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Implantable neurostimulator for chronic pain

Spine Health | Last Active: Jun 21, 2023 | Replies (334)

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@wisco50

Thank you for sharing and caring. Yes, I did see a good therapist when I realized I was having the same recurring nightmare. The entire actual situation shook me up so badly that I refused to go see anyone else by myself after that happened. TG a friend stepped forward to help me, accompanying me to office visits with a new provider office (ultimately the place I finally got the correct diagnosis). The irony of it all was I worked as an RN myself, and was known for being able to handle difficult/obnoxious doctors. It’s very different when you are the patient and also this was initially diagnosed as a “dental/TMJ” issue - that meant not only was I out of my element but also every single step I took, my insurance company fought me constantly. Long story short, they don’t want to pay for “TMJ” problems because they see it as either dental and/or think it’s in your head (it was, my jaw joints, haha!). Anyway, after going over the whole story with the therapist, she’s the one who said it seemed as if I had PTSD. This was a few years after my successful surgery. I felt I needed to file a formal complaint about this supposed “specialist” dentist with the State Board of Licensing & Regulation. The therapist thought it would help me to get it all out, and it did. Of course, ultimately it was a “the patient said” vs “the dentist said” according to the Board. IF they had done any digging, they might have found evidence behind my complaint but it would have taken work on their part. I found a site where other patients had similar experiences as I did! I had lots of notes. But, water under the bridge. It helped for a long time. But now, for whatever reason, it’s suddenly back and interrupting my sleep. Argh.

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Replies to "Thank you for sharing and caring. Yes, I did see a good therapist when I realized..."

@wisco50

A collection of all of the medical horror stories would fill a large library. I have a few of my own.

I'm turning 70 in August.

I went through the TMJ muddle 30 years ago and was given amitriptyline, which did the trick. At the time I was in a dysfunctional staff situation, and when I resigned a year later, stress was gone, TMJ was gone, and I no longer needed amitriptyline.

I spend 5-7 hours every day working in my yard, and all the other things that need to be done. The more I do, the more I pay at the end of the day. When I sit in my recliner with my feet up, or lying in bed, my feet and ankles are at 8, though, honestly, it's worse than that some days. My SCS just doesn't seem to be doing anything anymore.

I'm sure I would like to say more, but my brain isn't operating at par for some reason.

Jim

@wisco50- I think that you mean that your TMJ has returned? I have had it a couple of times. There is a wonderful PT in my state who does massages and shows exercises to help relieve it. Here are some exercises. I hope that they help.