On to Program 2

This week I am trying to be more organized about my St. Jude Neurostimulator.  I spent a few days using only program 1.  I have a tendency to move the levels up and down often, because they feel "drill-y" to me.  But I left it set at 3 hash marks and adjusted my position to change how it felt and how it helped.  I have had a lot of right leg pain this week, and program 1 was effective in helping the pain.  What fascinates me is that I forget about the "buzzing" until a pain hits, I then change my position to feel the buzzing stronger, and the pain goes away.  I think because I tend to "schlump" when I get comfortable, it isn't that I forget about the buzzing, it is that my position is preventing feeling it.  I have become comfortable with program 1, and while it would be very easy to continue, it would not make for effective experimentation.  Since I want several programs available, I believe I have to know what each does.

This morning I switched to program 2.  One major difference in this program is that in addition to the "volume" adjustment, I can control the intensity on each leg.   However, these settings can not be permanently changed by me.  Once the device is shut off, the intensity settings are lost.  Not a huge problem, since I can study the settings and/or write them down, then reproduce them.  On this setting I can feel buzzing in my left leg a little more than with program 1.  Additionally, this program feels more "tingle-y" than "buzz-y"! 

During the process of evaluating program 1, I was mildly active.  I walked to the corner of my cul-de-sac and back, but not the circle part.  I also did some shopping, but I have not driven.  Since switching to program 2 about 30 minutes ago, I did the same walk.  Feeling stronger when I walk is not a factor in evaluating the programs, I believe it is a function of healing and resting.

I have an appointment with my general doctor on Tuesday, September 24.  I have gained 12 pounds since surgery.  This isn't the first time this has happened, where I have not made any dietary (hahaha) changes and gained weight rapidly.  When I tried a different muscle relaxer after surgery, I could immediately feel my body change.  I feel like I am burning up inside.  Since I live in Arizona, feeling hot is not something new.  However, this is a feeling I have had before.  I didn't even notice when it stopped, and I lost 35 pounds, but I did notice it beginning again.  One possible cause is the Kannalog shots I had for arthritis, allergies, and Fibromyalgia.  I am beginning to wonder if this feeling is a result of having steroids in my body....... Hmmmmmm

Tired already!