It Has Been Awhile!

The last time I blogged was awhile ago.  Various crises (?)  precluded my writing.  The resulting stress was grabbed by my already challenged immune system.  From this I received a stomach bug and a low grade fever.  Since I have already vomited in 2013 - this stomach bug was medicated into submission!  Lower intestines were not included in this submission!  When this "bug" was finished I was already heavily into sinus and allergy interactions, with the resulting deep throbbing headache and plugged ears.  Going to the shooting range may or may not have made my ears worse!

Now for device type information.  I am still happily on the 1st program setting.  I ran into my St Jude rep Steve at Dr Carlson's office, while waiting for a shot in my left bursa and hip.  He was happy about my results, as is my doctor.  I am ecstatic!  My pain is so much better I asked for a lower dose of pain medication for my prescription - which I have not filled yet!  Pain comes now and then - but it has never returned to the level I suffered from prior to the Neurostimulator.  Currently, I am having pain (not suffering from) down my right buttocks and leg.  I believe I have a program that may address this area. 

Yesterday, I had an appointment with my therapist, Dr. Barry Linden.  He specifically deals with pain sufferers, and his wife has MS and is a chronic pain sufferer.  We talked at length about my desire to reduce my pain medication dose, and my body's reaction.  Since my pain has been reduced, I take the pain medication when I need it, rather than on a schedule which predicts when the worst pain is, based on experience.  My mornings have always been less painful.  That being the case, if I have taken pain medication at 10-11 PM, by the time I feel the need for another dose, it could be 12-15 hours.  There comes a point where my body begins to feel the absence of pain medication, usually 15 hours.  Which conveniently is around when I am starting to hurt, and consider taking my pain medication combination (1 rapid release 500 mg Tylenol, 2 liquid gel Advil, and 1 Percoset, and 1-2 mg of Tizanidine).  I also lie down for the first 15-20 minutes, to take pressure off my body and bones while this combo begins to work.  For now, this is what works for me.  Once I begin to feel better, I am up and around again ----- and THAT is the goal.

This month, October, I made a scrapbook for my now 8 year old granddaughter, created 75 calendar magnets (check out my other blog for pictures!) and I have gone out to dinner, and several shopping adventures.  THIS is improvement.   I failed to mention the little problem making the calendar magnets has created!  This is a PROBLEM!  Most of my craft dies are stored on magnetic pages, and I have stored my extra magnets for the calendars in the same place.  Apparently, this is too much "magnetism" for my Neurostimulator, and it was sent into a frenzy.  This started Sunday, when I went to Joann's to purchase more magnets!  Uncomfortable!  Not my former Medtronics unit uncomfortable - but slightly unpleasant!

I am philosophical about my improvement and believe that sharing my story is a way to pay forward the gift of relief that I have been given.  Throughout this adventure, I have learned the difference between pain --> suffering --> and misery.  What an adventure!

I Am Happy and Enthusiastic!

That is what a friend and fellow card maker that I haven't seen since before I had surgery told me!!!!  I saw a few friends at their garage sale -- I needed more paper, stamps, embossing powder and string!  But I really went because I missed them.

This week I have been out every day -- and I have remained dressed all day - every day, until today.  Today I am forcing myself to rest.  This isn't easy since I have a scrapbook due on the 19th, and new stuff all over my craft room.

About my St. Jude Neurostimulator, I read the printout of my settings so I know where I could go with each setting.  Program #2 is out!  I could be imagining it, but every time I use that program I have stomach issues.  I really am going to try the other programs ----- but #1 helps so much! 

Another problem I am having, I am not resting enough.  It is hard when my brain says go!  Additionally, I have been reading really good books, so once I lie down to read I want to keep reading!  This is a tough one!

Charge!!!!!!!!!!!

I haven't charged my "device" in over 3 weeks.  I learned how to monitor the battery, so I am only doing it when necessary.  I probably could have gone another week - buy why take chances!  I have been leaving it on 24/7, and find I don't wake up with leg pains during the night.  This means I don't feel the need for pain meds during the night.  I do notice, however, that the leg pains return as soon as I turn the device on.  I like to experiment!  Sometimes when going from moving around to lying down the vibration changes position and is uncomfortable.  When this happens I shut off the device and give the nerves a chance to regroup -- at least until the pain starts.  I am becoming quite the woosie! 

How has having this device changed my life so far?  I do more.  I can be up and sitting in a chair for longer times.  Which means I can craft, or visit, or read sitting up.  I have gone to several stores that do not have carts and have been able to walk around, without the pain during or after.  The most important thing to me, is that  I wake up knowing that I unrelenting, mind numbing pain is not a given for the day.  I wake up believing I can manage the pain, and have some enjoyment every day.  The other thing is, I can recognize "different" pain from chronic pain.  I rest better, oh I still get up a lot during the night, but it is not as bad.  That was what I was going for - relief.  It is true that I would like ALL pain to go away, however, I am structurally unsound so it is what it is!

I am enjoying the ride!

Haven't Moved on Yet!

I still haven't changed my St Jude Neurostimulator (did I ever name it?) off of program 1.  It is very hard to make that kind of move when it gives me so much relief!  Although, some of my progress is slow, when I can participate in several shopping/walking type errands and only complain about where the device rubs ---- life is good!

So here are some names I have entertained for the above mentioned device:

George  - for those irritating times!

Let's face it I have no idea ---- and "device" seems so impersonal!

Yikes! I need to rest!

I have been busy, probably because I am feeling a lot better!  I asked the people who are around me the most, and they said I have not been complaining about pain as much!  Yahoo!  BIG win!  I have been going out shopping, and I love to shop - until the heat in the store gets to me - and then things take a bad turn.  That is about the only thing that makes the experience bad - I hate heat!

So.......a few interesting experiences with my St Jude Neurostimulator, which from now on will be referred to by her name --------I don't know yet.  Maybe I should hold a naming contest!  In the last few days I have felt electrical type shocks to nerves all over my lower regions - let's say waist down.  It is possible that nerves are waking up from previous RFA's.  Or that the lead and device are healing and developing scar tissue, and hitting some unintended nerves.  Don't know which, but I do know I need to start resting a bit more.  Also confusing is that if and when I sleep on my stomach - which is rare, I have a hard time feeling the unnamed device for awhile, even when I turn it up.  I don't shut the device off anymore, mostly because I need the relief.  I thought I would try out other programs this week.  The week isn't over yet, and I have trouble changing from what is working.

I need some more rest!