My block helped nearly 2 weeks. I had the Lumbar Sympathetic Nerve block on January 28, 2016.  I had a reduction from a really hard 8 going in for the procedure to a 4 until a couple of days ago when it started creeping back up. L3 and L4 this time instead of L2 and L4. I was so grateful for this. That’s 40-50 percent of reduced symptoms. When I left to receive that amazing award my medication had been delayed yet again. I was a week without already. My block only covered my right lower extremity so 4 means only that which was blocked. I’m still working on a post to share the Bakken Invitation Award experience. I almost left it all behind and I almost didn’t make it through once there, but I did, and I did. The block eased the flare I left in and came home with, allowed extra midnight snacks for the man, dinners, cleaning, sharing, a little catching up. That really is everything it could have been. I don’t count what I didn’t get from the block, I consider each symptom I get relief from. That allows me an over all number, fairly. I tend to be conservative with the pain scale. The time it lasted wasn’t what my insurance wants to approve it again, but it lasted long enough that I could catch my breath again. Since many don’t want anyone on pain reliever, options are minimal for most of us. Not every option is available in every area and not every option is covered by insurance, therefor, we’re stuck in a trap. I’ve already fallen twice in the last couple of weeks. Staying up on my legs is becoming a another risk. I take so much Ibuprofen for inflammation no wonder my liver is a mess and I need to water my kidney’s in excess to keep them flushed due to diminished function. I didn’t get back on my medication until the 10th day and the night after returning.  Had I not been in a flare, or medication delayed, my block may have helped better. The body trying to recover itself from a sudden change and in a sense shock. The inflammation and swelling was horrible. I had my mouth repaired soon after my block. Still a process there. I didn’t have the grafting done even though the bone damage in my face is an issue, too. I fell asleep 4 times today, just worn. I’m charging my SCS right now, so that I can give me a nice goose me up and numb me down.

Movie time.

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February 4, 2016

I fell asleep before posting last evening and woke to learn of a heartbreaking loss.

Mr. Jim Ingle presenting the Melanie McDowell Pain Awareness and Advocacy Award to Dale Lehn, 2008 recipient.

I don’t generally solicit donations, but in honor of the man who not only brought “Power of Pain” to my life via his daughter, but ours, he’s worth it.

http://powerofpain.org/donate-ipain/   A gift can be made in his memory and/or honor – Jim Ingle

Thank you!