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"Lassie" Has Missed You Guys So Much!!!

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Posted 5/29/2008 9:08 PM (GMT 0)
eyes  First of all I want to thank each & every one of you for your undaunted support and prayers.  I really feel like I am part of a family with all the wonderful friends I have become to know on this site.  I literally cried while I was reading about your concern for me while I was "gone".  I'm doing okay now but I have really been through HELL and back.

 

As for the SCS - I TRIED IT - IT DIDN'T WORK!!!  The trial was the longest, most painful week I have ever experienced - and I thought I knew what pain was. Ha!  My pc dr did let me have a few extra pain pills but that was defeating the whole procedure.  Gramps, I know I put way too much faith in the darn stimulator to begin with but I didn't sit idly by for the whole week.  I saw my Ortho Dr on Tuesday before they took the "stuff" out of my back on Wednesday.  He couldn't believe I was still in a wheelchair since I last saw him in January.  I explained everything I had been through; he agreed I have jumped through enough drs hoops and promised me he would get me out of the chair and up walking.  He thinks the problem is stemming from previous back related injuries rather than just my hip.  I have an appt for a CT/Myelogram on June 23rd.  While in his office though, he injected my hip twice with cortisone.  Didn't think much about it but after the tech removed the SCS and I got back home - I could stand up!  That was ten days ago and I'm actually walking aroung the house with just minimal use of my walker!!!   I still can't figure it out but I sure am enjoying being able to feed my kitty cat and give her treats whenever I want to.  I am still in pain but this I can easily deal with.

 

If anyone has any answers, information, suggestions on why I am suddenly able to walk with the pain controlled by my meds, please feel free to comment; esp on the cortisone injections.

 

My week of shear agony, frustration, disheartenment, and just plain throwing my hands up in the air is not the only reason I have not been in touch.  On top of everything, and just when I needed it most - my compiter died!  I just purchased a rebuilt one and got online.  I had to email my "family" first and foremost.  Again, thank you all for being there for me.  All you're prayers were needed and most definitely felt.

 

Luv You All!         lassie

 

Posted 5/29/2008 9:39 PM (GMT 0)
LASSIE!!!!!!

I'm so glad you're back and that you're WALKING! The heck with the SCS trial failing - at least you know. But you've found another way to get relief and how WONDERFUL for you! As to why the injections helped so much - it may be that they pinpointed the problem that was causing your pain (at least what was keeping you in the wheelchair) more accurately than all the other procedures. I know my SI joint won't stay put and that's around the hip, and when it's out the pain is horrendous.

At least you also know with good and accurately focused pain management, you can get your life back!!!

It is so GREAT to hear from you! You know how concerned we were, and everyone will be so relieved so be prepared for a ton of posts to cheer you on!

Funny, I never thought about computer problems - it terrifies me at times because I have an older computer and if I couldn't get to this site I'd go batty!

WELCOME HOME!

PaLady
Posted 5/29/2008 10:43 PM (GMT 0)
LASSIE!!! We are thrilled you are back. I was sorry to hear you've had a tough month, but what a wonderful thing to be on your feet again! I hope your doctor keeps after this for you and that soon you are dancing in the halls! tongue

Welcome Home, Lassie. We missed you while you were gone.
Ry
Posted 5/29/2008 10:55 PM (GMT 0)
Welcome back Lassie. Glad to hear your pain is more manageable. Hope it stays that way. Looking forward to getting to know you better too. God bless!

Hugs,

Linda
Posted 5/30/2008 11:51 AM (GMT 0)
Gramps, I am so sorry about the ordeal you have been going through. I've had simular situations with Duke University. Wait forever for appt with anticipation of someone who will get to the point of whatever problem exists. After having "all my ducks in a row" to be confronted with a Specialist who is unfamiliar with my case and "Can you come back next weeK?". I can empathize with your frustration; sad to say, it happens alot.

I have a little room to spare - I wish I could take some of you pain away from you.

Yes, I think I have finally found a Dr that is willing to find out the cause & treat my pain issues. (I can just hear you saying: "Don't get your hopes too high.") I won't but it is at least a ray of sunshine. I guess I should have followed up with him before I put all my "guts" into the SCS. At least I can say first hand now though - I tried the SCS and it didn't work for me. I am going to relish this mobility with decreased pain as long as it lasts and trust my Ortho Dr. to help me through the rest.

Gramps, thank you so much for your concern. You are such a sweetie! And I will continue to pray that your issues will soon be resolved.
Posted 5/30/2008 1:55 PM (GMT 0)
My memory plays tricks on me alot of times so forgive me if I repeat myself. I think I mentioned I am an ex-sailor too.

I hope your Memorial Day weekend was all it should be.
Posted 5/30/2008 3:31 PM (GMT 0)
Welcome back lassie!! And also thank you for your service to our country. I have a huge respect and love for those in the military.

Hugs,
Chutzie
Posted 5/30/2008 5:15 PM (GMT 0)
Thanks Chutz, for welcoming me back and for the military respects. Hopefully, I won't be going MIA again anytime soon.

