Re: Encouraging Thoughts

[Guest guest]

Thanks for the encouragement -- reading everyone's posts each day helps me

realize that I'm not alone out here -- there are an untold number of people

suffering from chronic pain and other debilitating conditions around and this

list helps keep me " grounded " to reality -- not lost in an indulgence of

self-pity!!!

The procedure mentioned (rhizotomy) is not as bad as it may sound, the nerves

involved are stimulated electronically first (at a very low level) to isolate

the correct site, then the stimulation is increased until the tissue the

nerve connects to responds with a " thumping " sensation (uncomfortable but not

painful), the site is then injected with local anesthetic and the nerve is

cauterized after a few moments. It is painful when the local wears off, but

the relief provided from constant burning pain is wonderful, considering that

I'm not medicating my whole body to get such relief. After a few days the

pain recedes and a sense of numbness begins, which lasts for a few more days,

then just relief from pain (if all goes as planned). For the first time in

months I'm seeing light at the end of the tunnel -- after having a weekend

without the constant pain I'm anxious to go ahead with procedure and reduce

oral pain meds. -- my kids didn't know what to think at first because I was

joking and playing around with them -- usually they're afraid to touch me

because it will hurt -- it's a bitter pill to swallow when you realize that

your children are afraid of you (the painful you) and don't know when they

can " play " with me, but they know I love them and we just take a minute,

hour, day . . . . whatever we can get!!!

Again, thanks so much for the encouraging posts -- my thoughts and prayers

are with everyone reading these e-mails, hoping for better days ahead!!!

Tracey (KY)