I'm not sure what's going on, but I'm loving it!

[Gimpy]

I don't think it's all the injections, but if it is, I'll take what ever they want to give me. I want them to bottle it up.

I have been feeling like a brand new person. I'm so confused and almost afraid of the big fall coming. I also started taking my vitamin B complex again, the sublingual one. Heck, even my vision seems to be a bit better. I'm sleeping and waking up refreshed. I'm back working in the garage on my projects. You have NO idea how good that is for my mental well being. I come in filthy head to toe with a smile ear to ear, it's been amazing.

Another thought is the recent addition of the MSIR 15 mg., prn. I can only take up to 2 a day. I know they're short acting but they knock the pain out and I'm good to go. I hate taking my percodan, I feel like crap and it interfers with my sleep. I have not been taking but maybe a 5mg pill per day, mid-day, but then taking a MSIR in the a.m. and one at bedtime. It seems to be all that I need. Do drs. sometimes just dose that or is it only to be used as a breakthrough med. I'm thinking this may be the magic bullet I've been needing. Any thoughts, good or bad on this I'd appreciate it very much!

The facet injections, if steroid, shouldn't have a systemic effect should they? I've not noticed it before. But then again, my cheeks are rather flushed and I always get that way after a dose pack of steroids. I hope it's not temporary. I hope all the prayers for me are being answered and that God is giving me a break. I will hang on to that theory until the ball drops.

In the mean time, Yippy and Yahoo, Ma'mas got sum more woodworkin' an paintin' ta do!!!

Here's to everyone here having a good break for a change!

Gimpy

[debhun]

Gimpy I hope you keep having good days. I had 3 really good days and then it went to he!! in a hand basket. So I will pray you will at least.

((((((((((((((HUG))))))))))))))))
Deb

[Kathi49]

Gimpy,

Good for you! Isn't it great when the injections work? I just have to say I would prefer an injection over a med any day of the week. But, as we all know, you can't have injections non stop. But I will say a combination of injections (over a period of time) with meds I think, is what has enabled me to keep the med dosage low. I am with you though...when they work, it is like YAY!!!!

I've never had the flushing. Instead I would have the "jitters" for a day or two...that's about it.

Have fun painting!!! :)

[Mark N]

Gimpy glad something is working for you. Just enjoy the feeling for now, later will either have you feeling good or you will crash but it won't change based on howmuch you enjoy it now.

[jena1225]

Hey Gimpy! How are you these days? Still feeling goooood!? :D I really hope so :)

Seems my facet injection did not work, on my right side at least :rolleyes: It may have done so for the left though, for right now anyway. But the right is almost as bad as before. I say almost b/c the throbbing has minimized, but the pain inside is still there for sure :( Still hurts to bend, get up, etc...

So, again, I hope you are still feeling the benefits from yours!

[curiousforever]

It's so good to hear you're feeling well!!!!

[Mark N]

Gimpy, are you still getting so much relief from your injections? I hope they have lasted this long for you and will continue to last for months. So how have you been doing this week?

[BrokenBladder]

Gimpy just wondering how you're doing? I was so excited to read your post about how much better you're doing. I sure hope things are still going well for you!!!!!

[Gimpy]

Hi Lisa and Mark:

Actually, I'm doing rather well, thanks for asking! My lower back has been amazing to say the least. Although, I won't go as far as claiming "it's a miracle! it's a miracle!". I have bad times, but they seem to be only moments now and the additional meds are working great.

In my younger, pre-failing orthopod body of mine, I use to be able to speed walk 5 mph on a treadmill for a total of 4-5 miles a session. But as I started to fall apart, the speed and duration also fell apart. I have had to really push it to get to 3 mph, or a 20 min. mile. And I could barely do a mile at best before my lower back started to hurt, the scitatic pain in my hind end would scream out and the lower leg pain would make me scream uncle. Now, after ALL those injections, I am able to kick it up to 4 mph (15 min. mile) with a small incline thrown in and I'm working on my stamina. I am really amazed by what is happening with my lower back. I'm thinking maybe I should get that ambulation done that I've heard about and hope for 6 months of bliss on my lower back. I also think that maybe I'm just feeling better in general because it's summer and I'm out of the house getting some badly needed sunlight and lots of sweating the toxins out in this horrid humidity I live with.

