Bone Growth Stimulator

TiredofPain · #1 (**permalink**) 03-30-2012, 06:15 AM

Hi Judy,

Thank you for the response. I waited to see if the pain that I was afraid was associated with the bone growth stimulator was actually related. I don't think it is, as the pain over the past several months has gradually been worsening. However, I think there might be some light at the end of the tunnel. At least I hope so. The hydrocodone stopped working at all, absolutely no relief (no sense in taking it if it's not helping). So I stopped taking it this past Sunday. It's really tough to get into see the surgeon, so I was going to tough it out best I could until my next appt which is 24 April.

I went to see my primary care doc this afternoon for some other issues and she recommended that I go see a podiatrist. I've had ankle and knee probs for several years. I noticed not long ago (about 2 weeks) that the souls on my shoes were wearing out unevenly, the outsides where much more worn down than the inside. When I mentioned this to her, she said that could be (no guarantee) a contributor to several of my painful problems including my back. She said that I need to ask the podiatrist if I have a misaligned gait (sp) and if it can be corrected and if it could be part of my other pain problems.

She also prescribed me with Fentanyl patches. I've been wearing one for about 5 hours and it has given me considerable relief. I'm actually thinking that I may get a decent night sleep. Because my fusion failed, I know that I still have issues with the back, but the thought that my ankles may be a contributor to pain because of the way that I walk. Well, it gives me a little bit of hope that there might be something that might help. I'm not full of false hope, but at this point anything that could possible help is comforting.

I view it as if my car needs a front end alignment, then it wont drive correctly and maybe be a rough ride. I have to put things into perspective that I can understand. LOL. Maybe my feet/ankles are doing the same thing. I'm hoping to get an appt early next week. Will provide the findings. Thank you very much for always responding, your a very kind person. I hope that you are doing well.

J

Maria · #2 (**permalink**) 03-30-2012, 08:50 AM

TOP,
I wear Sole inserts that are $50 and can be bought online or a running shoe store. I have very flat feet (pronate). These inserts helped alleviate some degree of back pain for me and this well after my 2nd failed discectomy (like nearly 20 years). I tried orthotics that were made for me but they actually gave me sciatica tho the sole inserts work great for me.

Good luck w/whatever you try for your feet/gait.

mmglobal · #3 (**permalink**) 03-30-2012, 11:08 AM

If your tires are aligned properly, they will last several tens of thousands of miles. If the alignment is bad, you'll chew them up in < 10,000 miles. That is why as our spines deteriorate, our facets go because they are being abused by the poor configuration and biomechanics.

Look into z-coil shoes. They have a heel that is constructed with the springy thingy from Maria's bike seat. Some of them look pretty goofy, but the people I know who have them swear by them.

Mark

TiredofPain · #4 (**permalink**) 03-30-2012, 05:14 PM

LOL, I hope Maria doesn't find out that someone took the springy thingy from her bike seat. I have seen shoes that you are talking about. As far as being goofy, ummmm, vanity for me left a long time ago. Most people think I'm pretty goofy anyway, so it would be a good match. I have an appt with a podiatrist on Monday morning, so will know more then. I'm pretty excited by the posibilities. All these years of back pain, and this could be a contributor. Will post the results. Thanks for responding in terms that I'm unable to understand. And thank you very much for the laugh. Along with the Fentanyl patches, which at this point are FANTASTIC, the laugh just made my day that much better.

) Have a great weekend.

cherylstewart67 · #5 (**permalink**) 03-30-2012, 09:09 PM

i used mine for 6 months 3 hours daily for c spine and i am fused; i will say that; so it must work.

jsewell · #6 (**permalink**) 04-03-2012, 04:28 PM

Tired of Pain,
I have orthotics as i over pronate severly and have flat feet as Maria does. I am bad and do not switch and put them in each shoe. women do tend to wear different shoes all the time. I keep them in my hiking shoes. I have also had knee problems too.
I hope your appointment at the podiatrist went well and I am so glad the fentanyl patches are doing a great job. I hope you are sleeping better as well.
judy

TiredofPain · #7 (**permalink**) 04-03-2012, 05:31 PM

Hi Judy,

Thanks for the reply. The appt with the podiatrist went very well. I have had ankle/foot probs for many years. The dr. diagnosed me with Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome on both ankles. It can be corrected with surgery, but I'm going to wait and see what happens with the fusion from my back surgery. He is also ordering orthotics to insert in both shoes. I have heard that the orthotics have been great for other folks. It can take 3 - 6 weeks to get the orthotics. I've read somewhere that it was almost instant relief and the individual was able to walk much further and with little or no pain. Will see, but I'm excited. J