Now see Gramps, my mind is not playing tricks on me; I just misread your note. Now that my CP is tolerable, my mind is having to adjust to the empty spaces. And I do hope your pain is less felt today.

Luv Ya!
Posted 5/30/2008 11:20 PM (GMT 0)
Lassie!! WB kiddo!! You were very missed! I wasn't onlline much the past few days, Baby Boy was very sick, had a seizure Wed night and they took him to hosp, infection somewhere, according to blood tests. Doing well now...I went over and stayed there last night and cared for him so Mom and Dad could get some sleep, he needed Tyl and Motrin often to keep the fever down. Glad to say, it's normal today and he's back to a health BB :-) Any waaaaaay, didn't mean to hijack your WB, you were kept in prayer girl! And I'm so glad that you might finally be on the right track! Whoooohooooo (Altho I'm so sorry about your Week from the Pits of H*ll )
Posted 5/31/2008 10:17 AM (GMT 0)
I'm glad Baby Boy is feeling better. I hope you will have a good day too. Thank you and everyone for your prayers and not forgetting about me.

It is said that the pains of childbirth are soon forgotten. I've never had children so I don't know about that. But I do know I will never forget my week with the SCS. One good thing though, it lead me back to my ortho dr I had not kept up with. He really seems concerned and hopefully will get to the source of my pain issues. Keep your fingers crossed for me!
Posted 5/31/2008 5:22 PM (GMT 0)
Lassie,
I am also sad you had to suffer with the trial, but it led you to the ortho. And the trial led you to quit smoking (how's that going?). So there are some good things that came out of it all, although I wish the painful part could have been omitted!

Hope you're feeling better with each day!

PaLady
Posted 5/31/2008 7:05 PM (GMT 0)
Hi PaLady,

I'm still on my feet so I am doing better each day. Every morning when I wake up I am hesitant about getting out of the recliner because I don't know how long these cortisone injections last. I am so afraid I am going to move wrong and that sickening pain again will come back.

Last night I had a really hard time getting any rest. I started to sleep about 9:30pm but was back awake at 10:30 with terrible cramps in my rt foot. Then every 45mins - 1 hr I had to reposition my rt leg. Just when I was getting relaxed enough to fall back to sleep, the cramping would start again - from my calf to my ankle to my foot to my big toe. Needless to say I got very little sleep and am grumpy today.

My pc dr had ordered physical therapy and an ignorant little girl came by yesterday to evaluate me. I think she is a CNA, not a PT and don't think she even knew either. She pushed down on my rt leg which aggravated pain signals to my rt hip. I am going to call my ortho dr before I let her touch me again. I would think the origin of my pain should be addressed and then start on PT to build up strength in my lower back and extremities. I guess I'm just afraid of someone that doesn't know what she is doing to add any further damage or discomfort. Or maybe I am just a big whiner today!

I am going to read up on the annoying cramping I had last night so hopefully I will get some better sleep tonight. Maybe I will wake up with a better attitude.

I hope you are doing okay today. Sometimes it seems all I do is talk about myself. But I do care and am concerned with other's everyday issues. Guess I just felt like venting right now. Thanks for listening.
Posted 5/31/2008 7:19 PM (GMT 0)
Venting understood, Lassie. I do it myself, too! And I absolutely hear what you say about young, inexperience (or old, incompetent) physical therapits or others. I've been hurt by PT's in the past, and have learned the hard way to be very assertive about who I let touch me. I hate the "evauations" when they will do anything without regard for the pain it causes. Now I know that they have to evaluate certain things, but a lot of times if they'd read the record they would learn from that, and not have to start from scratch. Plus, they can move you more slowy, more gently with an awareness that they may not only be causing pain in the moment, but - and this is the stuff that really fries me - may aggravate something that you just got calmed down!! So vent away, I understand!

I hope you can find out what's going on with your right leg/foot. You know sometimes when we get rid of pain in one part of the body, it just makes the pain that was alread there in another part more obvious - but perhaps the pain we got rid of was screaming louder so we didn't "hear' (feel) the other pain.

Hugs,

PaLady
Posted 5/31/2008 8:02 PM (GMT 0)
Just looked up a "quick fix" for night leg/foot cramps. Use icy/hot patches or massage in icy/hot creme to affected area. I have some arthritis hot creme - I'll try that tonight. Hope the menthol smell doesn't bother Jessie too much. Bless her heart; she goes through so much with me.

Luv Ya!

lassie
Posted 5/31/2008 10:04 PM (GMT 0)
TY Gramps, he is doing fine now and back to doing the things that 1 yr olds do :-)

LL, fingers crossed and keeping u in prayer, luv. :-) What a nasty experience with the PT, just what u need is more pain....(((((hugs))))

I use the Walmart brand of Menthol patchs on various areas and they work great. The pkg says 4 hr relief but I get about 6 or more. Check em out!

