Last post Wed, Jan 30 2008 8:02 AM by CDavid. 4 replies.
My name is actually Hu but the site requires a three letter user name so I tacked on an "E". Anyway, I first seriously injured my back in 1988, L4-S1 disk. reinjured it many times and had major surgeries in '89, '95 and January of '07, some success after the first one and a long recovery, not much to show for multiple fusions on L5-S1, no gain or actually lost ground scar tissue and adhesions probably being the main issues. Of course with poor health lose of muscle and weight gain is almost inevitable. Following the '89 surgery, I had to retrain for a desk job. It paid well but weight was an issue so I started exercising, By late '93 I was running 10K three or four times a week. A very minor accident damaged my back again and I haven't worked or ran since then. I haven't walked any real distance either.
That brings me to the present and my reason for this post, the installation of a neurostimulator to block pain. No reason to list brands or anything, I don't want to step on administrative toes with my first post! However the neurostimulator and leads near my spinal cord break the cycle of pain very early and in my case reduce pain probably a real 75%. This is far better than the manufacturer hopes for, they claim 50% or less, but I am in contact with or familiar with others who have done as well. This uses an electronic signal much like the tens units and such except it works directly on the spinal cord and the entire unit except the remote control is internal.
The last three days I have walked a lap of a local walking path each day, roughly a half mile. This is the furtherest and fastest I have walked since the injury in 1993 so I find it very exciting and hopeful. Very moderate increase in pain in the usual areas, some unhappy muscles that haven't been used in a long time. I'm not dragging the left leg for the first time in many years but the new range of motion takes some getting used to.
There is no surgery with a reasonable likelihood of success correcting my problems at this time but the neurostimulator is doing an excellent job treating the symptoms. I am going to exercise and try to lose weight for a few months and continue my current level of drugs using the machine also to support my increased activities. The next step is reducing the amount of medications which has only went up for the last twenty years.
I am only two weeks past the procedure to install this equipment so I am very much on a learning curve and taking small steps right now but life does look brighter than it has in years!
Hu
The progress is awesome, Hu! Grats! I hope your world continues to brighten!
Ms. Jessie
Hi Hu,
Welcome to Disaboom! Its always GREAT to hear positive results from newer and/or alternative technology/methods. Having an open mind and willingness to "try things out for size" always has the potential to be a "I never knew..." success story. Keep us posted on your progress and learning curve. There should be many here that will be interested in hearing from you!
Dave
wonderful news Hu---good for you lanell
That is very encouraging! I am the mother of a disabled child.
My positive news involves me creating an affordable child care center for children with disabilities and special needs. I am a semi-finalist competing for a $50K business grant online at www.iwilljuststart.com I am in second place, however with more votes I can secure first place and take the grand prize and apply it towards my business. You can support me by registering online and voting for profile CDavid, and please forward the information to others. Voting ends Jan. 31 at midnight and the winner will be announced Feb. 4.
