Spinal Headaches!!!!!!!!!

[Senior Citizen]

I had an intrathecal pain pump put in on Apr 8th. Apparently the cut didn't seal/heal up and I was leaking spinal fluid.

On Friday the 10th I had to go in and have a "blood patch" done. They drew blood out of my arm and pushed it into my spinal cord hoping to seal the leak. It did........for 2 days. Monday the 13th I was literally dieing. Went down to my doctor's office in PC and he gave me 4 nerve blocks in my neck to stop what we thought was severe nerve/muscle pain. Four hours later his nurse called to see how the shots had made me feel. I asked her when they were supposed to "kick in". She said they should have kicked in before I left the building.

About 5 PM monday I was begging any and everyone to please kill me. SERIOUSLY KILL ME NOW!

Went to the ER at Bay Med and met my doc there. Was admitted. IV'd and given 2mg morphine every 3 hours and loritab 10 every 3 hours. No relief until Thursday morning when I had another blood patch done. Haven't had a pain pill or any morphine since the proceedure.

Came home yesterday morning, got in my shower, ate my wife's cooking, petted my dog and got 8 straight hours of sleep in my bed last night.

I thougth I was a tough man. I thought I knew and had experienced pain in my life time. Boy was I wrong. Monday night I was a "humbled man". I was making up things for God to forgive me for.

I pray that none of you that read this have to suffer through anything like this and for those of you that have, you are a true survivor!

Lee

 

[Senior Citizen]

I had an intrathecal pain pump put in on Apr 8th. Apparently the cut didn't seal/heal up and I was leaking spinal fluid.

On Friday the 10th I had to go in and have a "blood patch" done. They drew blood out of my arm and pushed it into my spinal cord hoping to seal the leak. It did........for 2 days. Monday the 13th I was literally dieing. Went down to my doctor's office in PC and he gave me 4 nerve blocks in my neck to stop what we thought was severe nerve/muscle pain. Four hours later his nurse called to see how the shots had made me feel. I asked her when they were supposed to "kick in". She said they should have kicked in before I left the building.

About 5 PM monday I was begging any and everyone to please kill me. SERIOUSLY KILL ME NOW!

Went to the ER at Bay Med and met my doc there. Was admitted. IV'd and given 2mg morphine every 3 hours and loritab 10 every 3 hours. No relief until Thursday morning when I had another blood patch done. Haven't had a pain pill or any morphine since the proceedure.

Came home yesterday morning, got in my shower, ate my wife's cooking, petted my dog and got 8 straight hours of sleep in my bed last night.

I thougth I was a tough man. I thought I knew and had experienced pain in my life time. Boy was I wrong. Monday night I was a "humbled man". I was making up things for God to forgive me for.

I pray that none of you that read this have to suffer through anything like this and for those of you that have, you are a true survivor!

Lee

 

[Jeepnut]

Well ain't that a heart-felt and on-your-sleeve post.
Lee,...I'm sorry for your discomfort and will keep your post in mind as I continue on my own journey through the things I feel most difficult.
When I read of how you kept your difficulty in perspective...it reminded me that no matter what we are, where we are and what we must face...there is always something much worse and beyond, happening to someone.
My sincere and fondest regards and thoughts are sennt to you and those who love you.

Jake

 

[Senior Citizen]

Originally posted by Jeepnut:
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there is always something much worse and beyond, happening to someone.
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Jake

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There was an elderly lady several doors down from me that was suffering from dementia. She though that everyone that was trying to help her was trying to kill her. Even through all of my pain I was asking myself what must be going on in that poor woman's mind.

Yes, there is ALWAYS something worse.


Lee

 

[dlstewart01]

Happened to me two years ago when I had prostate surgery. I had a spinal. I had a headach like I have never had and threw up for 72 hours. The hospital said it was nothing they did and I had a reaction to medication. They would not even suggest any thing else. My wife got on line and found out what the problem was. Massave doses of caffeine is the treatment. If that doesn't work then you must get the patch.

In my case the caffeine worked. But there were times I thought I was going to die and was afraid I wouldn't.

You have my sympathy.

 

[Wheelgunner840]

I am glad that you are feeling better. That sounds like one heck of a thing to have to go through.

WG840

 

[Senior Citizen]

Originally posted by dlstewart01:
Massave doses of caffeine is the treatment. If that doesn't work then you must get the patch.

In my case the caffeine worked. But there were times I thought I was going to die and was afraid I wouldn't.

You have my sympathy.

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I was taking 500mg of caffine about every 4 hours I think. I could see the numbers on the IV machine and the caffine and "sugar water" were both running at 100 each. Now what that means I don't know, but I do know that every 6 seconds they both let 3 drops go into my main line. I was on the caffine for 3 days.

When I had the first blood patch done on the 10th I also took one bag (500 mg/bag) before they would let me sit up an go home.

I' a caffine junkie anyway, so I'm still getting a pot in the morning and maybe a hot tea during the evening.

My BullsEye partner and fishing buddy came by the hospital to check on me Tuesday night. I told him I would have given him every gun I owned and my new big boat if would have just come and killed me. He smiled at me and my wife and said. "WHY DIDN'T YOU CALL ME"? I told him Sunny wouldn't have any part of that deal........she likes my big boat too much!

I'm just glad I'm home and feeling better so my poor wife can get some sleep and stop worrying over me. She's only 5' 0" and weighs 102 pounds, but she is stronger (mentally) than anyone I've ever met in my life. I weigh in at 230 on a light day and I lean on her way more than she does me. My son just turned 22 and he showed his true colors during this ordeal too. I'm pretty proud of him today as well.

Okay, enough soul unloading........just needed to get it out and done with.

thanks to all who wished me well,

Lee

 

[EvelMe]

Glad you've made it back from that.

 

[dlstewart01]

You can bet the farm thats its the last spinal I will ever have.