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bollefen
03-04-2009, 01:00 PM
Hi,

A newbie, ruptured disc in 2005 with 100% compression of spinal cord at L4-5, emergency surgery.

Laminectomy then Fused L4-5 about 9 months later and a year later fused L3-4. Chronic pain, sporadic spasticty, weakness below the navel, drop right foot, no sensation as associated with L3,4,5 issues. Chair/walker for about 6 months while I relearned to walk without falling, due to no feeling in my feet.

Tried all the pain meds and was taking enormos doses of morphine and still had pain so unbearable I spent one night in the yard with a loaded 45.

Chose life. Went back to my surgeons, went to a shrink, got anti-depressants tried to kick the morpine oxycontin vicodin perc habits and am on lower doses but got my mind back.

Got a dorsal spinal stim trial 11/08, permanent in 1/09, tore it loose by march and surgically implanted at T9-10 6/08.

Still take percs 10/325 up to every 4 hours depending on need but try to take it only to sleep. Just started Baclofen for the spastic issue and it is helping a lot. Take Ambien to sleep, but spastic episoded wake me most nights

Pain relief? best days 50% relief, worst days 20% relief.

Still wonder how i can have sooo much pain despite having no feeling :thinking:

No longer suicidal, enough help to make it through.

Can't walk distance, but can walk.

Played 9 holes of golf after a 3 year hiatus.

Working full time after 3 years of ?? full part time.

Getting through airports and security sucks!

Hope and pray for better, but recognize how lucky I am.

Everyone here has been a help and encouragement. Dr. Wise, thank you!

Thanks all.

Kindly,

Bill

momo3
03-06-2009, 12:56 PM
Welcome to Care Cure.

Mona~on~wheels
03-06-2009, 08:40 PM
Welcome to the board!

linda5508
03-09-2009, 12:56 AM
hi,
welcome to the forums. I'm new here as well. Just signed up today.

David Berg
03-09-2009, 08:56 AM
This is the sort of forum where I can't exactly say "glad to see you here" just because of what brings someone to CareCure, but I do want you both to know you're welcome. I hope you find useful info. There are definitely people here who can relate.

metronycguy
03-09-2009, 05:52 PM
you need to get a good pain management doctor , there are probably a couple other things that may work for you.
did the spinal stimulator help at all?
i have on, implanted via laminectomy, it helps for the weight bearing and shoe wearing pain a little bit.
does nothing for the extreme nerve pain that i take all the meds for.

bollefen
03-16-2009, 01:38 PM
Have a dorsal spinal stim via a laminectomy. One more surgery. On a good day it does tops 50%, surgeons say I have so much scar tissue this is the best I can expect.

baclofen is helping the spastic issues, but the nerve pain responds to nothing

such is life I guess

Thanks for all the kind thoughts

Bill

Danine
03-16-2009, 05:32 PM
Welcome to CC. My T8-9 SCI was caused by a calcium deposit fracture caused by a disc rupture. I have severe degenerative disc disease from neck to tail. Pain is a big problem for me too. I wish you the best!