Look at the View

It's been a good week. Of course, it started with a backpacking trip. Yeah, that's right. Overnight in a tent. Sleeping on the ground. Would never have believed it possible. Have come so far in the last year. Took off on a 5.5 mile circuit hike in one of the National Parks. The first day, we descended 1200 ft. and let me tell you, contrary to instinct, going downhill was a lot tougher than climbing 1200 ft. on the way out. The scenery was spectacular. It all goes back to my cost-benefit equation. If you are willing to put in the work, go slowly, carry a walking stick for balance, and keep a sense of humor, the payoff will be enormous. Assuming of course, your body is ready to do such a hike. I can't say with complete confidence that my body was ready for this level of exertion. However, I walked 4 miles in a race in the past few weeks, and have been training "hard" to get back on track.
If sustaining a substantial injury has taught me anything, it is simply this: enjoy the moment you are in. Look around-- there are beautiful reminders of God's presence everywhere you look if you take the time. I feel it in the waterfalls, the flowers, the butterflies, the changing color of the leaves, and the sound of the rain falling on the treetops. I have a peacefulness about me that came about during this journey. Someone carved God Loves You into a log near the waterfall where we were hiking. My first thought upon seeing that was-- "Isn't that obvious? Look at the view!"

Well, here I am a month shy of the one year anniversary of having my spinal cord stimulator implanted. It was such a hard decision to make and yet the results have exceeded my wildest hopes and dreams. When asked what I hoped I would be able to do as a result of the SCS implant (while undergoing psych. evaluation to see if I would be a good candidate for the surgery) I stated that I just wanted to: 1) be able to attend a soccer game or one of my childrens performances and 2) be able to shoot hoops with my kids.

Well, on number two, there was a bit of hesitation on the part of the staff evaluating me. Let it be said that I can in fact shoot hoops with my kids. Granted, I can only shoot 3-4 times before I know I've reached my limit, but I am out there. Sunday, I walked 4 miles (!) along a flat boardwalk at Virginia Beach. (Granted the sand and waves were too much but still!) And today, I even did the big waterslide at the waterpark. Would I have dared imagine that I would be able to play in the pool with my kids virtually (though truly never) pain-free???

God bless Rasheed Siddiqui and Preston Grice for giving me the opportunity to undergo this implant. It has truly changed my life!

Former Triathlete Humbled by Aquatic Therapy

Fourth session of aquatic therapy today almost brought me to tears. I consider myself to have a high tolerance for pain and mental toughness. Who would have thought a dip in the pool and a few exercises could be so thoroughly exhausting?

This was a 45 minute session in pool water that was 84 degrees-- about 10 degrees cooler than normal due to a broken heater. I spent the first ten minutes walking around the pool followed by another 5-8 minutes side-stepping. Then came the 10 min. of walking backwards-- I was more focused and had to fully concentrate on this one. By the end, I had nerve pain radiating into my right heel.

30 squats preceded my big move to the deep end. I grabbed a foam noodle (per my aquatic therapists instructions) and began peddling like I was riding a bicycle for 3 minutes. My left leg was controlled-- my right leg seemed to wander as if controlled by a mind of its own. After the three minutes of biking, I did three minutes of jumping jacks (using only my legs) in the deep end. Made it through that. The toughest part I think was doing the cross country skiiing in the deep end. Had to hold the railing to keep from falling over.

Despite mental toughness and the will to improve, today's challenge left me feeling completely exhausted. But I must say it is good to be getting out and moving again, however difficult!

My First Day of Aquatic Therapy

9 months after being implanted with an SCS... I've completed my first day of aquatic therapy.


I went for a dip in the pool today. It was as simple as that. When I got out, I cried. It was as simple as that. Tears of joy. A long journey to get to the point where I am able to drive in my car to the therapy facility, put on my water shoes, walk down the steps into the pool, and get started on rehabilitation.

I started with 10 minutes of walking in the pool, under the guidance of a very positive rehabilitative physical therapist. I eventually did side walking, high steps, leg lifts to the side and back, and core exercises in the deeper water-- trying to maintain my balance while lifting my arms up and down in front of me and at my sides.

After 30 minutes of water therapy in a warm pool (90+ degrees), my muscles felt pleasantly tired. I walked out of the pool and instantly felt the effects of gravity on my body.

I was/am so happy to be starting the process of rebuilding strength, flexibility, and endurance, that I was overcome with emotion on the drive home. I cried the tears of one who loves being active, has been through so much physically, and is finally getting the chance to exercise again.

Aquatic therapy is...
my route to fitness
my hope for a more active lifestyle
a good match for my current abilities/limitations with an SCS
a way of giving me perspective
a method of teaching me the importance of hardwork and commitment
an appointment that causes stress because I need to find a sitter for the kids
a challenge
very emotional
something that looks much easier than it actually is
one road to self-improvement
the right fit for me at this time in my life

It's Good to Have Goals

I am 7 months out from getting my Spinal Cord Stimulator implanted and recently completed a race. It was a 4K walk which is the equivalent of about 2 1/2 miles. Yeah, it really is not that far unless you think of it in terms of where I've been. 7 months ago, I was unable to walk more than a mile before my right leg gave out on me. With the help of technology, I'm getting my stride back! My next goal is a local 4 mile race (walk) over Labor Day weekend. That gives me about 4 !/2 months to add 1 1/2 miles to my regimen. Doable, I think.

