So, while I get over a bad cold, I thought I'd update on John Dear's medical issues.
Last week, he had his first appointment with a chronic pain management clinic. Thank G-D his doctor certified him for this. The aim here is not to eliminate JD's pain (we're not sure if it will ever be eliminated), but to bring it down to a manageable level so that he can work and live.
They put him on two new meds - painkillers that work a lot like modern anti-depressants. Here's how in layman's terms: modern anti-depressants, your Zolofts, your Prozacs, work by preventing the brain from absorbing too much serotonin (a chemical that works on emotions). When the brain absorbs too much serotonin and doesn't leave enough floating around, you get depressed.
JD's new meds work in a similar fashion. They prevent his brain from absorbing too much "painotonin". When the brain absorbs too much painotonin and doesn't leave enough floating around, you get pain.
So far, the meds really seem to be working. The other day, JD remarked, "You know, my foot is at a two on the pain scale. I don't remember the last time I was at a two!"
I'm trying to be guardedly optimistic. There's a long way to go. So much of JD's emotional work has been put on hold because of his pain. I think that, with the management of this pain, he's going to have to face some real demons. But, I have hope. We're finally moving forward.
Monday, October 5, 2009
Pain Management
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12 comments:
Good! No one should have to be in constant pain. I hope that helps.
Wow, that's a huge coup. I'm glad that he's at least getting some relief - even if only to be able to store up energy to deal with the big issues.
That is really great news! I hope the meds continue to keep JD out of pain. I'm really happy for you both. =)
That's wonderful news! (I hope your cold goes away really quickly, too.)
That's fantastic. I hope things only get better with the new "cocktail".
That is great news! I am glad that the pain doc was able to help.
That's brilliant. Pain management is so important. I really hope this improves life for you both.
My husband was on Lyrica in addition to his Oxycotin after his amputation and that combo worked well for him at the time.
I hope that whatever combo they have JD on works for him consistently and long term so that he can be more the husband that you need him to be.
That's great! I hope it continues! I'm a firm believer in having a good quality of life ;-).
YEAH!!! I am glad that JD is having some relief. Isn't it weird how different meds work huh? I know Topamax(seizure med) and Toprol(blood pressure med) knocked out 99% of my migraines. Crazy huh?
It is good to be hopeful sometimes. Good luck!!
Yeah- I am rereading all the outlander books before I read Echo. I went through the last two so fast I barely remember them, so I figured I would treat myself to decades of the Fraser clan. Echo is taunting me on my bedside table though....begging to be read. I bought my sister the book and she finished it this past weekend, and thought I had to. She started talking about it and I had to literally yell "WOAH" b/c she loved it so much. :)
"Och- dinna fash wee bairn" my sister said. LOL!!! sigh.
I heart Jamie and Claire too.
Pain can be such a dangerous and debilitating thing: It's amazing how much it can affect our emotions/moods and how well we handle things. I'm hoping they have him on the right road :-)
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