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Spinal Cord Stimulator

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khi
khi

Has anyone had a spinal cord stimulator,it has been one suggestion for my husband who is still suffering after 4 years after his first surgery, he has had a further op two years ago and is still suffering immense pain, has weakness in his leg and finds walking difficult and now needs a stick to walk with. I am hoping someone has had a spinal cord stimulator that has had similar condition as my husband because as I understand it it is only a minor op to implant.  I think the other option is fusion which I have heard horror stories about, especially as he doesn't seem to have success with major ops.  Thanks

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  • lindagkelly
    lindagkelly khi

    Posted

    Kilee,

    I am so so happy for you!  What great news! And you are cutting back on opiods already!!! It's so great to hear a success story on here.  We here so many bad stories you know? Well, I did not like the doctor that I talked to about the Nevro.  He would not answer any questions at all.  He was very abrupt and very arrogant. So I decided I don't want to see him again. Another person told me about a different doctor and she really liked him, so I'm going to try to get a referral to see him.  And he is in Phoenix which is harder for me to get to, but it would be worth it to go to a doctor that I like and have confidence in. He is a neurosurgeon.  I'll try to google him and see if he does the Nevro. 

    Well, congratulations. You're going to get your life back! Right now I am miserable with the left side of my back. I'm laying on ice.  What kicked it off and made it bad again? Going out to eat with my boyfriend. We go every Friday - the truth is - whether I want to go or not.  But, we went to Outback Steakhouse, and I had some wonderful fried shrimp and my boyfriend had a huge 22 oz steak. He eats a lot of steak - I don't eat steak.  And it was near a shoe store, and I needed some new shoes, but hard to find extra wide, and shoes that I can stand to have on my foot, but we found some, and Cecil bought me a pair.  It's a little tight across the top of my foot due to the neuropathy, but more comfortable than most shoes I have. 

    Take care.  Go forth and have fun!

    Linda

  • lindagkelly
    lindagkelly khi

    Posted

    I live in Chandler, AZ.  I lived up in Yosemite Lakes Park, just south of Yosemite National Park back in 1994. It was beautiful. We're moving to Boise, ID this fall when Cecil (my boyfriend) retires. He had 3 adult children and about 7 grandchildren there.  My two daughters and two granddaughters live in Colorado. I go to see them about 3 times a year. I was there at Christmas but had to come back 2 days early because I made the mistake of babysitting my 2 year old granddaughter for 4 days. So by Christmas, I was shot. Plus, it was just too cold in her house. I worry about going to Idaho.  I have gotten so spoiled with these beautiful winters in AZ.  It's in the low 80's right now. We're using the Air Conditioning already! We had a little cold snap in January and the first part of February, but it is beautiful now.  I always considered Colorado home, but I have been here 20 years now. I can't take the cold like I used to.  And I don't have any winter clothes!  I'm going to have to buy a bunch of sweatpants.  Cecil already bought me a really good winter jacket.

    Enjoy your Nevro.  I hope it works for you for the rest of your life!

    Linda

  • kim73487
    kim73487 khi

    Posted

    For 5 years I have been treated like a hypochondriac and drug seeker and referred to psychiatrist more time than I can count.  I was seeking help, compassion, a diagnosis and above all else, the dignity I deserved. I wanted my life back. I lost my joy, my faith, my creativity, my children's growing up and loosing my husband as fast as I type right now. I live each day with pain, suffering and poison due to opiates and failed procedures, broken promises and sadness. I have been humiliated by dr appointments, ER visits and phamisists, by peers and even "friends". 
    • cynthia70714
      cynthia70714 kim73487

      Posted

      Kim,

      I can relate to what you are saying, I've been looked at by drs in the er as a herion addict for my Dr having me on methadone which is pill form and is realized 25 years ago it helps with cronic pain, I have cried when I was judged by drs and hositle well drs who just think ppl who are on opioids are just junkie, it makes you miserable when you get put into a pain management which pretty much tells you they are giving up on you, having shots injections stimulator and you lose your life. Stay strong I also lost my child's growing up because of pain but we have talked and she is one understanding young adult, she is now 27 and married with 2 beautiful grand children, 3 and 2 I try and put a smile on my face and just go forward, don't get down we are here for you!!!