In the meantime, I have been cleared by my doctor for a "transitional rehabilitation aquatic therapy" program. I have to do about 12 sessions there before going to a land-based PT program. I am chomping at the bit to get started!

So things are looking good. My goals over the next few months involve core-strengthening and aerobic activity, as well as looking into that next thing to challenge my mind. I am looking into a computational neuroscience program at UVA. Right now, it seems like something I could dive headfirst into and love.

It's good to have goals!

The Cost-Benefit Equation

As any of you who deal with chronic pain knows, there is a simple rule that defines much of what we do physically: I like to call it The Cost-Benefit Equation. If we are mindful of our condition, we carefully weigh each activity we do with the thoughts "If I do this, what will the effect on my back be? Will it be worth the pain?"

Sometimes my personal limitations make me feel like saying, "What the heck-- I'm going for it!" Like yesterday...

...in a flurry of love and affection for my five year old, I picked her up and swirled her around, and around, and around... her giggles made my heart swell at least three sizes. She could definitely appreciate the moment saying, "Mommy, you can pick me up now?!".


In moments like these, I am not always thinking about The Cost-Benefit Equation. This morning, I feel The Cost of that wonderful moment-- I feel like someone has taken a baseball bat to my back and right leg. Fun? Not so much. But the pain, I am told, will always be there. It will be a lifelong journey of "managing the pain". The choice to engage in certain activities will be, thoughtfully, mine.

I will always choose the swirls and the giggles. The Benefits from these moments are immeasurable.

Internet Back Pain Resources-ADR

This list was sent to me by a family friend, Gary, who one year ago flew to Germany to have Artificial Disk Replacement (ADR)surgery. His research helped me help myself, so I am passing it on to you.

Back Pain Support Group http://www.backpainsupportgroup.com/

Discussion group for disc replacement (ADR) patients http://www.adrsupport.org/
5 level ADR http://adrsupport.org/eve/forums/a/tpc/f/7501036081/m/8581054602

Spine Universe article on ADRs http://www.spineuniverse.com/displayarticle.php/article1683.html

http://www.spineuniverse.com/displayarticle.php/article1671.html

Spine-Health.com article on ADRs http://www.spine-health.com/research/discupdate/artificial/artificial01.html

Info on spine regions and associated effects http://www.thefhcc.com/nervechart.htm

MedlinePlus back info http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/backpain.html

Lumbar Disc types Charite, Prodisc, Maverick, flexicore

Charite disc http://www.charitedisc.com/charitedev/domestic/

more Charite info http://www.depuyacromed.com/about/about.press.asp

FDA paper on ADRs http://www.fda.gov/bbs/topics/ANSWERS/2004/ANS01320.html

Artificial Discs http://www.artificialdisc.com/

SpinalNeuroSurgery info on ADRs http://www.spinalneurosurgery.com/artificial_disc_resources.htm

Facet Joint replacement info http://www.spine-health.com/research/discupdate/artificial/artificial06.html

Disc nucleus replacement http://www.spine-health.com/research/discupdate/artificial/artificial03.html

Facet joint disorders http://www.spine-health.com/topics/cd/facetjoint/facetjoint01.html

Dr. Sutcliffe's info (ADR surgeoun recommended in GB) http://www.londonspineclinic.com/FRAMES2.HTM

Dr. Bertagnoli (highly recommended ADR surgeon in Germany) http://www.adrbertagnoli.com/

Pro-Spine (Germany, Bertagnoli) http://www.netplosiv.de/pro-spine/cms/front_content.php?idcat=1

Stenum Hospital: a place where they do ADRs http://www.stenumhospital.com/about/index.asp

Details on ADR types http://www.getadr.com/

Global Patient Network

Tips for that first month following a lumbar microdiskectomy

I wanted to pass along a few things that have helped me immensely as I was recovering from my first lumbar disk surgery:

1. We installed a second railing on each flight of stairs.

2. We installed grab bars in each of our bathrooms (to help me even now get up from the potty) and outside of the shower- to help prevent a fall.

3. We purchased a raised toilet seat from Robert's Medical Supplies. It made a HUGE difference.

4. We purchased a bedside commode- which is helpful in the first month esp. at night.

5. We put a refrigerator next to my bedside.

6. We use the phones as an intercom system- crucial for pain management in the first few weeks post-op.

7. We buy milk and other liquids in several smaller weight containers instead of a full (heavy) gallon.

8. We placed plastic plates in a position where I could easily reach them. I learned I was not supposed to reach up over my head (and am still not supposed to) for anything.

