Thanks Margie, I will hang in.
I'll put some thoughts to some questions and send later.
Take it easy.
Leesa
I'll put some thoughts to some questions and send later.
Take it easy.
Leesa
Leesa and others asked when Dr. Filler did my surgery. He did it in February. I am worse now. He has tried another injection. It didn t help. He says my condition may yet improve, as it can take the nerves up to three months to heal. He also told me a second surgery may help. I regret not asking him what percentage of patients he cures and, perhaps more telling, in what percentage of patients does he recommend additional procedures after the first surgery. It is hard for me to work at the computer so please don't take my failure to respond to a post personally.
Leesa,
Remember when I posted about tripping over our pup? My left leg lit up like someone hit it with a blow torch. What really happened is that I yanked on one or more nerves that Doc worked on and my rear went into spasm. By the way, the rear spasming is due to unstable nerves. Oh well, when my rear goes into into a spasm, it sometimes pulls on my far lower back and it hurts. Sometimes, it hurts a lot when that happens.
So, I've got a question. Is it truly your lower back that hurts or your far upper butt(far lower back)? If it's the latter, look for it to go away in about 2 more days as everything settles down from the curb issue.
Hang in there and welcome to my graceful world.
David
Remember when I posted about tripping over our pup? My left leg lit up like someone hit it with a blow torch. What really happened is that I yanked on one or more nerves that Doc worked on and my rear went into spasm. By the way, the rear spasming is due to unstable nerves. Oh well, when my rear goes into into a spasm, it sometimes pulls on my far lower back and it hurts. Sometimes, it hurts a lot when that happens.
So, I've got a question. Is it truly your lower back that hurts or your far upper butt(far lower back)? If it's the latter, look for it to go away in about 2 more days as everything settles down from the curb issue.
Hang in there and welcome to my graceful world.
David
Oneman,
For patients who truly meet PS diagnoses criteria, roughly 85-90% have good to excellent outcomes. This comes from his formal outcome study which you can request from his office. In that study, he stated that it was necessary to re-operate on a very limited number of patients to do a final clean-up.
If your surgery was in February, it's early based on my experience. I didn't REALLY start improving until about the 2 month mark where it took a step change for the better. I'm coming up on 4 months and I am still improving, albeit in a less rapid fashion than previously enjoyed.
There have been several posters that have stated that 4 months was the magic period for them. They were kind of struggling and then on, or around, the 4 month mark things really improved. In fact, one of those people doesn't even post anymore which is typically the sign that life has moved on for the better.
Bottom line: Hang in there the best you can and keep thinking positive. I have found that maintaining a hopeful attitude is a whole lot of this healing process. Easier said than done I know but it is critical, IMO.
For patients who truly meet PS diagnoses criteria, roughly 85-90% have good to excellent outcomes. This comes from his formal outcome study which you can request from his office. In that study, he stated that it was necessary to re-operate on a very limited number of patients to do a final clean-up.
If your surgery was in February, it's early based on my experience. I didn't REALLY start improving until about the 2 month mark where it took a step change for the better. I'm coming up on 4 months and I am still improving, albeit in a less rapid fashion than previously enjoyed.
There have been several posters that have stated that 4 months was the magic period for them. They were kind of struggling and then on, or around, the 4 month mark things really improved. In fact, one of those people doesn't even post anymore which is typically the sign that life has moved on for the better.
Bottom line: Hang in there the best you can and keep thinking positive. I have found that maintaining a hopeful attitude is a whole lot of this healing process. Easier said than done I know but it is critical, IMO.
Good morning to all
I've had a couple of posts almost written in the past few days when the electricity went out and poof the posts disappeared into computer heaven. That's life here though.
Debbie, So sorry to hear of your high pain level and lack of attention from the medical world. The Honduran hospital as a great solution to lack of space in the emergency room....simply send you to labor and delivery. Maybe that's what they should've done for you! Might've gotten some attention and help. Please know that I'm concerned for you and am praying that you get answers and help.