      Keep pushing forward and try to make it work with your husband even if you have to go to a therapist to talk before you lose him.

      We are here to listen and we will support and listen to anything you have to say!

      Cynthia (cindy)

    • mel77
      mel77 cynthia70714

      Posted

      Hi Cindy:

      Haven't heard from you awhile and wondering if are now OK.  I just want to say that what you been through, I as well.  I had a pain doctor which was an a**hole, pardon the term who was going to take me off all my pain meds and put me on neurontin and a trycilic drug which is generally used for depression like nortryptaline or amtryptaline or such in that class.  This doctor was absolutely adament about it.  He said point blank that he will not treat if I don't agree.  I asked him questions and refused to come back to the examining room to explain anything to me as the nurse went back 3 times to answer more questions.  The nurse said that his PA will take it from here.  I was so p*ssed off and had to make another appointment with his PA who was just as miserable as he is.  It goes hand in hand, doesn't it?  She was even worse than him.  She questioned me so much why I was on constant pain meds and tried to explain to her that my pain doctor put me on them.  Then she finds out I had 2 pain meds and I tried to tell her that I only take one of them which replaced the other.  Now she accuses me of being an addict and said you know you are breaking the law and you can be arrested.  WHAT!!  First I didn't know what to say anymore.  She momentarily left the room and upon coming back she tells me that the doctor does want you as a patient.  I was livid.  Never in my life that I have been treated that way by any medical staff.  It shook me up some and upon me walking out of the office, I turned around facing the other patients waiting for their appointments and told them that if you are seeing Dr. so and so and his PA(no real names here), you are in for a major disappointment as I have never experienced beligerant doctor and his staff how he treated me with disrespect.  With the front office staff gaping, and the faces on the other patients which I don't know if any walked out, I was more satisfied then.  I was going to report them to my insurance but for some reason time went by and I didn't.  Now, I have had lousy doctors before but like this one.  You never know what you are going to get.  Basically, it was the same type of thing you went through and I thought I would share this with you.  Meanwhile, do stay strong, do your research, try not to get down, take care of your children, yes even smile like this.  biggrin  confused  smile  and even if you feel this,  frown  there will be some better days.  I know it is hard as I have to do this as well.  In time, your husband will understand and certainly when you go to your doctor, have him come in with you so the doctor can talk to both of you.  Therapy would be great for you and your husband to get tools to work these problems out.  I know it is hard but you have to be your  own advocate like I say to everybody else here.  I listen and read what people say here and try to make feel a little bit better.  I am here doing my best to support you and others as well.  Take care, be well and let the sun shine in. 

      mel

    • lindagkelly
      lindagkelly mel77

      Posted

      Hi Mel,

      Boy,  sure sorry you were treated that way.  I went through something similar. Once I was in so much pain I could not move for 2 days. I called an ambulance. My daughter came to the hospital . I gave her the history of meds I had tried, she thought I was taking all of them right then and told the doctor who called me an addict and it was horrible!

      My computer is not typing right  Talk to you later

      Linda.

  • mel77
    mel77 khi

    Posted

    Hi Khi:

