A Journey Through Chronic Pain

I am now walking about on a revised knee!! So far so good. Pain is diminishing, mobility is improving.

But……..this is only the end of one chapter. I now have some big decisions to make regarding the rest of my body. My back is trashed! I have talked to a pain management specialist about the possibily of placing a nerve stimulator as a way to stave off back surgery, maybe major back surgery.  The nerve stimulator would help control the pain and maybe buy some time. This could involve a laminectomy depending upon the type of lead they choose to place. It could also just be place percutaneously, but the pulse generator has to be surgically implanted. Infection is always a big risk. This is what caused the beginning of many of my problems 20 years ago when I went down this path. I am hesitant to even think about going there again in spite of the fact that the technology has changed a bunch in 20 years.  It was a major trauma then and nearly physically destroyed my ability to walk. I am not sure which way to jump with this but if there is anyone out there  who has had experience with the current technology, please let me know.

My knee pain is retreating almost daily and my hope is that it will soon be at the level it was before the surgery. I am still having some stiffness, particularly when I sit for an extended period of time, but overall the result has been good! No follow-up for three months!!

If I can get my back pain and neuro symptoms under control, life will be much more manageable. It is a daily struggle now with not much change day-to-day.