Marie R.
It all began back in 2000, just after I had simple Endoscopic foot surgery for Plantar Fasciitis. The doctor not only touched a nerve while he was in there but also changed my life forever. My feet began to swell, as I was experiencing severe burning sensations in them. After going to several specialists to find out what was wrong with me, the verdict was in. I was diagnosed with RSD (Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy) and became severely depressed over everything that was happening to me. Unfortunately, I have always used food for comfort; whenever I am down or stressed. I have also been on numerous amounts of medication as well as a few treatments of steriods due to my spinal cord swelling.
I am interested in the Lap-Band procedure because I have a Spinal Cord Stimulator in my back and a Morphine Pump implanted in the right side of my stomach (right under the skin in a pouch). I have to go to my pain doctor every 4-6 weeks to have my morphine pump refilled. That is another reason I liked the lap-band because it has the port for refills similar to my morphine pump.
I tried to work for awhile but after being taken out of my office by ambulance in Sept. 2004, I had to retire from my job. In April 2005, I was diagnosed with Systemic RSD in which the disease had spread through-out my body. My upper body hurts just as much as my lower body now. I have a hard time sleeping because I can only lay down flat on my back and the extra weight does not help. It also makes it hard to breath at times. I use a scooter to get around at home & a wheelchair when I go out, which isn't very often. The medication I'm on and my lack of exercise has caused me to gain a lot of weight over the years. So that is why my primary doctor feels that I would be a good candidate for this procedure.
If I could just get my weight under control, I would be able to get back into some type of water physical therapy. This would allow me to work on my feet, especially my left one that has been severely damaged. Wish me luck in finding an answer to my prayers!