I want to bring you up to date on my progress. You may remember that before surgery I was diagnosed with SI as well as piriformis syndrome. My doctor here warned me that surgery probably wouldn't take care of the PI and Dr Filler was only mildly hopeful. I had RF treatment on the SI in September and was told that it might last up to seven months. Since then, I've not had the SI pain. I was holding my breath as the seventh month approached, hoping that maybe surgery had the hoped for, yet unexpected result of also curing the SI problem.
Alas, it was not to be. In the past week, the SI pain has returned and in force. My pain level was between 7 and 8 at times. So yesterday I returned for another RF treatment.
Since the emergency room is also the entry point for out-patient procedures, I had to go through emergency to get started. But like I mentioned above, it was full, so I spent the time waiting in a labor room and the procedure was actually done in the delivery room. They'll do anything to get things done! I feel much better on the day after than I did last time and the procedure was a lot less painful than I remembered it being. The doctor told me she did twice as much as last time so I should experience relief for twice as long.
Hg, how are you doing? Please let us know as we really care.
Menzie, haven't heard from you for a while. Keep us posted.
Julie, how was your appointment?
Your friend,
Donna
I've had a couple of posts almost written in the past few days when the electricity went out and poof the posts disappeared into computer heaven. That's life here though.
Debbie, So sorry to hear of your high pain level and lack of attention from the medical world. The Honduran hospital as a great solution to lack of space in the emergency room....simply send you to labor and delivery. Maybe that's what they should've done for you! Might've gotten some attention and help. Please know that I'm concerned for you and am praying that you get answers and help.
I want to bring you up to date on my progress. You may remember that before surgery I was diagnosed with SI as well as piriformis syndrome. My doctor here warned me that surgery probably wouldn't take care of the PI and Dr Filler was only mildly hopeful. I had RF treatment on the SI in September and was told that it might last up to seven months. Since then, I've not had the SI pain. I was holding my breath as the seventh month approached, hoping that maybe surgery had the hoped for, yet unexpected result of also curing the SI problem.
Alas, it was not to be. In the past week, the SI pain has returned and in force. My pain level was between 7 and 8 at times. So yesterday I returned for another RF treatment.
Since the emergency room is also the entry point for out-patient procedures, I had to go through emergency to get started. But like I mentioned above, it was full, so I spent the time waiting in a labor room and the procedure was actually done in the delivery room. They'll do anything to get things done! I feel much better on the day after than I did last time and the procedure was a lot less painful than I remembered it being. The doctor told me she did twice as much as last time so I should experience relief for twice as long.
Hg, how are you doing? Please let us know as we really care.
Menzie, haven't heard from you for a while. Keep us posted.
Julie, how was your appointment?
Your friend,
Donna
Donna,
So sorry to hear about your returning SI pain but glad you've gotten some relief with the RF treatment. I'll have to admit I don't know what RF stands for but whatever it is I'm glad you got it! I hope they were right in that it will last twice as long this time.
I'll be at my two week mark tomorrow so I'll get my staples out. Hooray!!! The incision is not giving me as much grief as it was a few days ago but now I have a big spasmy cramp deep in my butt. Not sure what it is but I'm sure it'll go away eventually. It's not awful. More annoying than anything. David, I think I remember you talking about a similar pain. Am I remembering correctly? If so how long did it last?
Take care all,
Margie
So sorry to hear about your returning SI pain but glad you've gotten some relief with the RF treatment. I'll have to admit I don't know what RF stands for but whatever it is I'm glad you got it! I hope they were right in that it will last twice as long this time.
I'll be at my two week mark tomorrow so I'll get my staples out. Hooray!!! The incision is not giving me as much grief as it was a few days ago but now I have a big spasmy cramp deep in my butt. Not sure what it is but I'm sure it'll go away eventually. It's not awful. More annoying than anything. David, I think I remember you talking about a similar pain. Am I remembering correctly? If so how long did it last?
