Hi- I’m glad that you have cognitive ways to deal with your pain, but honestly, such approaches have never worked for me. Is there a cognitive/ emotional component to pain? No doubt, but understanding this has never been much help for me.
The doctors at Mayo tell me that pain pump does NOT reduce AA pain- it is for radicular pain only—a Spinal Cord Stimulator may be better. At this point, treatment alternatives are empirical only- does it help?? Yes/no… if Yes, then let’s do it big time.*** Over time, since te 1970’s I have been a lab rat for every new drug/combo/method that has come along. I remember elavil- Prolixin combo-/ and sitting in my front yard and thinking “if I have to live like this it’s just not worth it.” Neurontin (Gabapentin) is another drug that totally messed with cognition and personality.
What am I saying? Be your best advocate-you seem very articulate. Remain positive about possibilities, KEEP A JOURNAL- more helpful than you can imagine. Be open for change— the JOURNAL will help you know where you have been. Always take a friend/spouse into meetings. Set goals for yourself and be brutal when reviewing results. We’re in this together— God bless you.
***I am getting an SCS - Boston Scientific, in a few weeks, just increased my Medtronic intrathecal pump output 15%, and increased the number of bolus deliveries 30%.