a zillion Post-its, to the point my students bring me sticky notes...
I have lurked for a couple of months and posted a few weeks ago with a question about short & long term disability. I included a lot of info about myself in that post, but thought I'd grab the...
Also, when I wore it on my upper arm, I would just wrap an ACE bandage around it to keep it on. I really had a problem keeping it on there, so I moved it to my hip, very high up, just below my waist....
Unfortunately, I can't offer you any help, only sympathy. I am just beginning my "should I work? What am I allowed?" trek. While reading your story, I def feel the hit and can empathize. Will your HR...