Treatments Updates--Some Good News!

Back on February 25th, my pain management doctor (Dr Davis) approached my lower right side pain a little differently.  He decided to do the usual pain block procedure as he usually does; however, at the same time, he also did an oblation.  This is when he uses heat to basically "burn" that specific nerve.  I have had an oblation done before, but it only lasted a few weeks (I think about 4-6 weeks).  However, the first time my first pain management doctor (Dr. Lee) did the oblation, he went with the traditional method, which means, he did very very low heat and pulsated the nerve.  This means, the heat didn't totally kill the nerve; but sorta of "kept it quiet".  Also when I first had the oblation, Dr Lee didn't use any pain block medication either.   However, this second go around with the oblation along with the pain block preformed by Dr Davis is a bit different.  Dr. Davis went more conventional on the oblation; that is, he went with full heat (that sounds terrible/hot, but it isn't something that your body will feel a burning sensation) on the probe and left it there as he delivered the pain block medication to areas around that specific nerve.  The heat allowed that specific nerve to completely die.   The nerve WILL regenerate eventually.  When I asked about the time frame, he wasn't too sure about the time frame regarding the nerve in the my pain area since that area is very unique.  However, he had told me that for several of his patients who he has done oblations in the back or hip area, he has seen respite pain between 9-12 months, some even 24 months!   So far, I have had good progress with this oblation treatment.  I'm not completely pain free, but it has helped me about 85%-90%.! PRAISE GOD!  The plan for now is to see him in October; however, if I need to see him sooner, or if the pain returns I can always call him before then.

I'm still struggling with terrible terrible head pains and migraines.  There is so much pressure in the back of my head...both sides of the head. My neurologists is still working with me.  We have tried a month of decreasing one of my medication to see if that is a factor in my confusion, cognitive issues, etc, and it seems as if it is not.  Or we don't think it is.  I wasn't able to go longer than a month in decreasing the medication, because the pain just increased more.   The car accident I was in doesn't really have anything to do with my head pain and migraines.  I'm still recovering from that and have 4 more sessions of Physical Therapy and from there I'll transition to just a home program.  However, I still struggle with a lot of neck pain, stiffness, and soreness and my doctor and therapist told me it is just a long recovery because that area is hard to heal since it's constantly being used.   While I was visiting with Dr. Davis yesterday, I causally mentioned about my neck pain to him.  He encouraged me to finish up PT and the use of my TENS unit for a few more weeks; if I continue to have pain, he said for me to call him and he will see what he can do to help me.  My real prayer and hope is that I don't have to go through another form of treatment for a while.  I just hope and pray the therapy and TENS unit helps!

As I was sitting on my recliner the other day, trying to rest/relax and breathe through my pain (instead of taking so much pain medicine), I was reflecting on the goodness and graciousness of God.   Yes, I do suffer a lot, and I know I complain a lot.....and yes, I even cry more times than I can count, but I'm also very blessed to have such caring doctors who doesn't give up on me.  They are prompt to call me back or email me back whenever I have a need or question. My family and friends who are there for me and who pray for me as I have journeyed through these health battle, not just now, but throughout the years.  I'm grateful to everyone.  I grateful to God.