Hi Misty and WELCOME. I'm so sorry you're in such pain. It's pretty awful when you feel like there's nothing you can do about it. But there IS -- ask your doctor for a referral to a pain management specialist -- these kinds of doctors are usually anesthesiologists, and they can HELP you with your pain. Also, you might benefit from physical therapy --- many times this also relieves some of the severe pain.

We all know what you're going thru, and can sympathize. Just know that we're with you 100% and don't hesitate to "vent" if you need to.

I hope you can get a referral soon -- God bless & please keep us posted on your progress. Hugs, Lee

Thanks so much Lee....it means a lot just to be able to vent and know there are others that truly understand. My husband is great,but I joined this group because I figured you guys are also dealing with pain everyday and really know what it's like. It takes a toll mentally. It has been 5 yrs since my accident and 6 since my MS diagnosis. Unfortunately, I have done physical therapy many times, pain management specialists,acupuncture,massage,vertebroplasty (big mistake),swim therapy,had a stimulator put in, and just had gastric bypass in May and I still pay for trying to do laundry or play with my son. Basically I have a failing back. I don't know what else to do..even looked up botox for back pain?? I hate that I have to use fentanyl and norco,but without them I wouldn't be able to move. Worst of all, up until this past yr I couldn't find a primary doctor who didn't view CP patients as a pain for them....or passing judgements. I have had Primary docs say some awful things. I finally found a good one who wants to help....he understands because his wife has a failing back and they also have a young child. Since my stimulator isn't helping much I have even thought about taking it out and trying a pain pump. Not sure which direction to go,but I have tried lots of things. I am desperate to have my life back. As you probably know also,even if we are fortunate enough to have medical insurance, copays,deductibles etc still make it financially hard so I am trying to make my next move count. The weight loss is a win win though no matter what. Thank you again....can I ask, what happened to you that you are in CP? Blessings,Misty

I see you've had a stroke...any residual effects? I had one at 20 (was on life support for failing kidneys etc, all stemmed from strep throat that went undiagnosed) and have some effects. I believe truly that is why I developed MS. I get severe head pain at times and wonder if that is from the stroke. My back pain is my worst problem,but with all the issues I feel like I am falling apart at 32! Wish I had a time machine and wonder why good people have these things happen....why not pedophiles and murderers?

Hi dear Misty ~~ Now that I know what you're had done, I can REALLY sympathize!! I've had every single thing that a pain doc can do to you. LOL Nothing worked. I also had the stimulator put in, and I had it for 6 months before the stupid thing tried to work itself OUT of me. I didn't have enough "fat content" in my body to hold it in!! YUK.

You might ask about the pump, cause I had the trial and it was WONDERFUL. It took away ALL my pain --- the pump delivers the medication directly to the offending nerves, so it deadens them and you can't feel the pain!!! Unfortunately for me, I couldn't have the pump cause it's bigger than the stimulator -- so IT would be working itself out too. I don't even know why they had me try it !!

I'm like you now -- I use the Fentanyl patch with methadone for pain. It's pretty good -- but I think I need an increase in the patch. My doc is reluctant tho -- we'll see. I also have spinal problems -- I've had 2 surgeries that didn't work, have DDD, osteoarthritis, osteoporosis, herniations, yadayadayada. LOL

So I hope you can get in for a trial of the pump. I think you'll be pleasantly surprised! God bless & keep me posted. Hugs, Lee

Welcome! :) Hope you find some help here! Use the journal feature on the site! It helps so much to be able to write things down. Everyone is so supportive here so use us to your advantage!
Kendall

Thanks Ladies, I really appreciate the support and feedback. Lee, now that I have lost weight my stimulator pack feels more wiggly inside...I hope it doesn't try to work it's way out,but then again it doesn't really help much anyway. It was expensive to get and now I wonder how much it will cost to have it removed. I don't know if I should get the battery recharged and give it one more try or not. I need to call the company for help because it seems to have died. I had it off for a while since I had another surgery. I currently need to pay off my portion of my bypass surgery from May 2nd and am not sure how soon to look into the pain pump because the stimulator is in now and because of money issues. I had to quit a great job after I got hurt and my income obviously isn't as good as it was. Thankfully my husband is employed but the economy hasn't helped matters. He is lucky he made 3 rounds of layoffs because he is so talented...nevermind any raises. Which brings me to another dilemma...my son starts school the 11th. I don't have 40k for evening law school (if I COULD go evening is when I feel the least crappy). I though about applying for very part time work with the local DA...just a few hours a day. I know I will hurt,but I grit my teeth taking care of my baby in the mornings so maybe I can do it? I fell when my son was 2 wks old and couldn't walk for a few mos. Bless my mother in law who came to help me for several mos,but after that I had to tough it out and take care of my baby. 5 yrs later I know I will sink into a deep depression if home alone. I need to use my brain and feel I am doing something worthwhile, I just want my body to cooperate! Also can't do too much because I know I can't do full time and cannot risk losing my SS income. Just want to make a little and feel good about myself again. I am on 75 mcg of fentanyl and my dr has me changing the patch every 48 hrs now and I take 2 norco every 6 hrs. What amount of fentanyl do you use? I am so sorry that along with the pain you suffer osteoporosis and osteoarthritis....I wish someone could find something to help us all...I think CP sufferers have to be strong every day to try to live the way others take for granted. Thank you Lee and Kendall and I wish for peace and comfort for all on here suffering and fighting to live a full life.