    Yes, I have a SCS and I find it didn't do me justice of what I though it would.  It does take care of my legs but my lower back, no way.  They didn't promise that but at the time my legs were hurting and sore all over.  I had to go through the trial and since it was working on my legs, I opted to get the permanent implant.  Over a year or so ago, my lower back was starting to hurt bad and every single day, I wake up stiff as a board barely getting out of bed.  The stiffness is caused by spinal stenosis and other mean stuff going on in my body.  I also have fibro and chronic tiredness.  Some days when I get on my feet, I am not steady and tend to wobble around grabbing onto things to keep my balance so I wont fall.  Just last night when in the kitchen giving my cats food, I was not steady on my feet and somewhat felt that if I dont bend down, I could fall down.  When down slowly my feet started to give way like I was  going to the floor.  I didn't though and got up and sat on the couch for an hour.  Afterwood, I was able to feed my cats.  I believe it is the peripheral neuropathy that is doing.  It's not getting any better.  As far as your husband having this pain, a general SCS may not work on thel lower back.  It did not work on mine.  There is a newer one call the Nevro and it works differently than the general SCS.  You feel no buzzing and operates at a high frequency and others posts that I have read, most really like it and then some don't.  He has to talk to his pain doctor as they are the ones that put in the trial.  When I had the permanent one, it had to be done by a neurosurgeon.  The implant is not bad and your put out in la la land anyway.  Beware, if you do go to a neurosurgeon, he or she may want to do a fusion instead as that is what they do.  Of course your husband will take the necessary CAT scans and MRI's to determinine what the damage is.  This is when you get second and even third opinions, look at the reviews and you heard right, if the surgeon did not place the paddles into the right area, then there can be adverse consequences.  I am not trying to scare both of you  but this has happened.  If he doesn't have success with major ops, and this implant is really not major unless something goes wrong, do worry about the operation itself as it is really not an operation but a procedure which take a total of 3 hours for checking in, having the nurse ask questions going over your history and meds and the prep time to go for the procedure.  Of course you will have recovery time and the representative will go over all the instructions on how to use the remote, program the unit and it is all done as an outpatient in an outpatient surgery center unless the doctor want to do it in a hospital.  By the way, the cost is quite steep so either have good medical insurances or get a discount by paying it our of your own pocket. In a way that would be better because you choose the best doctor to do it.  The overall of theprocedure for both trial and permanent cost $200,000.  I am on medicare advantage and at the time, I only paid $175 co-pay.  If I had tohave it done today, everything would be paid for and I have to chalk up 20%.  That is not for the doctors for what is charged as insurance companies will not pay that amount.  More than likely they will settle for 40 or 50% of that.  I don't how how old your husband is and if his is on social security, I hope you have not only medicare but supplement insurance as well.  Then you more than likely wouldn't have to pay for anything.  I am almost 77 years old and of course I would never think of a major surgery as fusion neck middle back or lower back.  The risks are too high.  Having it done on my neck, it is considered major and I was ICU for a day with a line put in my neck and closely monitored.  That is the critical part.  Rehab is hard, painful and you have to listen to the doctors at all costs.  I had to wear a neck brace screwed into my skull.  I wouldn't dare go out of the house unless I had to go to the doctors.  I did once go shopping for some stuff, not alone and kids would look at me as a freak.  I was bombarded with questions and adults even laughed or backed away.  I couldn't wait to go home.  It is no picnic when you cannot turn, twist, bend or anything until the brace is removed which was about 6 weeks.  So now you see what is entailed.  If on the other hand that it became a life or death situation or permanently paralyzed, then I would reconsider.  What would I have to lose.  Just think of what I mentioned and in no way am I diagnosing your husband as I am not a doctor but I can say things in general as everybody does.  All I can do is to give you both support, give you hugs if needed.  So, have a happy day.  You can talk to me anytime.  I live on this forum as I like to help people as well as helping me.

    mel

    • chelsie17844
      chelsie17844 mel77

      Posted

      Hey there Mel,

      Did you ever have a lump in your back after the implant? I have a big lump on my left side they said is my anchor but I've had it in almost a year and it is still extremely painful and a huge lump.

  • mel77
    mel77 khi

    Posted

    Hi khi:

    I just finished a rather lengthly letter and when I sent it, it took awhile to finish.  Generally, when done, I am able to see if it were sent.  If the moderator snatched it for review, then I would know about it too.  I have a feeling itwasn't sent and that is not what I want to hear.  I spend so much time here, I feel that I am married to this forum.  I know there is always a glitch here and there and that is to be expected on any computer.  The problem here is theis no save button so I just have to deal with it.  If you did not receive my letter, please let me and I will do it again but my thought on how I did it would probably vary.  That's OK, I got the time, patience and a lot of patients that I talk to.  My backlog getting so big that it would be hard for me to answer them all.  But there are others who will comment and you would never be alone.  Take care, OK.  Make sure you husband feels good and let him read what I said or when I repeat it.

    mel

  • nellycuevas777
    nellycuevas777 khi

    Posted

    Hi friend i have about 5 weeks with the permamnent stimulator and it really does control pain greatly at least a 75 % before the inplant.i truely recomand it rest fur 5 weeks really good u will have great days then if you over do it you will have very sore bad days resting a whole lot is the trick ,abd if you have a sweetheart have her give your body movement even in bed it eill help your thigh myscles and sidw back as well.i truely recommened it i had back fussion and a epidurdl started both leg sciatica againd besides orher heslth issues.but im feeling more ans more alive!!! U will do great NELLY
  • kathy07828
    kathy07828 khi