Take care all,
Margie
Oneman:
Urrrgghhhh. I think you AND I need to hold hope and come to terms with the fact that it hasn t been 3 months yet and that there is a huge possibility it will get better. I feel worse too (these past few days) but must, must, must be patient. Cece told me yesterday that a second surgery is sometimes necessary. I started twisting the rope to put around my neck at first but like I said, I m going to wait another month or two at least before I go there. (Sorry but I have a sick, dark sense of humor sometimes and hope that didn t offend anyone but I gotta be me).
David:
I do remember your puppy tripping. Sounds like we both need a body guard or attendant! My back really is the lower back from right to left, that whole panel. Cece said Filler is going to call in another round of steroids and that it should help.
Donna:
Urrrggghhhh again! I too hope your RF treatment takes care of the pain ASAP. You ve been doing so well. I will keep positive thoughts for you.
Margie:
Good to hear from you. Sorry about the spasm but David did/does experience that. I have a little but not too much, it s off and on. I m sure he can fill you in.
Side Note:
By the way, Cece also said Filler told me to continue to keep a light work schedule and gauge my activity based upon my pain level. You might see me with a can in my hand in front of a store soon. If so, drop some spare change in it!!!
Leesa
Urrrgghhhh. I think you AND I need to hold hope and come to terms with the fact that it hasn t been 3 months yet and that there is a huge possibility it will get better. I feel worse too (these past few days) but must, must, must be patient. Cece told me yesterday that a second surgery is sometimes necessary. I started twisting the rope to put around my neck at first but like I said, I m going to wait another month or two at least before I go there. (Sorry but I have a sick, dark sense of humor sometimes and hope that didn t offend anyone but I gotta be me).
David:
I do remember your puppy tripping. Sounds like we both need a body guard or attendant! My back really is the lower back from right to left, that whole panel. Cece said Filler is going to call in another round of steroids and that it should help.
Donna:
Urrrggghhhh again! I too hope your RF treatment takes care of the pain ASAP. You ve been doing so well. I will keep positive thoughts for you.
Margie:
Good to hear from you. Sorry about the spasm but David did/does experience that. I have a little but not too much, it s off and on. I m sure he can fill you in.
Side Note:
By the way, Cece also said Filler told me to continue to keep a light work schedule and gauge my activity based upon my pain level. You might see me with a can in my hand in front of a store soon. If so, drop some spare change in it!!!
Leesa
Leesa and Oneman,
Please please please allow yourselves time and be patient! Remember that healing does take time and that you will eventually feel better. No twisted ropes allowed! Dr Filler evidently knows what he is talking about when he tells us to allow 3-4 months to feel better, even though we don't like to listen to that part of what he says. I know we all want results and we want them NOW! Especially when you've waited as long as most of us have to get this close to feeling better.
Margie, RF stands for Radio Frequency which essentially burns the end of the nerve so it has no feeling.
All, I want to go on public record saying how much I appreciate my PM doctor here. Dra. Haylock absolutely wins an award from me for her outstanding and compassionate care. When I started with her, she had never treated piriformis syndrome, but she spent literally hours studying my case and others like it so she knew what to do. I was her first botox patient and the first to receive RF from her. She even purchased the equipment for the RF just for me! The first time I walked in her office, she spent all the time I needed with me. She was ready to treat the pain right then and there, without me having to convince her that I was really in pain. It was so refreshing to have some actually believe me and do something about it. I've been with her for 2 years now and I truly appreciate everything she has done for me. The list of her acts of kindness goes on... I wish each of you could find the same jewel of a doctor that I have and I'd even be willing to share her if you happen to find your way to Honduras!
