Looking up
06-29-2008, 07:22 PM
Hi, I am new to this forum, but have had chronic intractable pain for years. In 2006 and 2007, I had 5 surgeries for arthritis related problems and then my PCP and rheumatologist said "no more surgery". I will eventually have to have joint replacements, but I will stall that off as long as possible.
My rheumatologist put me on Avinza in the end of February in addition to Oxycodone for break through pain, Motrin, Flexeril and then some meds for other conditions. The Avinza has made me feel better than I have in years and I am able to function. I am not pain free, but the pain is tolerable. My last 2 surgeries were August and November last year for my feet. Foot surgery has a very long recovery. I was in a wheelchair for the last 5 months of '07, but now I am able to walk enough to do my own grocery shopping, etc. The foot surgery was major. The orthopedic surgeon, who specializes in feet and ankles (they are rare), rebuilt my feet. I had Charcot foot, which usually leaves you crippled, but I am able to walk.
:D The surgeon rebuilt my mid-foot with screws and plate, straightened my middle toes with pins, removed a joint in my little toe, did bunion on my big toe and nerve releases at my ankle and knee. He did all the procedures on each foot at one time on one foot then the other a few months later.
Even though it has been very difficult, I would do the surgery again. It has been very successful.
It is difficult living with chronic pain. It effects every part of your life. I have been through the stages of grief for my loss of health and now am accepting of my situation most of the time.
I am glad I found you guys, because no one understands what I am going through like another pain sufferer.
Lynne
My rheumatologist put me on Avinza in the end of February in addition to Oxycodone for break through pain, Motrin, Flexeril and then some meds for other conditions. The Avinza has made me feel better than I have in years and I am able to function. I am not pain free, but the pain is tolerable. My last 2 surgeries were August and November last year for my feet. Foot surgery has a very long recovery. I was in a wheelchair for the last 5 months of '07, but now I am able to walk enough to do my own grocery shopping, etc. The foot surgery was major. The orthopedic surgeon, who specializes in feet and ankles (they are rare), rebuilt my feet. I had Charcot foot, which usually leaves you crippled, but I am able to walk.
:D The surgeon rebuilt my mid-foot with screws and plate, straightened my middle toes with pins, removed a joint in my little toe, did bunion on my big toe and nerve releases at my ankle and knee. He did all the procedures on each foot at one time on one foot then the other a few months later.
Even though it has been very difficult, I would do the surgery again. It has been very successful.
It is difficult living with chronic pain. It effects every part of your life. I have been through the stages of grief for my loss of health and now am accepting of my situation most of the time.
I am glad I found you guys, because no one understands what I am going through like another pain sufferer.
Lynne