Thoracic Update

Shebo · #1 (**permalink**) 10-13-2011, 02:14 AM

It seems like it has been forever

since I have logged on and I thought I would give a quick update. I have had a lot going on both mentally and physically. It looks like so many have had surgeries. I will have to read all of your posts and get caught up.

In August, I had a T7 bilateral nerve root injection. It was decided if I got any relief from this injection then surgery would be an answer.

It was determined from more MRI's that the last surgery at T9 (done by a different surgeon) was done at the wrong level. What we learn from these forums. For the last year the pain just laughs at the meds but they keep me from staying in bed all day. I'm still not able to do much...

Well, I got more relief than was expected from the injection. I had 10 glorious days of manageable pain. Mind you, I was still on pain meds. But, I was able to get out of the house and go shopping, sit upright in a chair for more than half an hour, clean the house, I even painted a dresser. Probably not smart,

but I was so happy to be able to do some of the stuff I used to do. And, then the pain came back full force. So, today I had another of the same injections to see if it will last longer. If it is the same result, we will schedule the surgery.

The pain relief was such a blessing but it also reminded me of what I am struggling to get back (no pun intended). Does anyone else feel that way?

I hope everyone is doing well.

dshobbies · #2 (**permalink**) 10-13-2011, 04:49 PM

Shebo,

With such a positive result, your diagnosis appears confirmed which unto itself, is the biggest relief. Too many others are struggling with the unknown resulting in no clear cut path to pain free days.

I remember, after my injections I had 1 week of no pain. I was so hopeful that after the third round the benefit would last longer allowing me to 'paint a dresser' but all it did was remind me how good life could be but was not. Yes it does increase your desire to hurry whatever comes next because we're reminded what life was like before pain.

You are one of the lucky ones. Here's hoping the next round bears the same result!

Dale

Shebo · #3 (**permalink**) 10-13-2011, 06:57 PM

I think I got a little over exuberent with the dresser.

I guess your third round of injections did not bring your desired relief. I know how it is to be told by many doctors that there is no reason for your pain or we can't help you or maybe if you exercised more. I wish there was an answer for everyone's pain.

I try to be a realist and my guess is that I might have the same relief but we're not looking at anything long term. I agree I am lucky in this seems to confirm a positive result from the surgery. Although the surgery scares the heck out of me.

jsewell · #4 (**permalink**) 10-14-2011, 06:03 AM

Shebo,
I was right with you on the thoracic pain a few years ago. I did have the Vats , video assisted thoracic surgery. The disks at T7-8 and T11-12 were the pain generators and really bad pain generators when i had discography. Those were the 2 the surgeon operated on, due to a nerve accident he never did finish the lower one.
I have also had a lot of other spine surgeries and am now have laminectomies, facetectomies , and on and on from C4thru L4. It is now also all fused. So i know just how you feel except the shots never helped at all in my thoracic spine.
Please let us know what surgery is planned , how long these shots last, well everything,. we are all here for you
judy

dshobbies · #5 (**permalink**) 10-14-2011, 04:03 PM

Shebo,

You've already been through several back surgeries and you know what to expect. What is the desired surgery that is scaring the heck out of you? What specifically is scarier than before or is it just the surgery itself which we all know is no walk in the park. Do you feel more anxious with this one or is it about the same, just jumping out of your skin bad

BTW, who is your doctor?

Dale

Shebo · #6 (**permalink**) 10-14-2011, 04:49 PM

Judy, you have been through so much. I haven't been able to read all that you have been going through lately. I hope it is giving you some relief. Everyone is so supportive here and informative with great advice. I've joined several other forums but the people on this one are great.

Dale, The surgery is a costotrasversectomy of T7/8 and possibly T9/10. I think what is scarier on this one is the fact that they will deflate the lung. Also, anytime someone (medical staff) asks what surgery I will be having their reaction is "wow, that's a big surgery". I try not to get freaked out over what other people say but come on. I'm not to the point of jumping out of my skin. Just a little nervous. It's all good.