Everyone knows by now that I have Kidney Disease and bad back  went to the back doc today and he said that we are going to  do PT for 6 weeks 3 times a week to see how it goes before he does 5th back surgery  I'm bedridden 90% of the time so PT will come to my house I go back to see kidney doc Feb 5th so I hope everything will go well with him I have a kidney infection now but I hope it will be better by then last time I went he said he  may up my  pain pump dose - i wonder how he will do that ?? Will he have to remove it and then replace it ?? The hospital has been the story of my life and HATE the hospital I hope I dont have to go back there for him to up the dose .  I hope everyone has a painfree week ..

Robin, I'm so sorry you are bedridden.  That sucks!I hope that the PT works for you.  I'll be keeping my fingers crossed. Don't want to lessen your degree of pain, but I have arthritis (very little cartilage in both feet).  I went through a couple months of PT and found out about half my pain was muscle weakness.  PT really helped.  I am not pain free, but I'm a heck of alot better.  I hope you will get relief too!

And good luck at your next kidney dr appt!

Hi Robin

     I happened accross your post this morning. I'm also sorry for you being confined to the bed so much. I also live with chronic pain, however not near as bad as you. Just wanted to share something that may or may not be an issue for you considering it sounds like you are on continuous pain meds. I take Opana now, which is an extended release form of Dilaudid, very potent synthetic morphine. This drug oppsed to all the others I've tried really messed with my bowels, severe constipation. My Dr suggesed a wonderful laxative that can be used long term without building up a dependence on it, perfect for the Opiate patient.  It is a branch of laxitives called Hyperosmolar laxatives, the brand name I use is called Enulose syrup.

     Silly topic to share but it has made my life soooooooo much easier.....lol

                            peace and blessings

                                            bill

Bill , My pain pump is Dilaudid  I take Polyethylene Glycol Powder everyday to keep me going I will ask my Doc about Enulose thanks for the info ..

Hey Robin, if you feel like it, we've started a meditation group to help us relax.  See the post in this category for week 1 if you'd like to try it out.

Robin,

I do hope the PT is helpful.  We'll all think positive thoughts for you!

I don't think it probably helps with severe constipation but my one doctor apparently told another patient that he mixed his prune juice with milk.  Ewww!! LOL.

One reason I'd like to get my meds down to a certain level is that then I don't have to empathize with those old folks in the laxative ads.  I'd never really sympathized before.

My old forum had folks on pain pumps, but I don't really know what the procedure was for changing things.  I hope it's simple and that it helps your life.

As a visiting nurse, I've found that constipation is about the biggest complaint we get.  Enulose is wonderful for most folks, and it's also known as lactulose.  One doc though, gets furious when generic is subbed as he swears it is junk.  This is also used in liver disease. 

If they aren't on Enulose, they are usually taking that glycol powder, with even better results.  Brand name is Miralax.  So it appears you are both on the right road, as long as the meds keep on working.

You know, Diana, I once worked in an area where many of my elderly patients had grown up in the south.  They used to tell me about mixing their prune juice with milk, and said it was very effective.  Another thing we often used on a nightly basis was applesauce, bran, and prune juice mixed together as a bed time snack.  It worked better than any prescription med. 

Robin, they should send someone to change the cartridge and settings for you.  I've never heard of someone going to the hospital for a med change.  Cripes, that would be awful to do with someone with pain and mobility problems.

Bonnie,

My doctor certainly wasn't southern, but perhaps there was a method to that bit of "madness" lol. 

I know there was a fruit paste many of the folks on higher doses used, but I didn't get the recipe because I had no real pain meds at that time - just neurontin or topamax.

I do remember someone's excitement at discovering "dried pitted plums" - yes, we used to call those things prunes, lol.  I see they now say "prunes" first.  They aren't as dry as they used to be though. 

I'm so glad to hear that Robin shouldn't need a hospital trip for that change.  It didn't seem like she should but I really don't know a lot about them, thank goodness.  I did go for an eval at Cleveland and the resident started talking about an implant right away - eek!!  He skipped a few zillion steps there.  He was foreign (not sure where - Europe though) and I believe he looked at me as a larger type of lab rat. 

Hi Robin, if you're reading!

I went to see Kidney doc today and I will have to go into the Hospital on the 11 or 12th no sure yet which day  his nurse is going to call me tomorrow and let me know - having my tudes and drains replaced he said I may be get to come home the the same day or just stay over night just have to wait and see how things go . Hope to come home the same day .. He said they will up my pain pump dose while I'm there .. I have my drains & tudes changed about 3 times a year anyway so it's not anything new to me I just HATE going to the hospital to have anything done but oh well it's life and sometimes life sucks ...

Nurse called will have it done on 12th ..

I made it home around 6 tonight got my new 'hardware" so far everything is working great - I'm sore but feeling ok but I do need to get off of here and Zzzzzzzzzz soon LOL ..