makeupgal

Health Interests

Chronic Back Pain,  Spinal Stenosis,  Fusion,  Thoracic Pain,  Osteophytes,  DDD,  Neuropathy,  Depression,  Anxiety Disorder,  Spontaneous Upper Extremety Paralyzation,  Radiculopathy,  Failed Back Surgery Syndrome,  Costotransversectomy

Drugs I am Taking

makeupgal has not shared any drug information.

About Me

I have been suffering with Chronic Pain for over 2 decades. I have Spinal Stenosis in multiple levels of my Thoracic Spine. Severe overgrowth of bone in spine, called Osteophytes, that are growing into my cord, closing off the 'holes', (foramens) that all the nerves from the spine exit. 4 present herniated discs. Many other active issues in the spine. I've had a few spinal surgeries, Costotransversectomy with Fusion being my final one at T9/T10. This failed also. Known as, "The Big Surgery", and unable to have the new Anterior approach through Endoscopy, the posterior approach is known to have much more post-op pain. Long recovery time, 2 months no lifting more than 1/2 gallon, no laundry, etc. I then tried a Spinal Cord Stimulator as my last attempt at pain relief/help...that failed. The electrodes could not be placed right due to severe amounts of scar tissue, and the SCS innervated my abdomen and leg. A buzzing tummy. What a way to end the years of procedures....all designed to help my pain. I have one of the greatest, kindest, most empathetic physicians taking care of me. Without him.......well it would be much harder and I have found an advocate for me and the daily pain I have learned to live with, in him. It is a constant fine tuning with the medications, and life goes on, my body gets older, the overgrowth of bone keeps on growing; the Spinal Stenosis continues to get worse, and in turn of course the pain level rises. I am a retired nurse of 18 years, specializing in Hospice Nursing, (my true calling in life), due to my disabilities. I miss my patients and the families I used to help. I miss working. The hardest thing to do was realize (finally), that I can not work anymore. It is hard to make this realization, and many others that have followed. Can't shop for myself, I don't cook anymore, no laundry, no housework,and always pushing through the pain on the days I MUST go out to a Doc appt., or to take on the hilarious task of monthly medication filling. It rarely goes smoothly, it usually takes most of the day, and there is always a hang-up somewhere with something. I've learned to call ahead and order the meds I'll be filling in a week; learned to use the phone a LOT to check first before driving to a pharmacy with the expectation of everything is ready and waiting for me. Ah expectations. FORGET ALL OF THEM!! You will feel less hurt, more in control of your life, and in that is the realization that family does not play the part 99% of the time with pain patients of the helping, understanding, want-to-be-involved people in your life that we all may think is going to happen. I've seen so many people write about their sadness over losing family members after they are in the pain world. It is scary for them. They see what could be them, and it is easier to ignore it than be empathetic and involved. Out of 4 siblings, 2 have actually DROPPED ME as a sister and person in need, and 2 do care, but the visits are rare and the care comes in emails. I always give gentle hugs to those who suffer, (and that's all I can give), and I wish for you ALL who suffer with pain a day of low or tolerable pain levels. NONE is what we all strive for, but we know those days are very rare. Keep in touch with those you meet on the net that relate to you and your diagnosis and pain. These relationships are PRECIOUS....I have a couple of my closest friends online--we have never met in person, yet one is my "Kindred Spirit" !!!! "The only constant in life---is change." My blog on my life in Chronic Pain is at: [url] http://shaunaslifeinpain.blogspot.com[/url] Gentle Hugs to all who suffer pain everyday. ((((((((((Pain Patients)))))))))