    Posted

    Hi Kilee, I've been on this site so long my tablet battery is going dead but I want to get this question in quickly. My pain Dr threw the Nevro brochure at me during my last appointment and suggested I " give it a try", so I'm anxious to gather information. I can't stand the vibrations of TEMS units so I'm glad this new device came along here in the USA. The Dr said they've been using it for about two months now and that his partner has done over 25 implants of this stimulator, with patients calling it miraculous. That doesn't seem to be the consensus on this site though. I am having difficulty keeping up with which device each person commenting has and am getting confused too, (pain meds as we all know!) I've had 8 laser spine surgeries that were unsuccessful followed by a 4 level fusion in 2013, getting worse since then as my muscles continue to contract. My fabulous physical therapist is tops in her field of dry needling followed by a laser pad treatment which has slowly been peeling away the layers of problems and after 2 years my hip has been mobilized enough to trim my own toenails. This progress is causing more pain though, as dormant muscle systems are working with each other again. Please fill me in on your experience with the Nevro. ....~kathy
    • cynthia70714
      cynthia70714 kathy07828

      Posted

      Kathy,

      Hi, I'm Cindy I had a failed fusion with a lot of leg pain and lower back, I've been like this for 20 years, got the nervo stimulator in September 2015 it was the worse experience for me, as I just went to the Drs on Thursday I failed battery is protruding out of my back and I can't walk without pain, my stimulator shut off by itself so I finally got some what of my life back instead of being in bed and crying, now he has to move my battery to my stomach side leave this unit in, and than I will be getting a new one in the future, CT scans for my failed fusion if the scoliosis, plus the failed nervo, but I'm hoping I have relief one of these days, please make the right choice and if you don't have a lot of extra skin on backside pls tell them to put in the front you don't want to go to the pain I'm going thru if I roll on my back the pain in my hips knees and back is unbelievable. But research everything. Don't be left in the dark without answers. Good luck with your decision

      Cynthia (Cindy)

  • kathy07828
    kathy07828 khi

    Posted

    Hi Cindy,

    You poor thing! You've been through a real nightmare. I read through it all, crying through much. I have so much scar tissue and adhesions in my abdomen we've been working on loosening up for 2 years , along with the muscles there that artte attached to my hips and then around to my back that I'm not putting anything there. The last thing I need is more scar tissue. I really don't think this thing is for me at all. Please read my response to Mel to see what I've written about the slow but steady progress I've been making with my physical therapist and her dry needling. I still can't stand without pain, but I feel that once we finally get my hips seated properly and my pelvis stabilized, also working on very simple exercises to begin to get core strength again, that will be resolved. The muscles are still fighting me in spasm, trying to protect me from all the surgeries. They're programmed after a trauma like surgery to tighten up to protect the area from further harm. This is where most of my pain comes from. My nervous system sends false signals to my brain that a part of me is still under assault, so my body responds by tightening up all the muscles in that area, which are then connected to other muscle systems, causing pain there as well. We have muscle memory working against us too, because our muscles now see this as normal, and revert back to the spasms as soon as they can. After physical therapy treatments and repetitive movements coaaxing them to work together again, they finally let go and return to normal, instead of being constantly reactive. It's like peeling layers of an onion, and I have a lot of layers. Some of the muscles I'm getting "unlocked" are 4 deep now that we've peeled off some of the locked layers above them Sounds like you have lots of what I have too. Facsia connects everything together and is the duct tape that not only holds things together, but also carries the nerves that send the false attack signals causing the muscles to react, resulting in very real pain, and also pulling my hips back out, causing more problems resulting in more pain. The facsial system is actually the biggest organ in the body, connecting and signalling everything, and unless this signal is corrected, we'll have pain. Dr's don't get that at all and usually aren't taught it in medical school, and more surgeries generally result in more scar tissue, more facsial pain, making things worse.

    I sure hope you feel better. People who don't have chronic pain have no idea what hand to hand combat with our own bodies we're dealing with hour to hour, 24/7.

