So tired of pain

Hey, all my VA friends. I guess it's time for me to whine a bit. Long story short, in case you don't know, I've had two surgeries on my cervical spine since having RNY almost two years ago. I AM SO TIRED OF BEING IN PAIN. The fall that started all of my spine problems happened on 12/13/04. I've been taking Vicodin, etc. since then, and I still hurt so much. I was planning to go see Tink today, but I just hurt too much to make the trip today. Oh, well. Thanks for listening/reading. I love you guys and can't wait to see you in January! JoAnn

Hey JoAnn! Sorry to hear you are having a rough time of it. Different pain meds work on different people....and on different TYPES of pain. If Vicodin is not working....ask for something else. You pay these docs...they WORK for you. Call them until you find something that works! It's ok...they can pay their cell phone bill...LOL. Pain interferes with the healing process...and will slow your progress. Please let us know how you are doing! Love, Stephanie

Thanks, Steph! I think that my body has probasbly gotten used to the Vicodin. I have a call in to the surgeon, but I don't know when he'll call. JoAnn

Hey Gal, Figured something was up since we haven't heard much from you since your return from NOLA. Sorry to hear about the unceasing pain. Lois

Thanks, Lois! Let me know about Thursday. I'm there for ya! J

Hiya BABY!!!!! I am sooooooooo sorry you are still in pain.............you gotta do whatever you can to stop it, and I will pray that you find the solution soon. Did I hear of a pain med pump they can surgically put in you that delivers the pain meds right into the area??? Just a thought. Keep on keepin on, it's all we can do!!! Love ya baby, and why do we have to wait for January???????????? Get yer skinny hiney over here!!!!!!!!! XOOXOXOXOOXOX Sharon

Hey, girly! I'm gonna ask the doc about that pain pump. It doesn't sound like fun, but I'll try anything at this point! Thanks for the idea! J

Hi JoAnn, I am so sorry to hear about all your back pain. Have you tried a pain patch? I know Cathy Alphin knows about them because she had one for her shoulder surgery and thinks they are wonderful. I have emailed her and ask her what they are called again because they don't go through the stomach they go straight into the blood stream. I hope you get to feeling better soon!! Jackie.

Thanks for the info and the well wishes, Jackie! JoAnn

JoAnn, Since you hadn't mentioned the pain in awhile I thought you were doing better. Bummer. The pain patch is great. I believe it is called Durigesic or Fentinal (sp). Some doctors don't know about it cuz it was really for bone cancer patients. Anyway, it goes on your collar area and works for three days. It takes a day or so to get into your system but is great after that. One big advantage is the constant dose, the other is that it doesn't go through your stomach so fewer reactions or risk of liver damage, ulcers, etc. It comes is several dosages. You start low and thru trial and error over a week or so get to the right dose for you. Or you can start at the larger does and be stoned and immobile ( but pain free) CathyA