I am also working in my garage again, building/painting/gardening, which is like an instant anti-depressant for me!

But, my thoracic issues are always there and my shoulder is next in line. I'm finding my left hand/arm to be significantly weaker. They said the EMG shows it is from my shoulder, so this fall I will bite the bullet and do it. I will hold off on the thoracic surgery unless the bowel issue gets any worse, then I won't have a choice. I haven't loss use of it, it just doesn't work, which is just as bad I suppose. TMI????? :o :o :p

I see my pain dr. next week and will talk to him about the good changes and possibly changing my meds up a bit. The MSIR works great and I think switching from the percodan to something else is what I need.

Is that enough????? Didn't mean to bore ya, I guess I've been in the garage smelling paint for to long today!!!!!!!!!!!!!! :D ;)

Hope all is good for you two too.

Gimpy

[jena1225]

Hi Gimpy. I am glad you are feeling good for the most part anyway! What is an MSIR? I take PeroCET for my BT pain, and that also mes me sleepy, and would like to maybe switch it out. Thanks!

[Mark N]

Gimpy, it was great news when you first told us about the relief but it is even better that you are still getting the relief. It is hard to determine what has picked your mood up so much but it is clear that summertime and pain reduction [or is it the paint fumes:D ] is doing wonders for you. How far off are you on finishing the garage?

About your thoracic issues, either problem with your bowels is bad but when you can't eliminate that is an emergency. My thoracic issues,along with my meds, has created problems with my bowels and I have to use a prescription laxative and enemas to eliminate so if it is difficult you can delay. If however, difficult becomes can't run [figuratively speaking] to your surgeon and get the fusion done.

Good luck with the shoulder surgery. I hope it takes care of your arm weakness.

[jena1225]

Yes, good luck with surgery, and I am happy you are feeling "up"

(And Mark, thanks for the Miralax suggestion, and although it took some time to work, I lost 2 lbs today and it did not hurt!)

[Gimpy]

Hi Gimpy. I am glad you are feeling good for the most part anyway! What is an MSIR? I take PeroCET for my BT pain, and that also mes me sleepy, and would like to maybe switch it out. Thanks!

Jena: MSIR is morphine sulfite Instant Release. It's name is sort of deceiving because it's not really instant like an inhaler, but works in about 10-15 mins. vs. 30-45; it is also short acting. I find it lasts about 1 1/2 - 2 hrs. The percodan/percocets leave me extremely tired and fatiqued so I don't take them enough to really relieve the pain.

Hope this helps! It's usually used as a break through med, but hey, what ever works, works!

Gimpy

[Gimpy]

Gimpy, it was great news when you first told us about the relief but it is even better that you are still getting the relief. It is hard to determine what has picked your mood up so much but it is clear that summertime and pain reduction [or is it the paint fumes:D ] is doing wonders for you. How far off are you on finishing the garage?

About your thoracic issues, either problem with your bowels is bad but when you can't eliminate that is an emergency. My thoracic issues,along with my meds, has created problems with my bowels and I have to use a prescription laxative and enemas to eliminate so if it is difficult you can delay. If however, difficult becomes can't run [figuratively speaking] to your surgeon and get the fusion done.

Good luck with the shoulder surgery. I hope it takes care of your arm weakness.

Mark - I'm doing the garage, I just work in it. It's my workshop or craft shop is probably a better description. Right now I'm mass manufacturing wooden American and Texas flags as a way to help send daughter to college auditions and other senior necessities. I also re-vamp furniture when I'm up to it. I'm always out there with some sort of project or another. Right now I've also been commissioned to do a canvas paintings, so my plate is rather full for the time being.

I think I over did it a bit yesterday so today I work on the canvas painting and take it easy. I can't stand sitting and watching t.v. all day long, drives me nuts if I don't have something to do.

Gimpy

[Ted Hutchinson]

Could it not be that your Vitamin D status has been raised by the Summer sunshine and you are now feeling better as a result of having adequate Vitamin D3?