    ~kathy

    • cynthia70714
      cynthia70714 kathy07828

      Posted

      Kathy,

      I try and explain my situation to men when they want to go in a date, I kind of shy away because of my level there are times I'm in so much pain I will break down and cry, I had all long term relationships, 5 years 6 years, 8 years another 2 years and a just recent break up after a year and a half. But not one of them understood the concept of my pain. I hate it, they don't get how much pain I'm in I try to not complain and I try and put that smile on my face and push forward every day. I wish that any one of them could understand or go to a meeting but no, I was so happy to find this forum it gives me somewhere I can talk to others and get input on what they think or ideas I can give to my dr.

      Please keep in touch as I try to with the great people on here.

      Take care And try to have a pain free evening or (day,) I'm in the USA

      Cynthia (Cindy)

    • kathy07828
      kathy07828 cynthia70714

      Posted

      Hi Cindy, ....I understand. My pain sems to overpower our family life. Everything we try and do together is based on whether it requires any walking, so it's really changed our dynamic. I try not to let it dominate every conversation we have or daily plans. The whole family is affected by this. Hang n there.

    • Nomeds
      Nomeds cynthia70714

      Posted

      Constant pain and relationships are hard to handle for both sides. I don't want to lose my wife, but all this seems to be more than we both can handle at times. Not that were separating but life just isn't as fullfilly anymore with my limitations.  Sometimes it's me wanting to let her go, have a normal life. 
    • cynthia70714
      cynthia70714 Nomeds

      Posted

      Nomeds,

      I know how you feel you feel like you holding her back of a normal life, have you Sat down and talk things out? Maybe a good heart to heart and explain what going on she will understand, don't give up with out trying and also she what and how she feels, isn't " in sickness and health" but I do understand the holding her back on things, but let her tell you don't assume and give up, talk and see where and how she feels about the life changing experience. I hope you the best

      We shouldn't be burdens or anything less in a relationship because we have issues and pains to deal with, if only I can find the right person who understands what I'm going through would be wonderful, but that guy is nowhere around my area lol maybe someday but you better try don't give up when you two did yu our vows you should be able to sit down and talk. I hope it goes well for you and hopefully she will understand what you are going through I'm here for you if you ever need to talk.

      Take care doing some talking

      Cindy

    • Nomeds
      Nomeds cynthia70714

      Posted

      Cindy, yes she does know the better or worse, I've talked wth her more than once, but it seems unless you've been in our shoes you really don't understand. If I mention the pain, the reply is my back hurts too.  Luckily most don't understand 24/7 pain.  Many disagreements.. After 7 yrs now I can tell my situation and her dealing with, and picking up a few extra things I always did, are adding up and straining the both of us... Now difference's end up arguing, and I can't take that.  I pretty much am submissive and go with the flow.   

      Better or not I can't take opioids, or any kind of nerve meds. I rely on tramadol, a non narcotic pain med, that doesn't work.  anxiety and depression meds. Spend 16 hrs a day or so just laying @.  I was a big outdoorsman, I've tried everything inside and grew tired of everything to do so bad.  My dr just reminds me that there are a lot of people in worse shape than I.. I understand that, but there made of a different mind sent then I.. Being a type A personality I over come obstacles, not wait for them to play out.  I've had to be the later for sometime now, and my pain just doesn't go away. When I add up the real and real life pain, heartaches I'm no where. As you can tell.   Thanks for listining Cindy. 

      Im afraid the light at the end of the tunnel is a train..  

      Sorry im off the forms beatn path, "SCS".. One of them was what seems to have been my last hope for help, wish it would have succeeded...

