After sleeping for nearly two days because I was taking so much medication and it also hurt like the dickens to move, I finally had a doctor's appointment this morning. I was actually moving pretty well this morning and I was able to put my shoes on by myself! Yahoo! That was a major accomplishment after the past couple of days.
Anyway, I suspected that I had ruptured a disc. The doctor (really a nurse practitioner, but he may as well be a doctor and he certainly has more sense than most of the MDs I've seen!) said it was probably a herniated disc, but they couldn't tell that for certain without an MRI. I refused this test because that's just more money out of my pocket when we pretty much know what it is anyway. Besides, the treatment wouldn't be any different than if they don't know what it is - treat the pain and the swelling.
He had the nurse give me a shot of something in my bottom that is one of the best shots I've ever had. I know that probably sounds crazy, but I'm telling you - it didn't hurt at ALL, I didn't have any adverse reactions to the medication, and within an hour I could actually feel the swelling going down a tiny bit. I was certainly walking better anyway. With most medicines I've never had before, I end up getting hives, passing out, or having some other horrible adverse reaction (hallucinations, developing blood clots, etc.) so I was very pleasantly pleased that this shot seemed to do nothing except actually WORK. Amazing! He also put me on steroids and I'm not ready to shoot anyone yet so that's another miracle. Normally steroids have this horrible effect and I want to strangle someone and jump out of my own skin in the process.
My back still feels immensely swollen on the left side in particular, but certainly I'm doing better than I was yesterday or even this morning. I'm beginning to think that this is a temporary setback and not "oh dear... this is going to be the rest of my life in pain... sort of thing." Monday I was VERY depressed about that possibility. It is so difficult not knowing how you're going to feel from one day to the next. Way too many people take their health for granted and it's so sad. I wish I could get out and run around with my children like I used to. I would certainly do it.
Well, tomorrow I have a program at the Johnson City Public Library. Hopefully that will go well. It's about "The History of Homeschooling." I think it will be interesting. I can't wait to see what it's all about (meaning I can't wait to finish the research and give the presentation. I always learn so much myself through those sorts of things!).
My four-year-old is waiting for me to come lay down with her and I can't believe it's MIDNIGHT and my children are still up!! We all sat up and had family time together, which is nice, but I hope everyone sleeps in tomorrow so we don't end up with a bunch of cranky kids!
I'm hoping that tomorrow will be a brighter day and I will be able to touch my toes again! I pray that you will have a blessed day as well!
Sonya
Comments
Dec. 6, 2007 - Untitled Comment
Posted by blessinghill
I'm sorry to hear of all the physical troubles you've encountered recently. It's good that you have a pretty good diagnosis now and the medication is starting to do it's job. Not knowing what's up is the worst I think. Keep us posted on your progress and the program you're doing. My prayer are with you!