For those of you interested Only in TRAVEL, I (Jack) wrote the blog between MARCH 2010 and October 2010 during our travels west. We saw the most beautiful places and had the best time in our big truck and little trailer. See Blog Archive below.

Jun 7, 2014

More About Back Pain

I've been putting off posting this, but since I've written as I've gone through surgery, etc., I feel obligated to let those few, who are interested because of their own back problems, know that the ablation did not work (for me). I was completely pain free for a week (the lidocaine). I tried to ignore the twinges, at first, because I didn't want to admit to myself that it didn't work. However, as in the past, the twinges became pain within two weeks. It's back with a vengeance. I so hoped it would work. The brace does not help. The doctor said she didn't hold out much hope for it but it was worth trying.

I'm out of options with the exception of pain medication and surgery. I don't need the medication unless the barometer starts moving up and down. That's when it will not quiet down when I sit or lie down which is usually a pain free time for me. I guess I'm fortunate that it's not the other way around.

The surgery does not have a good success rate. I don't fear the surgery itself, but that it will make things worse and cause the pain to continue while sitting or lying down so I will have NO periods of  relief. Not much else to say about it except that I just have to learn to live with it and not complain.

Jack is still such a comfort. He's slowing down little by little, but is still happy and pain free. He is the light in my life. He sure knows how to relax--still looks like a puppy at times, to me--he'll always be a puppy in my heart.


Sleeps Like a Baby






25 comments:

  1. I dont know much about what you had done, but if it worked once , can't they do it again?

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  2. Nancy I am so sorry to hear this. I think of you often and always say a little prayer for you. I know there are lidocaine patches available - would that be of any help with the pain? So glad you have Jack. Our furkids are such a comfort.

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  3. Hi Kristine,

    According to the pain clinic they can't repeat it. They risk paralyzing me. In essence what they are doing is cauterizing or cutting the nerves they can reach. The area they have to go into is particularly difficult because it's different in everyone's anatomy and is different from one side to another in everyone. After diagnosis and before the ablation she made it very clear that she would not do it a second time. Her exact words were, "If it doesn't work, we'll ship you back to the surgeon."

    They will provide the medication as needed. She really doesn't want to see me have the surgery unless I reach a point where I get no relief by sitting or lying down. I think she said that when ablation does work it works for about six months because the nerves regenerate. I'm hoping that at that point I might be able to convince her to try it, again. Until then I just have to work my life around it.

    They offered to give me an application for handicap parking and I turned it down because I knew I'd have to wait in line to get it at the motor vehicle. When my daughter heard that she said she'd go get it for me so I might get one. Going to the grocery store now requires strategic planning--I have to know what I'm getting and go at slow times because I'm almost done in because of the walk from my car to the store. So parking closer might help. My daughter has been doing most of my grocery shopping for me, and i'm very appreciative for her help. Just hate to keep imposing.

    Thanks for stopping by and commenting.

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  4. Kathy and I were so hoping that the ablation would work for you. We can only hope as you said that after a while you can convince the doctor to try again. If your daughter can get you the handicap sticker for you it would help to avoid some of the pain.
    We're keeping Jack in our prayers too.
    Be Safe and Enjoy!

    It's about time.

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    2. Thank you Rick and Kathy for your kind thoughts and your prayers for Jack, too.

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  5. I am not sure what your surgery would in tell but Paul and I both have had spinal fusion and are working proof that it works! We both had so much pain and tried all the alternatives. Our spinal fusion is a God send. We both can do just about anything we want. I can bend to 98%. Which the doctor said is just about a miracle. He even wrote me up in the medical journal because of my rapid recovery. Please don't give up hope. I will keep you, Nancy, in my prayers.

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    2. Marsha, I had a spinal fusion, two fractures fixed, and more a year ago last December only to find out that though my back was in bad shape it was not the cause of the unbearable pain. I can put my hands flat on the floor, twist, turn, etc., but can't stand or walk for more than five minutes. Unfortunately, the source of my pain is in the joints that attach my pelvis to my spine. This condition is overlooked because it mimics back pain. The surgery they would do would be to reattach it with screws. Thanks for stopping by. I really appreciate your well wishes, and I'm very happy for that you and Paul found relief. You know what the pain is.