    • Bungle66
      Bungle66 Nomeds

      Posted

      Hey mate DON'T talk like that, you've made me all teary and I'm feeling a bit low myself right now! Don't give up on life, your relationship or your pain. That's the easy option and I think I'm qualified to say that as I'm laying here in agony. I fully understand that few people understand the whole nerve pain thing and how at times we seem to be caught up in self pity. It isn't like that. It really f-ing hurts and no it's not like conventional back pain. I'm like you and can't take any meds and it's not fair and it sucks and it's sad BUT it is as it is. There have to be answers and there will be, we've just got to find them. I'm single (don't know if that is a good or bad thing in truth) but I know if I was in a relationship with someone I cared for I'd fight bloody hard to save it. Do you still lover her? If yes would she go see a councillor with you? Speak with anyone about your relationship or could the two of you just sit down like adults and talk from the heart with no holds barred? If tempers fly well so beit. That might not be a bad thing, clear the air so to speak. My friend whatever happens please do not consider doing anything stupid. I know life looks bleak, God knows I understand that BUT IT ISN'T. Cindy had a bit of a pep talk with me the other night (she's good like that) and she made me sit and think. I woke up today with a completely different mind set. I'm damned if this is going to ruin or finish my life. I will seek out answers, new doctors if necessary (no more surgery though). I've ordered two new tens machines from Ebay (not expensive ones) and I know they will take just the very edge off of the pain but anything is a bonus. You like outdoors? Then get yourself out, take yours sticks or a walking frame if you need it and do baby steps. I don't know what you used to get up to BUT you can start to do some small similar things again, you've just got to think outside the box a little. Set goals, little ones that you CAN achieve but make them challenging enough to give you somthing to aim towards. I hope I'm not sounding patronising, I don't mean to. This note is as much to me as it is to you. The day before yesterday I was ready to givu and give in BUT NOT TODAY. I've even been thinking about the merits of cannabis which I hear is very good for nerve pain. Not sure if you are in the US or UK? Here in the UK it's not legal but in the US I think it's a bit different. I'm doing research. PLEASE DON'T GIVE UP. Think of all the poor little children who never get the chance to grow up and experience any life. WE DO HAVE THE CHANCE, it hurts but it's not going to kill us! Don't let that light at the end of your tunnel be a train please. Don't let this debilitating condition beat us, we're above all of that!

      If you need or want to chat pm me

      Best wishes Graham

    • cynthia70714
      cynthia70714 Nomeds

      Posted

      Nomeds,

      I'm so sorry, I had have boyfriend's for years just break up with me because of my pain, noone understands unless they are in your shoes, my last boyfriend was an immature person and was like the who cares attitude, which hurts cause if you mentioned that you are in pain they totally ignore you. I just stop saying anything and finally kick him out. I felt so good after that. My mood chamged and I had my battery moved to my stomach so I am hoping this time it works.

      I am here for you to talk to I'm a good vent lstener, so if you need it I'm here.

      Your friend Cindy

    • Nomeds
      Nomeds cynthia70714

      Posted

      Thanks Cindy, even though your across the pond (I think) your a great person! Better than any consoler I've paid to see over the yrs, lol.   The root of my issues is pain, the depression is a very dark place. Wish I had strength as you to deal with life. Is there any private messages on this board? Don't see that option?  When I searched for a sight as this one, I didn't find one in the USA?  Actually my surgeon put my battery just above my belt line lower right side of my back. Thin skinned there, and very close to my trigger point of pain. He's willing to move it, but here insurance doesn't cover all the cost. I'm on a monthly payment still for my share of the original install, and another bill right now would not be feasible.  The whole bill for my SCS install, 83,000 dollars! My share, 4,000 which I wouldn't mind at all if it would have givin me a lot more relief. Everybody feels bad, but that's not what I wanted. My life always been I giving the helpful hand to others.

      Thank u Again Cindy

      Ray

    • Nomeds
      Nomeds Bungle66

      Posted

      How due you send a pm through this site Graham? 
    • Nomeds
      Nomeds Bungle66

      Posted

      Thanks Graham,  I'm open to anything and usually have a hard shell. I to have my moments of babbling like a baby, fleeting thoughts of I've had enough, but hope to never act on it. I know better and how it would hurt my family. I couldn't due that to them. With most something like that is a spur of the moment escape. Some countries allow Hunan youthanassia for tirminally  ill, I'm not there but I do believe it should be allowed.   My wife is a yes or no lady, nothing is a gray area in her mind. Consouilng, no she's not into it. Stating she knows her problems and deals with them. I do love her, and her me, but I'm not the person I used to be. Now I just sit or lay@ 95% of the time.  It used to be the other way @ on the go all the time.  Anything outdoors, fishing, hunting to even mowing the lawn keep me happy.  Now just to mow the lawn with a rider takes two days, usually a few hrs.  My love for the woods is just a memory. Slowly over the years it just became harder and more painful to go.  As the scare tissue increases, the more pain inquired to do anything.  My dr says to stay active, but that's like a when a carpenter hits his thumb enough he stops swinging the hammer. It's not a muscle, no pain no gain doesn't apply here.  With a epademic of opioid and herion deaths here, you'd think my pain management team would be open to medical pot, it is legal in my state.  They state most folks reported increased anxiety with the use of.. We all know one drug is different effects on everyone, you can not overdose on THC and today's medical canibuss is all about the Cbc count. The higher that # you get stoned. Lowered is more a numbing effect. I would not have a problem trying it. I have all the drugs that kill thousands....it seems like I'm banging my head against the wall once again with no where to turn for help. I will continue to strive although.  When the grandkids are @ wanting me to play (what ever) is when it really breaks my heart. I feel I'm not there for anyone anymore as I used to be all the time. I do/did love life. Now living is a struggle, because my heart goes out to so may that need a mobile me.  As for friends, well there who you do things with, after enough I can't do that the calls stop.

