Physical therapy does it work

[Violet M]

Judy, if I didn't do much I could keep my pain levels at about a 5 out of 10 but pain was still constant 24/7. I couldn't even cook a meal -- otherwise pain became intolerable. I can't really say things were improving after lying around for months.

What type of implant are they recommending?

Violet

[Dizzyblonde]

I'm having some particularly nasty pain at the moment from taking a train ride to visit my specialist and sitting a short time because my feet were so sore from standing. Cumulatively I would only have sat for approx 1 hour and have about 4-5 days acute 8-9/10 pain as a result. If I strictly lay and stand, I can perform light housework and cook meals for the family and maintain pain levels at about 4-5/10. If I step outside of that regime, I'm in trouble. I can't sit at all and haven't been able to at all for about 12 weeks. Prior to that I could sit short periods with breaks. The Spinal Cord stimulator is called a 'Precision Plus' from Boston Scientific. I have a brochure from the specialist and the technician is going to schedule an appointment with me I next few weeks.

[janetm2]

How I wish I had a crystal ball or magic wand to make you better or at least help with a decision. It would seem the nerve block that worked for a few hours may point to entrapment and like Violet I had PNE surgery to release the nerve. I am 1 year 7 months post op and slowly getting better except for my current flare that may be starting to subside? I can now sit off and on to work some 8 hour days and other 6 or less when going to acupuncture, PT and or psychologist. I went the surgery choice because I say myself heading towards the pain level 10 for 24/7 and that would mean losing my job and obviously having no quality of life. I can now also cook and at least generally take care of myself. I also have chronic foot pain so housework went away many years ago. I can only sympathize and wish you the best.
Janet

[Dizzyblonde]

Hi Janet, wow what a decision to make and in your case just the right one. I commiserate with your foot pain, I'm nearly tearing my hair out between the two problems. My MRI showed entrapment left side but my block only worked right side so the specialist I think is covering all bases. My pain is both sides. I think when you're dealing with 10/10 pain 24/7 the decision is pretty well made for you. I appreciate your feedback as I'm at the crossroads and need to get my head around it ready to make my decision. I think my results are conflicting from my various tests and so I've been offered a remedy to hopefully accommodate all avenues. It's just a tough call and I'm nervous.

[janetm2]

You have every right to be nervous as the decision is hard. I do find sometimes that the indecision state is the most difficult because you do not have the full clear path forward. I hope whatever you decide comes out with a positive result.
Janet