Oh friend, my heart truly goes out to you. As someone who's navigated chronic back pain, I understand how overwhelming it can feel to have multiple diagnoses stacking up like that. The way you're advocating for yourself by pursuing that neurostimulator trial is incredibly brave - that's a big step!

While I'm not a medical professional, I can share what's helped me through flare-ups: My FAR infrared heating pad has been a game-changer. Unlike regular heating pads that just warm the surface, the deep-penetrating infrared heat helps me with muscle spasms and stiffness from my SI joints to my sciatic pathways. It's become part of my daily maintenance routine - 20 minutes while reading morning emails seems to "prep" my nervous system for the day. (Just remember to keep it on medium setting over areas with nerve involvement!)

Of course this isn't a solution, but it might offer some comfort while you're waiting for your April procedure. Have you discussed thermal therapy options with your pain management team? Wishing you measurable relief from the trial and good partnership with your neurosurgeon. However this goes, please know there's someone out here who truly understands that "multiple diagnoses" grind. You're not alone.