on the inside

I have another Duke appointment tomorrow. It is going to be a pretty big deal too. I will be discussing further treatment options with my doctor. As you may remember the new pain medication didn't agree with me so much at first. The lower dosage helps, but not enough if I were to be out really doing something demanding. But the good news is the combination I was on previously is what was causing my sleepiness/non-musicness/non-writingness. So that is over and done with. I am much happier and active now. I have been playing the piano and working on music.

Now, without grossing you out (hopefully) the next step the doctor wants me to take (most likely) is spinal chord stimulation. That is, by a needle, leads are inserted into the epidural space (above the spinal column) and connected either to a battery in my side or to an RF transponder (thingy). [This sounds all technical, but I am only pretending to know exactly what I am talking about to give you an idea what they want to do; I watched a video. Very entertaining.]

This stimulation interrupts the neural messages to my brain (which are interpreted as pain). Instead I would feel a more pleasant (or at least tolerant) tingling (paresthesia).

There are two devices to choose from: RF or IPG. The RF has the battery outside the body and can be replaced easily or recharged like a cell phone; the IPG has the battery inside the body. It can only be replaced by surgery. According to the video, the RF seems more suitable to my complex pain problem; but I don't know exactly which device my doctor wants me to use.

I think I would much rather try the RF device. It can be increased and decreased, turned on and off and the battery can be recharged. Considering the nature of my pain, from my "lay" perspective, I would think it would be better.

That is my need. Wisdom to know what to do. So please remember me in your prayers. My appointment is at 12:30 at the Pain Clinic in Durham, NC.