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Chronic Back Pain for Years
6 back surgeries (extensive cervical and lumbar fusions) with neurological complications. Left with chronic pain. Accident happened in Nursing career 1992 and worked with first fusions until 1999 (failed fusions). At my age, and as a former nurse educator, I never wanted to had to rely on medication/s for the severe pain. Having thoroughly exhausted exploring sites using non-pharmaceutical methods, using psychological methods, biofeedback, trying to accept my limitations, i.e., I still believe somewhere...out there...is hope. The strong medicine has caused gastroparesis, further complicating my health problems. They are too numerous to write and I will not focus on them. I am looking for "help" and guidance. If I can be of assistance to anyone throughout their trials, (perhaps similar to some of what I have gone through), I will.
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@wsh66
I found out yesterday that there are no doctors in central Oregon, where I live. The closest ones are 150 miles away. And now my wife has voiced her objection to the pain pump implant.
Not having a good week.
Jim
Break that down into two things. Makes it more reasonable to look at.
1) 150 miles, assuming you have mostly highway speeds, is about 2 hours. I had to drive about 90 minutes, years back, to find the right person to diagnose and ultimately fix my jaw problem. Fun, no, doable, yes. I would have driven lots further if necessary. In fact, at first, thought I was going to have to drive to Chicago (3+ hrs) or Mayo (4+).
2) What is your wife objecting to? Why? Is she fearful of it causing more issues? The unknown? Financial implications? It seems to me she at least needs to understand how miserable you are and at least be open to exploring all options out there. You deserve to get validated opinions from experts.
@jimhd I'm sorry your wife objects but you are suffering be your own advocate if you can get relief I don't understand why you just don't get it ?
Why does she object? Asking someone to live with pain thst can be relieved is really unthinkable. What would yourself wife have you do instead of a pump?
Here in Minnesota if you cannot travel, there are medical services that will come to your location and service your pump. Meaning they remove the old medication and replace it with fresh medication and download the data from the pumps onboard computer for your doctor. I travel 2 hours round trip to see my pump guy.
There is a non-opioid pain medication called Prialt, which is delivered via intrathecal pump. It might be something to look into.
@wsh66
It's not highway miles. There are 3 routes, and they all cross the Cascades Range. It's a scenic drive, but pretty much all 2 lane, winding roads, with the likelihood of substantial snow, 55mph. Getting close to Portland, there's a lot of slow traffic. Anytime we go over the mountains, it's an overnighter, which makes for an expensive drive to a doctor appointment. Theoretically, it could be done in one day, but it's too much pain to drive the 6 hour round trip. I will ask about the possibility of someone coming over here for the medication refill.
I've never been one to stand up for myself, or to self advocate. I encourage others to do it, but it's not easy to do it myself.
Jim
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2 Reactions@fighter
I did look at the prialt site, but I don't think it's accessible where I live. I'll double check that. Thanks.
Jim
Jim, know any registered nurses? Especially hospital ones, retired or not? They are usually very good at being patient advocates!
I'll try to see where it's available. What city are you nearest to in Oregon?