I'm so sorry the pain hasn't become more manageable,
@whitewave. How is your mobility? And how is the PT going? Draining fluid has got to help - I can't imagine everything you're going through, then adding swelling and heat from swelling.... Gees louise....
By the way - you have lovely ankles, for what that's worth!
I was given I/V dilaudid (hydromorphone) when my two spinal discs ruptured and pierced my meninges. I was taken to hospital and they couldn't reach my surgeon, so I had to wait around 18 hours for my surgery. Worst 18 hours of my life. I/V dilaudid is similar in effect to heroin - somewhat stronger, but very similar feel: warmth where it goes in, then you feel it as it travels up your vein, then a rush as it hits your brain, then...floating in white light. Instant nirvana.
@missy - as with Greg, morphine did nothing for me, but dilaudid was the silver bullet. It works very quickly, then wears off suddenly after a few hours. I had 4-5 doses over a 12 hour period and came out of hospital knowing I could never, ever take it again. I've never been a dependent type of personality, but this stuff was just irresistible. I knew it at the time, and I still know it now. I remember exactly what it felt like and it was just too strong for this kid to ever revisit.
@whitewave - I check in on this thread regularly and am thinking of you and hoping you round a corner soon. Very soon. Like - now!
Happy new year, and best wishes for a waaaaaay less painful 2021!