Hi thanks for your caring AND responding. I am still wary to say very much, I did earlier and then felt that it wasn't safe. I have HUGE trust concerns. This comes from childhood.
I am told by my pain Dr. that the neuropothy is from damage to my upper cervical area and the severe stenosis in my lower and mid back. I have an appointment with he neurosurgeon in the morning. He is the neurosurgeon who implanted the spine stimulator, this was in February last year It has helped but now it doesn't work as well as it did at first. I was told when they put it in that surgery may be my only option to stay out of a wheel chair. When I posted last, several folks said they knew first hand of people who have had back surgery and it turned out good, I have been very Leary of back surgery because I had heard so many horror stories. But that was back in 1980's and I know that medicine has advanced greatly since then. Please keep me posted about your surgery, not only curious about the outcome, but also how you are.
Thanks for caring and reaching ou 🙂 tPEACE & LOVE...JJ

@jjwest
I'm the only one of six siblings who hasn't had back problems and various kinds of surgery. I have idiopathic peripheral neuropathy - not sure if they call it idiopathic because that's easier than searching for a reason - but I do know that it's not diabetic. I fell around ten feet 5 years ago, and had 3 compression fractures in my lower back and broke an arm. I retired from being a pastor ten years ago, and over the last ten years of pastoring, I also painted houses. I have painted from time to time all of my adult life. It's possible that the fall and the years of going up and down ladders contributed to the nerve damage causing the burning nerve pain in my feet. I have an appointment with the pain psychologist next week, to get approved for implanting of a spinal cord stimulator. I'm really hoping it will help. I wore a heart monitor for two weeks, and it told me that I have supra ventricular tachycardia, so I'm starting another medication for that. It could help the neuropathy, as well, according to my pcp who talked about the heart problem today. Of course, there are interactions with other meds I take. I guess that's inevitable. It could raise the level of Cymbalta in my system, which would probably be a good thing.

What do I do, where do I go to find a safe place. .. Hmmm. I always sense peace and safety when I'm in church. In the summer, I spend a lot of time working in the yard and in the pasture. I enjoy doing that. Sitting in my recliner, reading or knitting or surfing is restful. Lately, I haven't felt completely safe. I think Georgette used the phrase, passive suicidal ideation. That's a pretty good description of how I usually feel. Lying in bed, next to my wife is a good place to be. Having Sadie curled up next to me and in my lap is therapeutic. (Sadie is my service dog.) Or lying with her snuggled up to me, with her head resting on me, holding and petting her.

I'm thankful for this group, where I can say what's going on in my brain without judgment or unsolicited advice. There just aren't solid answers to some of our struggles. Or maybe I should say quick or easy answers. In most settings, the quickest way to kill conversation is to use the word suicide.

Jim

wow....and the fall did not kill you......I am a firm believer in the Book of Eccel: "a time for everything"...I take it that it was not your time to leave this life...I have a spine stimulator and have had great results. Sometimes it helps with the neuropathy, but then sometimes nothing does. I am thankful that it helps sometimes. Good vibes your way, I neglect to say pray , because of issues i have with certain words that seem to be said but not really meant. so...
PEACE AND LOVE ALWAYS....JJ

@jjwest Share as you are comfortable. Teresa

I will keep you posted on my progression. They are reluctant to do the surgery ri5right now. They want to make sure my other side's surgery has healed completely first. I will be getting steroid shots after my PT sessions are done in 8 weeks.

Itoo was leary of back surgery due to bad stories from my oldest brother. But his surgeries were year2ago, and he recently had a surgery that helped and was successful. My other brother's surgery went great and it was to keep him out of a wheelchair. He's doing great now.

More later....Gail B

jjwest, I've had four spine surgeries and the best advice I can give is to search out the absolute best back surgeon. I went to the one my primary used for his own surgery, knowing he would pick the best for himself. Insist on an early surgery appt, if it gets too late go home and reschedule. I had an early surgery that ended up taking seven hours and somone was still scheduled after me. I wouldn't want an exausted surgeon working on my back! It's your body and your health so do what is best for you, not to accommodats the surgeon's schedule. Also, don't put off recommended surgery too long, I know people who regret doing that and then finding out they're no longer a good candidate for surgery. Good luck!