I have asked myself that question quite a few times this week. At first I was really concerned we had made a bad decision, but I still do think it was for the best IF I can get through this!
The problem was, is that my body was in a lot of pain and I kept having to go up on my pain meds, causing some side effects. This pain pump delivers the meds I need right to the spinal cord fluid and I can add a bolus (more meds. to help with breakthrough pain) 10x a day if I need it. I can go up much higher with this pain pump because it is so diluted, than with oral or patch pain meds, without big side effects. (At least that is what it is supposed to do.)
The pain pump sits under my skin on the left front of my abdomen near my waistline. (That’s going to be fun to find clothes I can wear out of the house with.) It is constantly giving my body medicine. Then when I need a little extra boost, I put a little device over the pump and control it with an app on a phone.
The Anesthesiologist can up the dose (in person) and can control how much extra medicine I get. It’s crazy technology. I am so thankful for insurance! Hopefully it’s at the correct dose for the 1/2 of a pain patch that was not replaced this morning. For now, the plan is to go home with a smaller dose of Fenta yl patches, Oxycodone and my new pain pump. The patch we didn’t replace this morning should be getting out of my system so we should start to get an idea shortly. It makes me very nervous.
Ok. Back to resting and reading a book. I’m getting bored…
Thanks for the update Jennifer, we are continuing to pray for you! Love, Chuck and Bobbie
I’m excited about the possibility of pain control for you without side effects. I am sending all my praying energy in that direction!
Much love, always.
Shanna
Ohhh Jennifer, you are amazing and so is technology!! I do hope very soon your body is synced with the pump and you can enjoy each day without pain. Keeping you in prayer!
May I just add my “AMEN” to the previous posts?!! They say what was in my heart and mind to write, but more elequently, so I will just add a “ditto”!!
Constant, ever-constant prayers for you, Jennifer. Some of my prayers are only two words. Some are wordless. Some are long. Thank you for being so courageous, dear one. Thank you for being honest about your true feelings. And thank you trusting the Lord through this and letting others know that you are… moment by moment. Some moments are easier than others, but you are running the race so well. I see Jesus touching your head and smiling. <3
Judy, I love your wording and feel exactly the same! Jennifer, thank you for the explanation….you are SO loved!!
Thank you, Jen Shuck. I’m glad it struck a chord.
Wow, that is great. I am sure praying for you and the doctors that have the wisdom to do what needs to be done.
Jen, Each time I read your updates I am overwhelmed and awed at the same time. You have been and continue to be going through so much. I pray for you daily. Each need you share I take directly to God. You have so many prayer warriors who love and care about you, I hope you know that. While we can’t truly grasp the depth of your situation, we can empathize with you. Please know, you are so very loved. And, I am so thankful you have good insurance and good doctors who can help manage your pain! You continue to be a wonderful example of a steadfast warrior. Much love and many prayers, Bonnie
Praying for and loving you from afar. Love you!
Jennifer, I am glad to hear that the surgery went well. Praying now that you can have relief from the pain without the other side effects. Your updates are so appreciated hugging you in my heart. Wendy