GOOD TO "SEE" folks posting again... How is everyone? Were you able to "manage" your pain during the holidays and have a reasonably "good" season? As posted earlier, I faked my way through it...dreading the start of another year of the same. Yet here it fucking is, whether I like it or not. Woo-fucking-Hoo!
JM, no judgment here, my friend. We're all pulling for you. Your daughter's safety and emotional well-being is paramount. It's good that she's with your folks. I do hope you can get the help you need.
Shroomy...I tried Kratom for the first time in June-July of 2015, after reading of its potential benefits for pain and depression. I did not see a big change with pain relief, but NO DOUBT it helped my mood. It felt like it somewhat lifted some of the heaviness of my depression. I was taking it (capsule form) when my sweetheart Dal Hotty died suddenly in July. I thought I went into shock, as I cried very little. It broke my heart, but I believe the Kratom kept me "comfortably numb". Otherwise I've no doubt I'd have been in the psych ward. Unfortunately, I think the Kratom made my pre-existing constipation ramp to a deadly partial obstruction. I stopped taking the Kratom capsules in early August because of the GI (clogged pipes). By October I was in ER, then hospitalized, with "a colon filled with stool and a bladder filled with bacteria".
My gut will never be "right" but I can't blame the Kratom. I wish I could take it, honestly. Just the mood lift strengthened me to push through the day to day debilitating pain.
FWIW...MSN has a lengthy article online today about Kratom and its potential for addiction/gateway to drugs. It's just a matter of time before Big Brother intervenes...as per usual.
closeau...Kudos for your desire to stop the use of opiates. If the weed is sufficient to ease pain, yet allow you to be a productive member of society, go for it. Just DO NOT burn bridges EVER with your med team at Duke. Keep your options open...always...as they will guide you lifelong with your GI issues. I'd give almost anything to have the skill and in depth proficiency of Duke University. Please proceed cautiously. Indeed, if you don't need the pain meds...it's best to taper off until and unless you do need them down the road. Cyber ((hugs)) my brotha. We're here for you.
RTP...How are you? I asked about you in earlier posts over the holiday break. I do hope that you made magical memories with your "sweetchildo'mine". Kids make Christmas, IMO. I hope your pain is well-managed, friend.
Dayem, SNod...May I please share your doctor? My dream is to have meds that could be administered IV (by a professional, not me). I can't even give myself the weekly B12 injections. My hubby does it for me. Your post is interesting on so many levels. Have you had facet injections or epis in your spine for relief
ever? Those can actually cause Arachnoiditis. I realize they provide temporary relief for many. I myself have been through the gambit sans nerve ablation. I won't allow those procedures
ever.
I empathize, my brotha, on every aspect of your diagnosis. The scream-worthy agonizing pain of sciatica, or pain radiating into the sacrum, down the leg is difficult to treat and maintain QOL. It sounds like you've found a gem of a doctor. Hang on tight and follow his/her rules to the proverbial "T". The cortisone level is interesting. Mine is opposite...high as a kite (19). It's been out of control for 2 decades now, since surgically induced menopause @ 33 (yay me!). My oncologist forbid my taking any type of HRT for life. Can't express what an emotional odyssey I've experienced for the "prime" of my so-called life. SUX
I don't "do" the New Year resolution blah, blah, blah...I live by the mantra of trying to be the change in the world that I want to see...Ghandi, right? I don't need to lose weight or pay off credit debt, or join a gym as the marketing machine shouts from all directions. I'm GOOD on all those proclamations, thx anyway. I DO NEED change, whether it's a career move or relocate to greener pastures, literally. It's tougher every second of every waking moment to find light in the darkness. But by God, I'm gonna keep changing those blown out bulbs and hitting the switches, lighting the fires under my own ass...
starting Monday!!!
As Scarlet O'Hara said...I'll worry about it tomorrow. Today I've found temporary escape (yay) with Nurse Jackie on Netflix (7 seasons). I've clawed my way out of the "show hole" to escape via big screen.
Y'all enjoy your evening, if at all possible. For those who need encouragement...Listen for the rustling of my red and blue pom-poms, CHEERING YOU ON from a distance. I'm here if y'all need me.
