HEALTH INTERESTS:
Chronic back pain, failed back surgery, depressionDRUGS I AM TAKING:
cheshirecat has not shared any drug information.ABOUT ME:
I was an extremely active, athletic person. I'm a former Womens Freestyle Frisbee Runner-up in the World Championships. I retired from that and started road bike riding and weight lifting. I developed back pain that got so bad I could not lift my leg over the bike to get off, nor walk when I finished riding. I tried everything from PT, anti-inflamitories, massage therapy, acupuncture, injections, tens, and pain medication before I opted for surgery. I had surgery 3/31/03, spinal fusion and laminectomy at L5-S1. I was in intense pain in the hospital. No one believed me! It was awful! I was in the hospital for a week. My surgery was on Monday morning and I did not get to see a pain management doctor until Friday evening at 7pm. After getting home and going through recovery I am left with chronic pain in my lower back that goes down my left leg constantly, which is a different pain than what I went in to cure! I had 2 more surgeries to try to correct this to no avail. I am currently on the Fentenyl patch and in a drug trial for an oral Fentenyl lozenge to keep the pain at bay. I use vicodin for breakthrough pain. It has not been easy, I spent a few days in a mental hospital after finding that the last surgery is all that can be done for me and my hope for a cure lies in research, according to my surgeon. I am better now. I take anti-depressants and I'm learning to accept things as they are and to live a new lifestyle. I do the best I can, I'm an artist and graphic designer and I try to work as I can tolerate it. Things are not like they were but I am dealing with things the best I can. Oh yeah, in 2005, 2 years ago I was diagnosed with breast cancer. It was not a normal type (of course!), but a type called metaplastic carcinoma. Only about 1% of breast cancer patients have this type. I went through chemo and radiation and recovery and now I'm getting back my hair and strength and feeling better. I've had support from my Mom and Brother who live in Florida, and my friends here in Houston. I can't forget my cats either, goofy but great! Anyway, I got to go, I have a doctor appointment—Cheers!PHOTOS:
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ROLES:
Living With It in Chronic Pain
RECENT ACTIVITY Notify me when there are new posts
08/29/08
cheshirecat commented on A New Year's Wish for 2008: No More Breakthrough Pain
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cheshirecat commented on HELP! Pain pump vs Spinal Stimulator
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cheshirecat commented on See What I Feel . . . Chronic Pain Uncovered
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cheshirecat commented on Islands in the Sky!
09/15/07
cheshirecat commented on Islands in the Sky!
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