Donna
Please please please allow yourselves time and be patient! Remember that healing does take time and that you will eventually feel better. No twisted ropes allowed! Dr Filler evidently knows what he is talking about when he tells us to allow 3-4 months to feel better, even though we don't like to listen to that part of what he says. I know we all want results and we want them NOW! Especially when you've waited as long as most of us have to get this close to feeling better.
Margie, RF stands for Radio Frequency which essentially burns the end of the nerve so it has no feeling.
All, I want to go on public record saying how much I appreciate my PM doctor here. Dra. Haylock absolutely wins an award from me for her outstanding and compassionate care. When I started with her, she had never treated piriformis syndrome, but she spent literally hours studying my case and others like it so she knew what to do. I was her first botox patient and the first to receive RF from her. She even purchased the equipment for the RF just for me! The first time I walked in her office, she spent all the time I needed with me. She was ready to treat the pain right then and there, without me having to convince her that I was really in pain. It was so refreshing to have some actually believe me and do something about it. I've been with her for 2 years now and I truly appreciate everything she has done for me. The list of her acts of kindness goes on... I wish each of you could find the same jewel of a doctor that I have and I'd even be willing to share her if you happen to find your way to Honduras!
Donna
Margie
RF stands for radio frequency ablation. They put a needle next to the sensory nerves in your SI joint, usually 3 nerves, and usually the L5 facet joint and essentially burn the nerves, thus killing the sensation coming from the painful joints. It's a possibility for me also.
I'm scheduled for a guided botox injection in a few weeks. It was a mess trying to get it done the guided way as the PM clinic's surgery center is not on the insurance. Having it done somewhere else by one of the PM clinic's doctors. Hope it helps.
Aztec
RF stands for radio frequency ablation. They put a needle next to the sensory nerves in your SI joint, usually 3 nerves, and usually the L5 facet joint and essentially burn the nerves, thus killing the sensation coming from the painful joints. It's a possibility for me also.
I'm scheduled for a guided botox injection in a few weeks. It was a mess trying to get it done the guided way as the PM clinic's surgery center is not on the insurance. Having it done somewhere else by one of the PM clinic's doctors. Hope it helps.
Aztec
Hi my name is Crystal and I'm 7 days post op piriformis release surgery..I'm from WV and Dr.Legg did my surgery. He said my piriformis was laying on my sciatic nerve but hadn't done any damage or flattened my nerve. I felt instant relief in my leg but after a few days some of the same pain started returning. Does anyone know if this is normal?I keep telling myself I need to give my body time to heal.
Good to hear from everyone. Has anyone heard from Julie. Also H'girl we would so love to hear from you and all care about you. David, thanks for your eternal optimism.
I think there is something in the air. Leesa was happy that she was coming along well and now this setback with her back. She and Oneman get the hint from Filler's office that sometimes it takes 2 surgeries. Dr. Filler actually told me that in my first appointment, that his 2nd surgeries were even more successful than his 1st. Not exactly what one wants to hear after getting up the courage and cash for a 1st one. Hang in there Leesa and oneman and stay optimistic . No, you are not at that 3rd magic month or for that matter as David reminded us all, at the 4th month.
Then Donna, our star post surgery model gets 7-8 level pain with this SI joint problem. I sure hope this 2nd treatment holds for a long time or forever. The Honduras medical system impresses me. My son-in-law waited from 8:30 to 4:00 PM for a minor procedure in emergency here. There would never be a thought to take him into a delivery room. People are sometimes stashed in the halls waiting in agony.
Margie, glad the incision pain has let up but sorry you are having that spasming. Yes I do remember that with David and it could be a big problem but look at this guy now out doing yard work with his eternal optimism. Thanks David, for passing that attitude along. And, Leesa thanks for that dark sense of humor.
Debbie, how about you ? Hope you are doing better and have gotten some relief.
