ISufferFromFlankPain.com

It’s May 5 and I’m still alive. I’ve relapsed back onto my pain meds a few times since my last post and today marks the 6th day I’ve been off of them. I have to say, I feel much better off of them than I felt when I was on them. My body is slowly starting to learn how to manage it’s pain and my withdrawals are slowly leaving. I had pretty much hit a wall there, for awhile: I didn’t want to get up in the morning, didn’t want to go to work or exercise, etc. I would highly reccommend that anyone taking medication for pain, regardless of what it is, wean off of it time and again. You lose your sense of self and control over your life if you don’t.

My domain “Mysteryflanpain.com got jacked I’m having issues with my domain/host name, so my new domain is: isufferfromflankpain.com.

I’m still alive. I’m currently weaning off of Vicodin and it’s tough. I’m down to taking it once daily and I’m in the “calm before the storm” phase. Once I quit it altogether all withdrawal hell will be unleashed. I’m not looking forward to it, but it’s something I have to do.

As far as my pain, it varies day to day. I plan on having another procedure done (nerve block, etc.) with hopes it will help or altogether eliminate the pain. I’ll try to update again as soon as I can. As for now, I’m off to battle.

I haven’t posted in quite some time, so I thought I’d let everyone know that I’m still alive and kicking. My pain has been manageable as of late and I’m dealing with it well, at least for now. Happy New Year!

I haven’t written a post in quite some time; I don’t know why, I just don’t feel like writing. For the last 10 years, I took klonopin (clonazepam) for insomnia. About three months ago, I weaned off of it because I didn’t want to take it anymore. After three months of absolute misery, I began taking it again. Here’s the interesting thing: When I started taking it again, my flank pain went from a 7 or 8 (on a scale of 1-10) to about a manageable 3. I can’t find any scientific research, etc. to support klonopin being responsible for my relief, but it’s hard to think it’s a coincidence. Any thoughts or suggestions?

For the past few days I’ve been feeling like total crap. I’ve been experiencing depression, profuse sweating, severe headaches, chills, blurred vision, anxiety, dizziness and nausea. I feel like I’ve relapsed and am going through BW’s again. I researched Cymbalta and I think the afore-mentioned are side-effects of/from it’s use, so I quit taking it (yesterday). As it turns out, many people who are taking it or who have taken it complain of the same thing.

I would strongly recommend that anyone taking it or considering taking it talk to their doctor first. I’ll never take it again.

I’m going through benzodiazepine withdrawal. I should have about 2-3 3-5 days left of feeling sick and wanting to jump out of my skin. I really don’t know what’s worse: this or my flank pain. I can definitely understand why addiction is so hard to deal with. Regardless of your attitude/mental outlook, your mind and body are both fighting for equal ground on an already uneven battlefield.

I have a consult appointment with my PMS today at 1:30, to discuss my current options.

Update: My PMS put me on Cymbalta and Neurontin. I have a follow-up appointment in three weeks.

Update: I woke up on Saturday, the 21st feeling much better. I think the worst of my BW’s are over…

I changed my blog’s theme/look, hoping it’s easier to read/easy on the eyes — Please let me know if you prefer it’s former look.

It’s 11:09 AM, July 4th, and I’m trying to sit still. My pain feels like it’s come back full-force and I am so uncomfortable all I can do is sit here like an addict with a severe case of RLS. I have no concentration and can barely think enough to muster a paragraph.

I should note that I ran 2.5 miles yesterday. I feel like my pain has relapsed as a result. I hope I’m wrong.

The procedure I had done this morning is called Radiofrequency Thermocoagulation or Radiofrequency Ablation. The literature I received from the doctor defines Radiofrequency Ablation as a procedure that involves heating the tips of small needles which are placed into exact locations (usually to treat low back pain, leg pain, neck pain and headaches) using an x-ray machine (C-Arm Fluoroscopy). It temporarily or permanently interrupts the pain messages by stunning nerves.

Overall, my pain has dropped from a 6 to about a 1, but that could be from the local anesthetic. More to follow… 

It’s 12:55 PM and I’m forcing myself to sit and write. I have a very bad case of “writer’s block” and can’t seem to sit or concentrate long enough to post/write.

As of today, I’ve had nerves frozen (cryoanalgesia) in three places (T9, T10 and T11) and on July 2 I have a procedure scheduled in which the doctor will use some sort of “laser” on the affected area. The process was explained to me, but, of course, I wasn’t paying enough attention and forgot. My pain seems to have gone down by about 30%. Some nights it’s gone completely, but those are far and few between.

I’m also taking Neurontin three times a day, but I don’t think it’s helping. Again, I’m sorry for the lack of updates; bear with me!