May through July
Time to think about treatment again. The multiple procedures performed in the months before I accepted the position at the Academy took the edge off my pain, so traveling to New Mexico, while uncomfortable, had not been intolerable. Plus, my excitement and enthusiasm at the opportunity had me riding a crest of elation which I am certain helped immensely. The benefit of those procedures was pretty well gone by the time we headed back north...and I could sure feel the difference.
Previously, I had been given facet injections on occasion and had learned I could travel with relative comfort soon after. During the facet injections a numbing agent combined with a steroid is placed into the nerve root deep in the back where it leaves the spinal column. There is initial discomfort, but the positive effects are noticed fairly quickly. For a comparison, think of it as similar to the injections given to 'numb up' before a dental procedure. Facet injections don't make the pain go away, nothing does, but they make it more tolerable- for a period of time. The two procedures I have had, facet injection and rhizotomy are best described as "similar- yet different". I learned that the hard way.
Traveling so far so soon after last September's rhizotomy procedures had proven to limit their effectiveness. Rhizotomy also enters the body delivering an anesthetic and can even involve administration of steroid- but that is where the similarity ends. While the needle is introduced into the nerve root- this needle is equipped with an electrode. The electrode emitts high frequency radiowaves (think mini-microwave) to directly cauterize or burn a section of the nerve. There follows a healing process before the burning of the nerve interrupts the pain signals being carried to the brain. The rhizotomy procedure is more akin to what happens after a major dental procedure...when the local numbing wears off and the real pain and swelling sets in. There is benefit, but it is far from immediate. It has the pain decreasing potential to last from 4 to 14 months, but it takes several weeks before the true positive effect to be discerned. The trip back to Montana after that particular one was a real bugger, so we had been praying for answers and a better plan in the future.
Early summer saw us headed back to Missouri again for the requisite medical checkups, tests and evaluations. A bit of a medical oddity, as my primary condition is so rare, maintaining a constant level of care often remains a challenge. God has blessed me with a great medical team who agree to manage my care from our home state of Missouri. They are lifesavers, literally. While there are doctors much closer, I had been unable to find the same consistency and dedication to my care anywhere locally. In fact, a few providers here were even detrimental and caused setbacks in my health when they suddenly changed course on a whim, or "tried to re-invent the wheel". Traveling the 3300 mile round trip multiple times a year for evaluations is not convenient, but it is "do-able", even if it is time consuming and expensive.
Organophosphate greatly affected my body, and still has the potential to do some pretty nasty stuff in the long term ,so they watch me very closely. Most of my "medical monitoring" is focused on being alert for tumor formation, cancer or glandular changes- and pain management. A nuclear bone scan came back with no evidence of bone cancer. Good news there! A couple of other tests showed some "sub-clinical" changes, so nothing more than continued watching and waiting, or what Toni calls " treating with conscientious neglect". One of the many blood test did reveal that the poison has affected some of the glands that are in charge of my metabolism and energy levels. Toni keeps track of the specifics more than I do. Anyway, after being poked and prodded, screened and scanned...my meds were changed a bit, and another medicine was added to the B12 shots I take monthly for fatigue. Nothing major when compared to what I have already been through. Basically, there are the residual effects that I live with on a daily basis for as long as God see fit or until He decides to change it. I just stay willing to do whatever keeps me able to work and live for Him.
So, more facet injections had been given again in May before traveling, but over time they have become less successful. At the appointment with my pain specialist, I received clearance to have the rhizotomy procedures in Montana, if we could get a doctor to accept my care. After much prayer and research, Toni found a specialist in Great Falls who was willing to consider taking over just that portion of my care. So, on June 29th, I met with Dr. Oriente- and on July 18th, I underwent rhizotomy at L3, L4, L5 and SI. I can assure you that the 100 mile trip home was much easier than the 1650 mile one had been last Fall. Praise the Lord!
August 3rd is my follow-up, but I can already report that I am seeing some early benefit. The deep bone pain in my pelvis and that travels down my right leg to my foot is being controlled. Thank you, God! It is still a bit early to tell on my low back. I can report that my general pain level has diminished from consistently being in the high 8-9 range on a daily basis. Currently, it fluctuates a range of 4-8 on a 1 to 10 scale, with just occasional sudden jolts of excruciating pain. I was even able to return to work after just a week, which is much quicker than before.
Again, God has provided for this success and I am so thankful. Throughout this entire journey, I have bore nothing comparable to what my Saviour, Jesus Christ endured on the cross. When you read my story, or hear my words never lose sight of this. For it is writtten-
"But he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes we are healed." Isaiah 53:5
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