[DiamondSmiles]

Originally Posted by Sharon. ↗

In June 1996 I suffered a brain haemorrhage as a result of an arterio-venous malformation.

Good thread here: http://www.documentingreality.com/fo...rmation-78558/

My story: http://www.documentingreality.com/fo...ed-19-a-14146/

After effects on leg and foot: http://www.documentingreality.com/fo...-my-leg-69779/

Bladder trouble: http://www.documentingreality.com/fo...tinence-88450/

Anyway, before and after surgery I had to undergo a ghastly femoral angiogram where a catheter is inserted into the femoral artery, fed up the aorta and dye injected to highlight the blood vessels in the brain to locate the malformation.

Check it out here: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Angiography

I hated it

The second angiogram went disastrously wrong and instead of inserting the needle to gain access into the artery, they went straight through the femoral nerve This caused such severe pain, I went into shock

For years afterwards I had to put up with severe neuropathic pain from my right lower flank all the way down to my foot. It felt like really bad stomach ache-type pain and electric shocks. I was constantly in and out of hospital on IV painkillers and receiving psychological support. I even resorted to moderate self-harm to distract from the nerve pain for just a few moments, it was a tragic state of affairs.

Time passed and I eventually saw a specialist who fitted people with spinal cord stimulators. This is an implanted device (mine is in my abdomen) rather like a big pacemaker in appearance that is connected by one or two leads (I have two) to the spinal region above the site of the affected nerves. It acts like an internal TENS machine by sending a signal downwards that blocks the pain sensation reaching my brain causing me to feel it. Amazing technology and it really helps!!

Details here: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Spinal_cord_stimulator

I have an old model in me at the moment made by Medtronic and the size of it gives me a cute little pot belly

I am now on the list for a new one which is implanted high up in my left buttock and is controlled externally very much like a WiFi device. I can even charge myself up from the wall and so it's battery life is a lot longer

Top image is an x-ray view of the new one in the upper bum cheek (not me but I soon will be like that).

The image showing three stimulators are the Medtronic brand I currently have. I have the largest one of the three as my pain control demands are 24/7 It feels quite remarkable when you manipulate my belly!!

Thanks for reading :)

Damn! Thanks for sharing. I live in the US and when I had pneumonia, they checked every inch of me for blood clots and asked me seven times if I was taking oral contraceptives. I don't smoke, but, I'm a bit overweight. I should stop taking them, but, menopause scares me! I'm not going to go into why I stopped and started again, but, it was awful. I'm glad you appear to be doing well, but, appearances can be deceiving. I hope you have no more medical issues!

[Sharon]

Originally Posted by overcusser ↗

He needs a good ass whipping. That was wrong.

Guess he is just young and at an age where he does not know what the word "tact" means. Would have kicked his ass so hard if he said that to my face. How HORRIBLE

[Nite]

Originally Posted by mrh2008 ↗

Boo Hoo... Walk it off.

cock

[thissiteisfuckedup]

im glad this works for you.

[Oswald2001]

Originally Posted by Sharon. ↗

Guess he is just young and at an age where he does not know what the word "tact" means. Would have kicked his ass so hard if he said that to my face. How HORRIBLE

My deepest respect for the tenacity, strength of character, patience and general True Grit that it takes to go through Life day to day with your challenges.

Not easy, I'm sure.

I have had my own challenges and I have learned this:


"There are no others."

- proverb


In other words, when something bothers me, it may appear to come for someone or something exterior to me. Really though, it is an insecurity or opinion that I harbor within myself.

So, these days, I view hurtful comments and uncomfortable situations as opportunities to see what's going on inside myself.

It's amazing. When I'm OK within myself about something, that's the end of it. Almost never does anyone say anything. Even if they did, I wouldn't notice it or care.

Everything can work for you.

Keep on keepin' on.

[mrh2008]

Originally Posted by Sharon. ↗

Guess he is just young and at an age where he does not know what the word "tact" means. Would have kicked his ass so hard if he said that to my face. How HORRIBLE

You can hobble along fast enough to catch me? Interesting, is this a cry for attention? Your back must not be that bad if you can catch me and kick my ass.... Just curious.... All bark and no bite.

P.S. don't let me get under your skin, I'm an asshole by nature.

[woddie]

Go go gadget spine.This is what tech should be used for.All the best.

[fattubbashit]

Originally Posted by mrh2008 ↗

You can hobble along fast enough to catch me? Interesting, is this a cry for attention? Your back must not be that bad if you can catch me and kick my ass.... Just curious.... All bark and no bite.

P.S. don't let me get under your skin, I'm an asshole by nature.

Ask your self the same questions? Attention seeker ? I dunno ? No one is gonna kick your ass. Your actions and words speak louder than any one here can scream. You have labelled yourself and had a go at some one who is nowhere near deserving it. You shat all over your name idiot!!

[GODREKR]

Originally Posted by mrh2008 ↗

You can hobble along fast enough to catch me? Interesting, is this a cry for attention? Your back must not be that bad if you can catch me and kick my ass.... Just curious.... All bark and no bite.

P.S. don't let me get under your skin, I'm an asshole by nature.

[mrh2008]

Originally Posted by fattubbashit ↗

Ask your self the same questions? Attention seeker ? I dunno ? No one is gonna kick your ass. Your actions and words speak louder than any one here can scream. You have labelled yourself and had a go at some one who is nowhere near deserving it. You shat all over your name idiot!!

FUCK!!! You hit the nail right on the head, how did you know?