Chronic Pain members - Welcome, please introduce yourself

So, have you gotten any pain relief from your pain pump? 've had one for a year and a half with no relief. I've had it's output increased more times than I can remember. I stopped having it increased when it started giving me bad side effects. Now, I am having it dialed back, with the intent of having it removed. I had the first trial with morphine. No relef. The second trial was with hydromorphone. Pain dropped from an 8 to a 2. I was certain that I was going to have this amazing relief...but no go. Pain is daily at a 7-8, except when I try to do ANY exercising. Then, it ramps up to 8-9.
I tried to get a trial of a different, updated SCS, but the scar tissue would not allow the paddle leads to be placed in the sweet spot. Whar drug iin your pain pump currently. Hope you have success with your SCS trial. Keep us updated.

My name is Dani. I'm 30 years old and was diagnosed with cervical radiculopathy this summer. In September, I had a C5-6 diskectomy, mesial facetectomy, and laminectomy. I am back at work, but am still struggling with nerve pain from the back of my head and right cheek, down my neck, into my right arm, and into my fingers. I've also lost strength in this arm and it's my dominant arm. I'm on Gabapentin 300mg every 8 hours (900mg/day) and Cymbalta. I'm also taking ibuprofen and Tylenol around the clock, but I'm tired of having to track that too. I started some physical therapy, but that aggravated my symptoms. My mental health is not awesome and I'm starting therapy. Just looking for some support groups in the Rochester area. Thanks and take care.

Hi
I’m Mery and I suffer from chronic pain due to a degenerative disease in my joints. My neck and back are the most affected but my hands, feet and hips are starting to hurt as well. I don’t have a lot of hope about cures or even effective treatments at this point as every doctor has a different opinion about what is causing it. I’ve tried lots of things and try to stay away from the heavy duty pain medication because it helps but I think we all know where that leads and I don’t want to go there. I usually try everything that is suggested although I drew the line with the doctor who wanted to give me chemotherapy. No thanks!

Finding help for complicated pain can be very challenging, indeed. I agree that surgery is too often prescribed without further examination. Many times the surgery does not help and may even create more problems. Has any of your doctors mentioned a spinal cord stimulator? It has worked for me. The good thing is that you can do a minimally invasive trial to see if it will give you any relief. Worth a look. Wish you well.

I am 66 years old and have been dealing with systemic chronic pain and fatigue for decades. It takes so much time and energy to try to manage them and the people around me can’t understand my struggles. I look forward to being a part of a group of like minded (and bodied), people! Thank you for providing this platform for sharing.

I have the Abbott Labs Prodigy I have had it for about three years. I receive 100% relief in my Lumbar. But, be aware that some only receive 50-60% relief. Do your research before your PM pushes you on only one scs. Become informed. If your research tells you to go with brand X and that happens to be the one the PM person suggests; go for it. God bless you. brotherchuckles80

My husband has Chondrocalcinosis. We have been to Mayo. He takes Kineret and it is helping- daily injections. Very expensive as they go off of your income. We farm. Some good years- some bad years. Along with the aging process I am his wife of 40 years and his cheerleader! We will continue to proceed with this med. just sad that I’m sure some cannot even afford treatment.

Hi Ava, yes this is very difficult. I am sorry for you. I have had a daily persistent headache for 5 years/4 months every day/all day accompanied by dizziness. Neurologists cannot figure it out and I am really weary. I cannot do anything. Have to lay down for 1/2 hour so I can get up for 1/2 hour. Welcome to this group. We support each other.

I just started taking Baclofen, 10 mg. every 8 hours. This has been added to my lengthy list of pain meds(Tramadol, 2 50 mg tabs 3xper day; Gabapentin, 600 mg 3 X per day; Diclofenac K, 50 mg 2x perday. This is along with Atorvostatin, Pantopramozole, Tamulosin HCl, and Vitamin D, and multivitamin.

Since I started the Baclofen, my pain level has decreased slightly, but I feel a little foggy and dizzy. I remember a few years ago when I started this whole pain journey, I was put on Trmadol, Diclofenac K, and Diazepam.
Those three made me quite dizzy , but it went away after a few days, and my pain level decreased significantly(7-2). Since my pain returned about 9 months ago, I started back on the Tramadol and Diclofenac K. They barely touch my pain(daily level of about 8). It seems like my body is ever so slowly giving up and dying. I just wonder if the dizziness/fogginess will decrease over time. I've only been taking it for about four days. What think ye, oh Mayo Clinic connect commenters?

My doc wants to correct my big hammer toe with screws and shaving bone off with long rehab. Or amputate big toe at middle joint. This will cut rehab time in half. But my Major concern and fear is residual pain or any pain for extended time. I'm 85 yr old male with type 2 diabetes. My A1c is 4.3 for last 6 months. I've got other issues but still driving and walking with most of my brain function ie; fully functional on PC, I pad, iPhone, etc.
Anyone with advise or experience with residual actual pain?