So I am the model for injections right now and I was happy and saw it as a good sign that although I was still experiencing butt pain, I had no leg pain. But, as of yesterday that came to an abrupt end. Like you Donna I would say I was up in the 7-8 pain level on a day when I was meeting my ex husband for lunch and a former boyfriend for dinner. Why oh why didn't I just cancel everything but I didn't. My butt/leg/foot were on fire by the time I got home last night and was awake until 3:00 AM. But I still feel good that I had some days without leg pain and to me that is a good sign. And I may yet have more. I have spoken to Dr. Filler and he was good about answering all my questions. Basically he could see reasons on the MRN for my pain, including piriformis and other causes.
So I have been a bit long winded. Think positive as David always says and I will be thinking of all of you. And keep us laughing Leesa even through the pain.
Oh, and Aztec just looked at your post. Good luck with the botox. None of mine were guided except Dr. Filler's but I did get some relief especially with the leg pain.
Bye for now. Hope I didn't leave anyone out.
Shirley
I think there is something in the air. Leesa was happy that she was coming along well and now this setback with her back. She and Oneman get the hint from Filler's office that sometimes it takes 2 surgeries. Dr. Filler actually told me that in my first appointment, that his 2nd surgeries were even more successful than his 1st. Not exactly what one wants to hear after getting up the courage and cash for a 1st one. Hang in there Leesa and oneman and stay optimistic . No, you are not at that 3rd magic month or for that matter as David reminded us all, at the 4th month.
Then Donna, our star post surgery model gets 7-8 level pain with this SI joint problem. I sure hope this 2nd treatment holds for a long time or forever. The Honduras medical system impresses me. My son-in-law waited from 8:30 to 4:00 PM for a minor procedure in emergency here. There would never be a thought to take him into a delivery room. People are sometimes stashed in the halls waiting in agony.
Margie, glad the incision pain has let up but sorry you are having that spasming. Yes I do remember that with David and it could be a big problem but look at this guy now out doing yard work with his eternal optimism. Thanks David, for passing that attitude along. And, Leesa thanks for that dark sense of humor.
Debbie, how about you ? Hope you are doing better and have gotten some relief.
So I am the model for injections right now and I was happy and saw it as a good sign that although I was still experiencing butt pain, I had no leg pain. But, as of yesterday that came to an abrupt end. Like you Donna I would say I was up in the 7-8 pain level on a day when I was meeting my ex husband for lunch and a former boyfriend for dinner. Why oh why didn't I just cancel everything but I didn't. My butt/leg/foot were on fire by the time I got home last night and was awake until 3:00 AM. But I still feel good that I had some days without leg pain and to me that is a good sign. And I may yet have more. I have spoken to Dr. Filler and he was good about answering all my questions. Basically he could see reasons on the MRN for my pain, including piriformis and other causes.
So I have been a bit long winded. Think positive as David always says and I will be thinking of all of you. And keep us laughing Leesa even through the pain.
Oh, and Aztec just looked at your post. Good luck with the botox. None of mine were guided except Dr. Filler's but I did get some relief especially with the leg pain.
Bye for now. Hope I didn't leave anyone out.
Shirley
Hi all,
Gotta be quick this morning as we have work visitors.
Margie, yes, butt spasms are a daily issue and my nerve issues ebb and flow with the degree of spasming. Thus, I take Skelaxin in half doses to keep these at bay to the largest extent. I have no idea how long I may have to endure these. Per Dr. Filler, the muscles that are spasming are the remaining sectins of the severed piriformis and they are doing so due to unstable nerves. Makes sense to me but I'm looking forward to the day they cease being unstable. Nevertheless, I'm able to function pretty well despite their(the spasming muscles) protests. Personally, I think the two halves are looking longlingly at each other and they twitch out of loneliness.
:-)
David
Gotta be quick this morning as we have work visitors.
Margie, yes, butt spasms are a daily issue and my nerve issues ebb and flow with the degree of spasming. Thus, I take Skelaxin in half doses to keep these at bay to the largest extent. I have no idea how long I may have to endure these. Per Dr. Filler, the muscles that are spasming are the remaining sectins of the severed piriformis and they are doing so due to unstable nerves. Makes sense to me but I'm looking forward to the day they cease being unstable. Nevertheless, I'm able to function pretty well despite their(the spasming muscles) protests. Personally, I think the two halves are looking longlingly at each other and they twitch out of loneliness.
