Had lumbar and cervical fusions in the last few years due to arthritis, rheum and osteo. The surgeries were to correct for pinched nerves which caused severe muscle weakness.
Weakness has mostly been resolved, but pain is still an issue.
I was on and off oxycodone, but now using Butrans lowest dose. Also using Gabapentin and Celebrex.
I took a pain management course through the VA which helped me manage the pain, but I still have, what I call, flares of break through pain.
I also use heat, physical therapy, stretching, exercise and meditation as part of the management.
Written by
mifel
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I was given a trial for a spinal cord stimulator (SCS). The feeling “on feel” felt like a TENS unit where a vibration was felt throughout my body. The “no feel” setting was great. The no bending, lifting, or twisting for a week was awkward, but I planned ahead with a grabber and moved my clothes and needed items higher in my house. No bathing or showering for a week was replaced by sponge bathing standing up. TOTALLY WORTH IT! I felt only residual surgical pain. After, the doctor removed the leads (leeds) from my back and that night the pain came back. In June, I will have a permanent SCS put in my back, battery pack and leads. I suggest looking it up and seeing if it is right for you. Others have posted on here too if you want more info.
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