 |
| Ghost and Snuffy |
I want to thank all of you out there who made comments and/or suggestions on my previous blog about my back problems. I really appreciate that you took the time to do that. It means a lot to me.
Most of us will never meet in real life... yet I feel that I know many of you through your blogs... and consider you 'friends' (cyber/blogger friends?). Through our blogs we share parts of our lives and in that way get to know a little about each other; our likes, dislikes, joys, sorrows... possibly even things we wouldn't or couldn't share with those we're physically close to.
And of course most of us (but not all) share the 'age' and 'retirement' issues. I'm 74 and my sister would be 84 (if she hadn't died at 51). My brother would be 79 (if he hadn't died at 59). What I'm trying to say here is that without my older siblings to ease me into this aging thing, I have to depend on older friends/relatives, etc. - and you, my cyber/blogger friends have proved to be a great source of information and comfort in this area. So, thank you again (if only for listening to me vent).
However, it's been 10 days since my back troubles started and I'm still hurting. I do have an appointment to see the doctor this afternoon. The steroid injection I received from the Texas Health Dispatch last Monday was helpful, but the effect didn't last. The muscle relaxant (cyclobenzapr) and the pain pill (hydrocod/acetam) take the edge off, but it's still painful and difficult to walk.
I'm guessing that our doctor will schedule me for x-rays and an MRI to determine what exactly is causing this. We all pretty much know/suspect that it's a pinched nerve(s) in the lumbar region... but what's causing the pinching we don't know.
On a lighter note, you would probably laugh if you saw me now. Strewn across this bed are pillows, meds, coffee mugs, books, tissue, laptop, iPhone, kindle, that thingy that helps you pick up things when you can't bend over.... and of course several cats (who are a constant source of purring comfort)!
But before I shut this down, let me say something about the Texas Health Dispatch. Before this happened, I was totally unaware that such a service was available. As I understand it, it is a service that has grown out of a need to be an in between care for those who either cannot get to a doctor's office to be treated and yet don't feel their condition is a life threatening emergency that would necessitate a visit to the ER. And they take Medicare! I would ask your own physician if he was aware of this type of service in your area. It certainly came in handy for me.
Hugs,
Rian
Yeah, I'm getting old all by myself, too. It ain't fun.
ReplyDeleteNo, Joanne, it's a bit scary (and I still have DH). But that's why its important to have good friends (cyber/blogger or otherwise).
DeleteI am your age, and this aging thing is tricky, isn't it? I learn a lot from you and my other blog friends, we share what we know. That service that Texas offers sounds super, I hadn't heard of it til I read it on your blog.
ReplyDeleteYes, but at the moment "tricky" isn't the word I'd use. I'd probably use something stronger and not so nice. But communicating with other seniors and sharing what we experience is helpful. The Texas Health service is great... but I'll bet there is something similar in California (it being California and all).
DeleteI'm so sorry you are still in pain. Back pain is a unique thing, impossible to ignore, and it goes away in it's own sweet time. Don't discount the pain meds - they might at least prevent the rest of the muscles surrounding your problem area, and other areas from tensing up and becoming part of the problem. My own husband is currently trying to get some relief from neck / back pain. He knows what he did that caused it, but can't get into physio for months (!) and so is going for his first massage appointment tomorrow. I hope you get some answers! Cat therapy is always a good thing. -Jenn
ReplyDeleteYou know Jenn, I've never had back trouble before... I mean sure, I've had some aches and pains (at our age you would expect some), but nothing like this. I am using the pain pills now... my MRI is scheduled for Friday. I hope your husband gets some relief from massage.
DeleteSo sorry you are still suffering and hope the doc can find the cause and some relief. I live in such a rural area that I'm pretty sure if we had such a service in Arkansas, it would be centered around the large cities. I'll ask my doctor anyway. Thanks.
ReplyDeleteIt can't hurt to ask, Patti. It's a great service to have available.
DeleteI hope you will get yourself to the doctor without too much discomfort, but something is definitely wrong if it's taking this long for you to even gt out of bed. Fingers crossed for you! :-)
ReplyDeleteThanks, DJan. Something is going on that's for sure. I'm almost afraid to find out what. But not being able to walk without pain is not acceptable...
DeleteI'm sorry you're still in such pain, hopefully the doctor is able to determine what the issue is and resolve it quickly. Thinking of you!
ReplyDeleteThanks, Mae. I guess we'll see what the MRI shows on Friday.
Deletei am reading backward and i know from your last post that you are feeling a little better. back pain is the pits, i hope you are resting. nice that you were able to find help, good help, that you can recommend for others!!!
ReplyDelete