Monday, November 8, 2010

Pain and Patience

Many of you know that I’ve been having some major issues with my back. Well, today was 'back' day.

Early this morning, I received a call from my doctor’s office with my x-ray and MRI results – not good news. Anyway they said we could pick up the images on our way north to the specialist.

When we got to Advanced Pain Management, we first met with a nurse, then the PA-C, and finally the doctor. I evidently was born with Pars Defect and now have other problems including spondylolysis, degenerative disk disease, and arthritis. Although I'm a good candidate for surgery, there is a 66 - 75% chance that injections will help - great news! Next stop was the Surgi Center. The needle and fluids had to be shot right next to the problem nerve. Although I was warned, I think I came off of the table twice - OUCH! Thank heavens, I learned Lamaze breathing years ago - it came in handy today.

I'd had plenty of drama for the day but I wasn't done. Shortly after getting to the 'done' room, I had a vasovagal response. The staff jumped and in short order, I was upended and on oxygen. The good part - when my heart rate and blood pressure came back up, my bp was the most normal it has been in at least a couple of weeks - maybe the pain is somewhat gone! It is still normal tonight!

So for now, we wait. Best case scenario is that within 72 hours my leg and back will be pain free. If just the leg pain is gone, I'll have an injection for my back. Otherwise, well I don't want to go there!

Now I want to go for a walk, drive, go to lunch, go shopping... I just need to be patient!

3 comments:

  1. I happened on to your blog by accident, and was intrigued at all the similarities of me and you. I too, was married in the early '70's. 1971 to be exact.
    We weren't in education, but our oldest daughter is a 2nd grade teacher. We have three grandsons, ages 1, 5 and 8. They are my greatest treasures. My husband Jim, is a retired firefighter. Three years ago, he had to have a three level disk fusion in his back. I would only recommend surgery as a last resort, because he has been in constant daily pain since. Another interesting thing was I noticed you visited a town named Garner. Garner is my maiden name. I love to sew, knit, crochet, machine embroidery, and any other craft I can get my hands on. Anyway, I like your blog. Hope you don't mind if I follow it.

    Melissa Argo
    Blanchard, Oklahoma

    ReplyDelete
  2. Melissa - I hope you get this. You are welcome to follow my blog. You definitely sound like someone I'd like to know. Thanks for the comments and the advice. Do you have a blog? I'd love to follow it.

    Jeanne Massingill

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  3. I'm not very good at blogging. I started one some time ago, but don't keep up with it. You can view the few things I have written at melissas2centsworth.blogspot.com. Maybe I'll get back to it soon. I never could keep a diary when I was a young girl either. I have a facebook too. You can find me on fb by looking for Melissa Garner Argo. Appreciate the response.
    Melissa

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