United Brachial Plexus Network, Inc.

Thanks Bill, I have reduced my morphine medication and feeling a lot better. My mind is at least clear and I am "managing" the pain on the moment, I still can not come to terms that no one has medical answers to eliminate the pain. You would think in today's medical fraternity someone must have answers.

Anyway I am seeing another Neurosurgeon next week to discuss deep brain stimulation, where they place electrodes into the part of the brain where the pain sensory nerve is triggered and by applying a light current this may "confuse" the brain and diminish or eliminate the pain.

I believe there has to be an answer out there and will continue to look for it.

Regards

Stephen

phantom pain is shared by amputees and those who have nerve damage. unfortunately it is rarely discussed. i always feared the side effects of pain killers more than the phantom pain.

Bill

I don't deal with the depression so much but I do deal with a good dose of frustration. Some comments about the pain and it not changing I agree with. I think I'm on a pattern now. As the seasons change my pain spikes. As my work changes, my sleep patterns change, my pain changes. The only time I am almost pain free is when I have no pending work, no chores, no stress, and I can lay down and not move. Otherwise it comes and goes. Right now it's really bad as the weather warms up and the humidity increases.

If there is any advise I can give it all is to keep pushing forward. I've never told anyone I couldn't do anything (although there are a few times I request help with it) and for that reason I've never allowed anyone to tell me I couldn't do anything. I don't know what people say behind my back but in front of my face I just don't put up with being treated different. I think it stops a lot of the behavior you describe.