9. I use a special chair (from Sweden) to eat at the table with my family for about the first two months post-op. I now use it to sit on when we have company over and are sitting around chatting, or when doing the computer. Basically the chair redistributes the weight away from my back.

10. I use the seat heater in the car when driving or riding (it acts as a heating pad).

11. I got an elastic belt that velcrows around my waist to hold ice packs (necessary the first few weeks post-op). The belt was given to me at the hospital. Worth asking for. I use it all the time.

Whose Life Will You Affect?

I saw the title for this Blog on an ad for the Red Cross today. It struck me. Many people have affected my life in such positive ways. I am hoping that some of the resources in my blogs will affect others experiencing back pain in a positive way.

One of the main resources I have used starting at the beginning of my journey through back pain is the Rehabilitation Institute of Chicago's: The Back Pain Book (Revised 2nd Edition). It is a "Self-Help Guide For Daily Relief of Neck and Low Back Pain" by Mike Hage.

When I initially read through this book, I did (as suggested) write down notes in the back of the book. Under Hage's heading in the Notes section
List below the positions or functions that you suspect most often aggravate your pain (see chapters 3, 4, and 5 for ideas), I wrote the following list:
1. unloading the washing machine
2. vacuuming
3. pulling the garbage can out to curb from the garage
4. walking uphill
5. lifting groceries out of the cart
6. lifting my youngest out of the carseat
7. bending at the waist
8. reaching across my body- right arm over left hip
9. walking across mulch
10. unloading bottom rack of dishwasher
11. taking "heavier" items out of the oven
12. driving for long periods (over 25 mins.)

I also found that the following things brought some relief or were helpful:

1. a removable shower head massager
2. whirlpool jets
3. cold on initial days of inflammation (ice)
4. heat (I have a buckwheat pad that you microwave for two minutes... a great gift from Germany)
5. supportive furniture: aerodynamic Swedish chair for computer and eating at the table; new mattress; new couch
6. I was outfitted for a corsett for instability but quickly learned not to use it for long periods of time as the goal is to strengthen the core muscles in my case
7. I found out a walking stick keeps me more upright than a cane


After visiting with many, many doctors, reading, and researching, I came up with an abundance of information that has been helpful to me. My purpose is to help others know what type of resources are out there, but is in no way intended to replace the medical advice of your physician. Please work with the medical team that knows you and your condition. Your comments are highly valued.

Making the decision to have an implant

Looking back over the past 6 months, I am grateful to Rasheed Siddiqui and Preston Grice for giving me the option to have a neurostimulator implanted. I struggled with the decision, and decided to at least do the one week trial. That was tolerable, and I learned that I could walk without a cane and have to use significantly less medication.

I had the surgery done at Winchester Medical Center in VA. What a great facility! I had a private room-- which was nice as I spent four nights in the hospital following my surgery.

Five weeks out from surgery, I was able to go on a short hike with my family using a walking stick.

In November, I hiked four miles round trip with a friend to view a waterfall in the mountains.

This implant has given me my life back-- something I am aware of each moment of each day.

I am not without pain, but I certainly can function again. I would love to hear from others who are experiencing chronic pain and are considering, or have had an implant.

A Journey Through Back Pain

I fell in 2006 and herniated a disk in my lower back. Initially misdiagnosed with a torn hamstring, I spent a lot of time in and out of the ER for indescribable pain. After trying the usual conservative approaches: NSAIDS, oral steroids, and physical therapy, I agreed to have an injection. I have tried Neurontin and Trileptal medications to change the way my brain interprets the pain signals. However, it was the doctor that gave me that first injection who would over the course of the next three years, change my life.

I had three lumbar disk surgeries in 2006. (L5-S1) In the midst of all of this, I had MRI's and CT/myelograms. I have even had a nerve conduction study done (EEG).

I have undergone physical therapy, used a personal trainer, read a lot of resources on dealing with chronic back pain issues, and have had countless selective root block injections.

Still, I deal with back pain.

As of Sept. 2008, I had a spinal neurostimulator implant. It has changed my life!

Mine is a spinal stimulator from St. Jude's Medical Company (formerly ANS). Several companies have a spinal neurostimulator implant for chronic back pain/radiculopathy. Medtronics company also offers a spinal neurostimulator.

Eon Mini Neurostimulator

I've had the newest battery put in for the spinal neurostimulator made by St. Jude Medical company. It gained approval from the FDA in April, 2008 and became available in the third quarter of 2008. My surgery was in Sept. 2008. I like how compact the battery is, but feel intense heat when trying to recharge it with the stimulator on. I use a high level of electrical stimulation, so have to recharge every five days or so. If I turn the stimulator off, I immediately feel pain and heaviness in my right leg and back. So, do I have to suffer for the hour and a half that I have to charge the battery with the stimulator turned off, or is there a way for St. Jude's engineers to make this battery better so the patients don't feel like we are burning from the inside out when it is on and charging?

Have any of you had this surgery and found useful tips for this problem?