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  6. Oh Nancy I am just so sad to hear this, that you are back in pain again. It was just so wonderful to read about your walks with Jack. I suppose you've already gotten second and third opinions and everybody agrees. It's so frustrating with all the conditions they really can help that they can't do anything permanently to keep you on your feet. I am so happy that you have a wonderful daughter and of course the magnificent Jack. You are in my thoughts always. I wish there were something I could do or suggest.

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    1. Thank you, Sherry. You're very sweet. I do have wonderful kids, and it's especially good that my daughter is in the medical field--I've had a number of opinions. I'm afraid I'm down to the two alternatives I mentioned. In the big scheme of things there are a lot of people that have bigger problems. I always appreciate your thoughts and I'm always inspired by your blog.

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  7. Oh Nancy, I am so sorry you are in so much pain. Have you gone to other back specialists? I'm sure you've explored every option. And when you go grocery shopping what's wrong with using an electric cart? Have you thought about getting one? That way you could take Jack on some walks while you ride beside him. But I also know he's happy just being with you no matter what. Prayers for both of you from all of us. Sure hoping we can track you down this fall.

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    1. I've thought of a three wheel scooter, but with Jack aging I won't be camping and taking him for walks at this point. Susan takes him to the nature center and he's a happy camper so things work out. I'm hoping to meet you and Jim, too. Love reading about your adventures in the bungalow. Thanks so much for your kind thoughts.

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  8. Nancy, this makes me so sad for you. I loved hearing about your walking to the nature center with Jack, again. I think about you all the time and pray for something to be done once and for all to keep you pain free. Will you go for the surgery to reattach the pelvis to the spine? I will continue to pray and keep you in my thoughts. Love to Jack he is your comfort zone for sure.

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    1. Hi, Jo. I don't know what I'm going to do, yet. They are advising me as of now not to get it because of its poor success rate, having all the metal in my lower spine and fusions probably makes it even riskier.

      What I'm hoping by posting about my back is that anyone who has back pain BEFORE considering surgery, has the diagnostic test for the SI joints. 25% of all back pain does not come from the spine, but form these difficult to diagnose joints.

      It's so nice of you and other blogger friends to care. It's encouraging. Thank you. :)

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  9. I, too, am sorry to read that the ablation did not work. I have no advice. I do hope you some how get relief from all the pain.

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    1. Thanks so much Judy. Keeping my mind active reading blogs and looking at beautiful pictures makes it more bearable. I appreciate that you stopped by and commented. Keep those birds on their toes. :)

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  10. I tell you that Jack is just the bomb! is he precious or what... big ol love ~ just want to bury my face in his... sweet sweet companion.

    hiss on your back pain.... dagnabbit! I moan and groan over this ol muscle in my back that gets pissed off at me from time to time.. if I had to 'live' with that constantly I'd be a basketcase! I have seen those very small mobility scooters ~ kinda look like fun!

    HAhaaaaa

    http://www.thesun.co.uk/sol/homepage/showbiz/tv/4929277/Harry-Hill-films-movie-with-Julie-Walters.html

    http://youtu.be/OZptg_BnDAY

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  11. I do bury my face in his sweet old head, Carolyn. He's like a big teddy bear. He'd let you do it. Hiss on my back is right!

    Thanks for the link, but as long as I can get to my truck and back I'm okay hanging around here. If/When I get west again, I'll just observe from the truck and enjoy camping along as many lakes and rivers I can find on my way to the Pacific. :)

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    1. The race had me laughing. That would be me! Tell you what. If we ever meet, we'll rent a couple and race down the main drag of a town to see who wins. Loser buys the other a cup of coffee. :)

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  12. I'm so sorry it didn't work. Hang in there. Do what you can comfortably. Hug Jack as often as possible and travel when you can.

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    1. Thanks, T. You're a good friend. Jack is my priority, now.

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  13. Im sorry to hear about your back pain. I believe that when the back is whack remedy is really hard to come by. We have a friend in CA that have undergone several back surgeries and it seems nothing works. She does not have a Jack to comfort her so I hope Jack is the best company you have during your bad days.

    By the way we checked the link you posted about the lock recall. Fortunately our lock is not impacted. Thanks for the link.

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  14. Thank you. Appreciate your thoughts. Glad your lock wasn't recalled.

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  15. Nothing compares to Weber using Genesis sort of grills. That is certainly the type gas grills which have been that will always make sure that they deliver a high performance part of down interval Back Pain Relief

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