@lorirenee1 I know from my own experience with the scs how difficult (my phone suggested "distressing") it is to deal with the ups and downs. My stimulator seemed to be doing nothing for the past year, but after a spinal cord decompression surgery, I met again with the rep.

Unfortunately, I made 3 changes at about that same time - scs adjusted, increased mscontin from 15mg tid to 30mg bid, and started taking Cymbalta for neuropathy. My feet have been hurting noticeably less since then, and because I wasn't sure if the stimulator was contributing, I turned it off for a week. I now know that it's helping. Pain level range went down from 5-8 to 3-6!!! Hallelujah! I think that each of the 3 changes is doing its share. And Cymbalta has lifted my energy level, so that I'm doing a list of things that have needed to be done for several years. I'm much more productive. And my wife is liking it, too.

The surgery for severe spinal stenosis may have released the pressure on the nerves going to my feet, and at the same time made it possible for the stimulator to do its job. I don't know how long it will last, but even a little bit less pain is a welcome relief.

I've been avoiding Connect for a few weeks because, even though I'm more productive, depression slithers around in my mind. With the addition of Cymbalta, I think that depression is more hidden, but with just a simple thought, I feel it in my core. Remembering a traumatic event, or just hearing a word or two triggers a stirring up of emotions. One sign of depression for me has been the inability to focus on something like filling out a monthly report. But I saved your message that started this thread so I could read what you wrote about your progress with the drg. I'm very sorry that it hasn't been doing what you hoped it would. Big disappointment. We share in your disappointment. I think that part of the human experience is being disappointed, and finding ways to get back up and move forward. We're all different in how that works itself through. I'm one who takes longer to get going again. It's not a character defect. It's just the way I'm wired. I guess I need time to process what just happened before I can even think about moving forward. It's kind of like grief. Each of us goes through that process in our own way and at our own speed. Be encouraged knowing that it's OK to set your own pace.

As usual, once I get started with a short note, it mushrooms into a novel. Just wanted you to know I join others in praying for you in our daily prayers.

Jim

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