      thanks Again Graham, you and Cindy have really opened my eyes in a good way and helped me through a though day. 

      Ray

    • cynthia70714
      cynthia70714 Nomeds

      Posted

      Ray,

      Lol thanks I have days like u, but I really pull my self out of that darkness and just keep smiling saying that if there is a God he had a plan for me, either to make me try and help people in pain get help help them in any way I can, I vent too, when I was able to walk a little bit I would go to a Brook and sit on the bench and talk to my parents who passed 20 years ago and ask them why? Why me? I don't get answers but I do have a heart of gold and would give anyone the shirt or the last dollar in my pocket, I stay positive as much as possible even though the pain sometimes is so unbearable, and feel like a lab rat, my happiest day was when my stimulator turned off n I could finally get out of my bed and to do little things, that battery pushing out of my back made my whole back hurt, walking would be limited due to pain but I would smoke saying in my head someday I'll get relief, as I write this now I'm in so much pain, but still staying positive n smiling cause if I can make one person smile just think if I was at my best lol but I'm here for you like I said I will talk and let you vent and do my best to crack a smile and yes I'm over the pond in USA near new York, I'm in Connecticut, I would love to tell my story my down falls on this pain and all I have gone through within the past 20 years I would not let it get the best if me so I would just be thankful I am still here breathing walking ad much as I can and trying to enjoy life the best I can, so see I'm passing on to you a smile try very hard for one second to not think of that pain but as for the friend that you found across the pond!!! Always here for you! Smile!!

      Cindy ( PS) let a smile cross your face and for that second you don't think about that pain)

    • cynthia70714
      cynthia70714 Nomeds

      Posted

      I went to go to your page so I can give you my personal email but I can't get in yours to write so write me yours on my page smile

      Cindy

    • kathy07828
      kathy07828 cynthia70714

      Posted

      Oh dear Cindy.....I thought that with the new battery pack in place in your tummy, you were finally getting some relief! I'm sooooo sorry to hear that you're still in such incredible pain. I was so encouraged that you had finally conquered it a bit. I'll continue to keep you in my prayers. ~kathy
    • kathy07828
      kathy07828 Nomeds

      Posted

      Hi Ray, Are you here in the US with Cindy and I? Where are you finding legal medical cannabis? I just saw a show on TV about it and here in the US there has been very little study done on it. It seems that no one wants to pay for one unless they make millions of dollars from the drug they're studying, and in the case of cannabis, that won't happen. The US government has actually funded a study that's being conducted in California, and I look forward to seeing what results are found, and what the recommendations will be. Hopefully, they'll give it the proper study it deserves, with many different strains and applications of them.

      As far as the ability of our 'soulmates' to have an empathetic understanding of what we're going through, I think that those of us who have one are truly blessed. When I'm complaining about something new hurting, my husband of 37 years actually teases me saying, "You know, they shoot horses...." And he thinks it's funny, totally unaware of how mean it is, and how constant pain does actually make us think about doing something to just make it stop. And I can relate to medical bills. I'm still paying off my MRI's from 2011/2012! I'm not sure what will be covered now that I'm on Social Security Disability payments. It sure wasn't my plan at the age of 60. I wanted to get a kayak for travels across the country, to help explore the marshes and streams I love so much. But, I'm not giving up on that hope. The future can be very promising. In the meantime, in regard to this poorly placed battery you've got. First, I don't know if I'd trust that particular surgeon to do the surgery to situate it in a more appropriate place, but it sounds like that might give you tremendous relief from much of the pain if successful. What is your opinion on this? There are ways to get money here for a worthy cause such as yours. Hang in there! ~kathy