See the Vitamin D and Chronic Pain research here (http://www.vitamindcouncil.com/researchChronicPain.shtml) As having a high vitamin D status also ensures your cancer risk, stroke risk, mental health diabetes and Osteoarthrits risks are lowered it's not a bad idea to keep your Summer Vitamin D status throughout the year by taking an effective level of Vitamin D3 supplement (http://www.vitamindcouncil.com/links.shtml)or visiting a suntan palour twice a week.

[Gimpy]

Could it not be that your Vitamin D status has been raised by the Summer sunshine and you are now feeling better as a result of having adequate Vitamin D3?

See the Vitamin D and Chronic Pain research here (http://www.vitamindcouncil.com/researchChronicPain.shtml) As having a high vitamin D status also ensures your cancer risk, stroke risk, mental health diabetes and Osteoarthrits risks are lowered it's not a bad idea to keep your Summer Vitamin D status throughout the year by taking an effective level of Vitamin D3 supplement (http://www.vitamindcouncil.com/links.shtml)or visiting a suntan palour twice a week.

I believe this is definately a big part of what is going on. I love to be outside, it does so much for me. I've actually seen such a change that I may invest in one of those winter lights this fall. When you're heads on right, it can really help us deal with our pain or maybe push it back and put everything into perspective. I hadn't thought about a vit. D supplement, but I certainly will now.

I checked out the links you provided and found them VERY informative.

Thanks for your thoughts!

Giimpy

[Mark N]

Gimpy, I knew that but like other things I forgot you were a painter. It seems that it isn't enough our bodies go to crap but we have to lose our mind too:D .

[Gimpy]

Gimpy, I knew that but like other things I forgot you were a painter. It seems that it isn't enough our bodies go to crap but we have to lose our mind too:D .


Mark - When you discover a way to find it again, will you please let me know!! I keep misplacing mine too!

:D :D :D :D :D

[Mark N]

Gimpy, we would be quite a pair out looking for the minds we have lost:) . I bet would have alot of company from this board.

[Ted Hutchinson]

I've actually seen such a change that I may invest in one of those winter lights this fall. While Sadlights have been proven to help Winter Depression when compared to Vitamin D alternative in a direct comparison Vitamin D vs broad spectrum phototherapy in the treatment of seasonal affective disorder (http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/sites/entrez?Db=pubmed&Cmd=ShowDetailView&TermToSearch=10888476&ordinalpos=2&itool=EntrezSystem2.PEntrez.Pubmed.Pubmed_ResultsP anel.Pubmed_RVDocSum). The Vitamin D treatment worked better.
However if you are not aware this research was done in Maryland which is Latitude 38. If you live nearer latitude 50 then you will have a lower Vitamin D status and more Vitamin D3 will be needed to lift you over the threshold.
This research shows 4000iu/daily is associated with raised feelings of well being. (http://www.pubmedcentral.nih.gov/articlerender.fcgi?tool=pubmed&pubmedid=15260882)

Basic maths tells us that if using 400iu Vit d3 raises body levels by 10nmol/L approx ten times that amount raises it to 100nmol/L. and this we now find is sufficient to ensure all our systems needs for Vit d3 are met (http://www.pubmedcentral.nih.gov/articlerender.fcgi?tool=pubmed&pubmedid=17218096) and surprise surprise this is the amount that Heaney calculated healthy men seem to use daily. (http://www.ajcn.org/cgi/content/full/77/1/204)

I should point out I used to be an agent for SADLIGHTS until I started using vitamin D3 at an effective dose level. Be aware that Full Spectrum Lighting refers to Visible Light Output and so SADLIGHTS do not contain UVA or UVB.
The Bright light does control the melatonin cycle so having bright light early in the day switches off the "Time to Sleep" signals and using bright light late at night will keep you awake.

The Melatonin cycle also tells you skin cells to tan or not. So using bright light may delude your brain into thinking it's time to tan.

The converse must also be true. People who wear sunglasses or tinted glasses all the time will be cutting down the amount of bright light reaching the brain thereby reducing the signals to tan. It would be interesting to know if the incidence of skin cancer is associated with the use of sunglasses.