Good afternoon! As I get ready for the evening I wanted to take a moment to reflect back that tomorrow will make 8 months since my surgery. On this date 8 months ago many things were going through my mind. I have to say that the surgery has helped greatly! I do have my bad days but they are not as bad as they used to me. Some people at work have heard me refer to " the headache train" that is a term I have been referring to describe when I have a headache. Lets say I have been on the headache train for almost 2 weeks now. The last few weeks have not been nearly as bad as before surgery, but is very frustrating. It has I have came to the conclusion that after the first of the year I am going to ask if my stimulator settings can be changed. It is almost as my brain has got used to the sensation. My settings have been all over the place and I can not seem to find a good number. The cold weather has also been getting to me along w the clouds I am doing my best to stay positive and not get frustrated. As some may be aware I have been on a sleep med the last few weeks. It is also under the antidepressant class so it seems to be helping with my mood and frustration levels :) it is so nice to be able to sleep better and not wake up in a crazy amount of pain. Some may ask, " wasnt the surgery spost to help with the pain?" To answer that yes! It has helped alot w the nerve issue and my neuralgia, but the surgery caused a big change in the spacing inside my neck. The open area between c1 and my skull was filled w the stimulator electrodes and wiring whiz means I lost alot of space for movement of my head. It also causes the back of my neck to be very sore and makes it difficult for moving my head up and down. Another common question lately has been " didn't the surgery make your condition go away?" To answer that no this condition will never go away and it COULD and most likely will get worse... I am very aware and ok with this.
On a final note I want to thank everyone for their cont support and encouragement as all of you have been fantastic. I also want to wish every one a great Christmas and new year. Please have a wonderful time an be safe :) also my heart and prayers go out to the responders and their families from the incident in NY this am. " Rest in Peace my brothers we will handle it from here" My greatest thanks go out to each of you for your dedication to your community! May God bless you, your family, coworkers and the community!
JR
