 |
| Hydrangea macrophylla bloom |
I am thankful today that the final (most recent) technique employed, called a 'Radiofrequency Neurotomy', actually WORKED and I have been sleeping pain-free for almost 2 weeks now. This followed a long line of others over the last few years (physical therapy, pharmaceuticals (aka: drugs), steroid injections, traction, TENS unit, back brace, massage therapy, injections under anesthesia, etc...) for lumbar issues including: spondylolisthesis, spinal stenosis, and facet syndrome all brought on by herniated/bulging discs, which resulted in lumbago and radiculopathy which are just fancy names for PAIN...the worst being when nerve pain struck my right leg, running from my lower back down my leg to my foot...and it intensified when I was lying flat, mainly in bed. I spent months of restlessness with miserable nerve pain but somehow, this technique seems to be working. The nerves are literally burned down -- and although they WILL regrow, I have a chance at a year or more of relief. The next step is surgery but hopefully that can be held off indefinitely...as long as there is no significant nerve damage occurring from the discs protruding into the nerves and I can get some relief without it, I will be able to avoid it. We're not sure how much the insurance will pay, and we were told these pain management techniques may stop being covered all together in the future...but for now, I can sleep comfortably, and for that, I am extremely grateful.
What gifts have you discovered today? Until next time,
Words and photos ©Thanks for today.™, by Jan Huston Doble @ http://www.thanksfor2day.blogspot.com/
Not to be reproduced or re-blogged without express permission of the author.
That is great news Jan. I have back issues and pain too but not like your pain. I wish you less pain for 2014!
ReplyDeleteThank you Donna ;) I wish the same for you. No back issues or pain is fun. Wish 'pain free' was a goal of mine, but I know that's not gonna happen! Just tolerable is what I hope for!
DeleteOh gosh, I'm glad you're getting some relief. But it sounds like you've been through way too much pain. I do hope it's gone indefinitely, as you say. Many good wishes for joy and continued healing sleep in the months ahead, Jan. Happy 2014!
ReplyDeleteThanks Beth...I know it's not gone indefinitely but at least the nights are pretty good so far. I can tolerate the 'issues' I have during the day. Hope you have a great 2014 as well ;)
DeleteThank you Donna and Beth! It has helped me have much better nights! I can deal with the lumbar pain in the day time...I'm used to it. That nerve pain was the worst. Hopefully it will last a while! Oh, I realize so many people have pain...we all deal with it as best we can. If you can at least get a decent night's sleep, that is a luxury, right?! Happy 2014 to you both ;)
ReplyDeleteWonderful news, Jan. I am so happy for you. And that Hydrangea macrophylla bloom is stunning! P. x
ReplyDelete