    • Nomeds
      Nomeds kathy07828

      Posted

      Hi Kathy,  yes I'm here in the states. NY.  Actually now there are like 13 states allowing the use of cannibus for medical use and 3 for reaction use.  The Feds still say it's illegal but are allowing the states to choose.  NY just passed it in Jan, with a med grown center 35 miles from me. Or nations capital even has passed legal use of recreation use.  Look on yahoo's home page, there's always something there about its use.   Oregon, Ca, Colorado Conn. are just a few others.  Huge tax revenue for each state. Buy it any form u like.  Many different strengths, what ever works for you.  Dr prescribe opioids like candy that kill you, well No one has ever overdosed on pot. It's effect on most is less volitial and non habit forming as alcohol.  I'm not saying it's a great thing to start, but much less side affects that anything else. A few states even allow growning your own. Mostly used for pain, but other med uses are realized as its being used. 

      I say my wife is a lot like your husband, some of the statements just hurt my heart.  I know it wouldn't be a pretty situation for either of us to split though. For me, it might just push me over the edge? I'm not that great with stress anymore,  and not sure it would be the right thing to do, sometimes I think so, but not enough to act on it.  I do know we love each other for a long time now, but as with the time, in different ways...

      i to continue with my dreams, I've been fighting with myself as to sell things I can't use now that always brought me enjoyment, but to me that's just kind of giving in. Although I should to pay of my protion of surgery and med bills.  Im also on SSDI as you, this last year there wasn't even a one percent increase in the once a month check, but my ins payment and everything else continues to grow.. I wish so much we all could return to work and get these burdens off our backs. I am, (was) a very active guy which I knew was helping with life's longetivity, now sitting @ has to be taking years off my life. Unfortunately I even started smoking again. Bummer..  

      Take Care Kathy, as my wife says, try to smile!

      Ray

    • cynthia70714
      cynthia70714 kathy07828

      Posted

      Kathy,

      Of course new rep that I had to deal with when I went to the Drs to get stiches and staples out, so I just hate when they mess around what is working for me she turned the stimulator down and I told the other guy I had that when you start messing with it my migraines come back with a bang, I just hate being constantly seen by new ppl every time I go to is so frustrating, it's not right and I kind of told the aprn I saw yesterday, I said I don't want to sound like a witch with a b but every time I come here I've been seen by every one of them and you have to tell them your story over and over just so frustrating, and my back were the battery was I can feel the outline of it I hope it goes back to normal.

      I'm just so aggravated today ugh plus with all this rain we have been getting hit with I don't want to get out of bed. But I am still smiling cause I know once you frown it's depressing, so I just go to my happy place smile it's hard cause I'm not sleeping my stomach is on fire and I talked to the dr about getting a cat scan on my back cause of the pain the aprn started giving me lip about it, leaves the room must of talked to the dr and said yeah you are gonna get a cat scan. So frustrating!!

      I'm like duh!! And I top of my day yesterday the sliding doors got me I was laughing so hard and the ladies were like you OK I was like I'm fine, smiling and laughing saying hey I just got a free mammogram haha but it hurt a little. Only me!!

      I hope everyone is having a somewhat a pain free day, try and smile and giggle abit, it just might change your mood <3

      cindy smile cindy="">

      cindy smile>

    • lindagkelly
      lindagkelly cynthia70714

      Posted

      Dear Cynthia, I hope scripture is allowed.  From 2 Timothy 1 v 6 "Therefore I remind you to stir up the gift of God which is in you through the laying on of my hands.”  There is a small miracle going on at my house.  My left thigh which is usually at a pain level 10 is down to a 2 or a 3.  My right foot which is also usually at a pain level 8 is down to a 3 or a 4.  I had an SI Joint Injection 10 days ago.  Is it possible that is what is helping?  But it was on the left side - which might explain my thigh, but what about my foot? So, my whole spirit has changed. It's been 3 days of relief! It's life changing!   My back has been aching because I've been so much more active, but I don't care! I can sit with a heating pad for a while to help that.  I don't know what is going on, but I sure hope it lasts for a while.  I'm seeing the doctor on Monday - I had an appointment to complain about how they have not helped me at all, but something is going on!  Thank you God!

       

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