:-)
David
My back feels better today :)
Donna:
Happy you LOVE your doctor, it's so important.
Leesa
Donna:
Happy you LOVE your doctor, it's so important.
Leesa
Shirley
I have been getting American Pain Foundation for some time now. As a case manager, I worked with chronic pain and palliative care patients extensively. I've read so much on pain and the appropriate use of narcotics, it's not funny. Unfortunately, we still have plenty of doctors afraid of the DEA here and won't prescribe anything unless your dying with cancer pain or are in acute pain.
Donna,
I hope the back pain is better by now and the second RF helped. I've had one but I can't say that it helped. Boy, I wished our hospitals would use OB when ER is flooded but they don't. Take a ticket, take a seat unless you're dying. You are very fortunate to have a PM that really listens and works with you---that's great! Hang onto her. Thanks for the prayers.
Margie and Aztec,
Sounds like you may be getting RF also. My PM always uses conscious sedation fo everything so pain is not an issue. I hope yours gives you a long period of pain relief. Hang in there.
Leesa,
We have to have different corners. I've been on LTD since October so begging for collections may be a possibility.
Update:
I had a really rough 3 days but at least it has settled down now. Had two days of tears and just wanted to die because the pain was so bad. That sitting for 4 1/2 hrs is just intolerable. I think my docs are passing the buck and upset that another doc did a procedure the other one could've done. Does anybody have pain in the sacral/coccygeal area? I've been having that along with right posterior thigh parasthesia I'm not sure what the next move should be. Has anybody had a Spinal Cord Stimulator (SCS) implant? If so, I'm interested in your thoughts about it.
I haven't heard from Julie either. Maybe that's good news in that she was able to get surgery on the first visit.
Take care and I hope that everyone has a wonderful weekend. You must watch the UofL Cardinals Saturday and route for them! :LOL: :LOL: :LOL: :LOL:
I have been getting American Pain Foundation for some time now. As a case manager, I worked with chronic pain and palliative care patients extensively. I've read so much on pain and the appropriate use of narcotics, it's not funny. Unfortunately, we still have plenty of doctors afraid of the DEA here and won't prescribe anything unless your dying with cancer pain or are in acute pain.
Donna,
I hope the back pain is better by now and the second RF helped. I've had one but I can't say that it helped. Boy, I wished our hospitals would use OB when ER is flooded but they don't. Take a ticket, take a seat unless you're dying. You are very fortunate to have a PM that really listens and works with you---that's great! Hang onto her. Thanks for the prayers.
Margie and Aztec,
Sounds like you may be getting RF also. My PM always uses conscious sedation fo everything so pain is not an issue. I hope yours gives you a long period of pain relief. Hang in there.
Leesa,
We have to have different corners. I've been on LTD since October so begging for collections may be a possibility.
Update:
I had a really rough 3 days but at least it has settled down now. Had two days of tears and just wanted to die because the pain was so bad. That sitting for 4 1/2 hrs is just intolerable. I think my docs are passing the buck and upset that another doc did a procedure the other one could've done. Does anybody have pain in the sacral/coccygeal area? I've been having that along with right posterior thigh parasthesia I'm not sure what the next move should be. Has anybody had a Spinal Cord Stimulator (SCS) implant? If so, I'm interested in your thoughts about it.
I haven't heard from Julie either. Maybe that's good news in that she was able to get surgery on the first visit.
Take care and I hope that everyone has a wonderful weekend. You must watch the UofL Cardinals Saturday and route for them! :LOL: :LOL: :LOL: :LOL:
I'll root for the Cardinals today if you will root for the Longhorns tomorrow! Hook em
Aztec