Posted 6/1/2008 10:12 AM (GMT 0)
Thanks Muzz - I will surely check out Wal-Mart today for the patches. I had never heard of this for nightime leg/foot cramps but it obviously helped someone. I slept okay last night except for dropping a bottle of water in my lap - oh so cold & wet! But having to get up at 3am for a complete blanket & jammies change was no fun. Ha!

No, I didn't appreciate the PT experience. I don't even know if she is a PT certified - but I will find out. If she is a CNA coming to help around the house, she is a little late. I needed that help the last several months, not now. I am taking care of myself okay for the time being. If I have surgery down the road, her services might be helpful. Anyway, I still plan on talking with my pc & ortho drs tomorrow to see if they are insync with what is best for me.

Thanks for keeping me in your prayers, as I do you everyday too. I hope you have a pleasant day!
Posted 6/3/2008 4:15 PM (GMT 0)
TY kiddo...I've been brought low by a chest inf, this is the 1st I've sat up for more than a fewmins since Sat. On antibiotics and Nebs tx now so should be on the mend.
Posted 6/3/2008 5:59 PM (GMT 0)
Sorry to hear you are feeling crappy. Make sure you get plenty of rest - you don't want this chest inf. spreading or getting any worse. Most of my resp infs lead to brochitis, then usually to pneumonia. But I have always had a weak resp immune system.

Take care and I hope you feel better soon!
Posted 6/3/2008 6:46 PM (GMT 0)
     tongue You were missed! Like the others ever so sorry about your problems with the SCS trial I know you were really excited about it and hopefull as well. Like you said at least you know and have a new door opened to find your relieve. So-o-o-o great that you are up and about with your walker, enjoy it while you can!

I wanted to ask you something else on a different issue if you don't think it is too personal. Is it you that lives on or by Lake Erie? The reason I ask is that while you were away I replied to a post that PaLady had made and said something back to her about enjoying the snow and cold while she had it as it was over 100 degrees here in So. California and she wrote back saying that she lived in S Carolina (I think). lol! Needless to say my face was red redface . Then I thought about it and realized that it was you, I think.  eyes

 

Anywhoo keep up the good work and hold on to that great feeling you are having right now. Welcome back LassieLuv!

 

                                                                  Toritoo

Posted 6/3/2008 9:39 PM (GMT 0)
Lassieluv,

It was not ok for a physical therapist to cause you that pain that you felt. A CNA shouldn't be exercising you without a proper evaluation anyway, so I tend to think it was a PT that did the dirty deed. This sounds like another home health issue. Make sure the doc is in sync as you say with the orders given and then if he does want a PT out there messing with you, ask for another P.T. instead of the one who apparantly didn't know what they were doing. You do have rights you know. Make sure they don't snowball you.

Anyway, glad you are back and feeling a bit better. God bless you and keep you on the mend my dear.

Hugs,

Lindaloo
Posted 6/4/2008 12:01 AM (GMT 0)
TY fellas...I do have a Nebs machine and used it today but was too weak Sun and Mon. Tyring to make myself move around but it slow going :) I have my neuro appt tomm.

Sorry to hi-jack your thread LL ;)

Posted 6/4/2008 1:17 AM (GMT 0)
Linda - Thanks for your concern. I had problems with the same PT yesterday but for different reasons. She is way to inexperienced to be out treating patients on her own. I talked with her supervisor reguarding this and someone different will be assigned to me tomorrow. I hope this one goes smoother and yes, I know I have rights too.

I didn't get a chance to welcome you as a new moderator. So - welcome, I look forward to talking with you again.
Posted 6/4/2008 1:39 AM (GMT 0)
Hey Toritoo!  Glad to hear from you - it's been a while!  Yes the SCS trial was very disappointing as I had my hopes up so high. nono   Hope I never go through that kind of pain again EVER!  I am quite pleased with the Ortho Doc and his avenue of treatment.  Who would have known that with two cortisone injections I would be back on my feet?  Doesn't this sound like one of the first things that should have been tried?  Anyway, I'm out of the wheelchair and doing much better.  I am definitely enjoying the good stuff and hope it lasts a long time.

 

As for the environmental mix ups:  You had mentioned to me about shoveling snow.  I was trying to be "cute" when I replied that I didn't live on the North Pole.  I live on the North Carolina coast; we were in the middle of a drought and I would have loved to see snow, rain, or anything wet.  Now lets see if I've got it right  redface   I live in NC, you live in CA, and everyone else lives on the Great Lakes.

 

Take Care!

 

 

Posted 6/4/2008 2:24 PM (GMT 0)
Thanks for asking - Jessie & I are doing fine. How are you feeling today? Sometimes I get so caught up with my own pain and other issues that I forget to ask. I know you stay pretty rattled with the health care system but how is your pain today? Are the antibiotics helping with your sinus infection? I do hope you are getting some relief. Anything dealing with the head area can make you miserable, more so than other areas I think.

I just had a visit from a new PT person. Thank goodness she had a head on her shoulders, common sense as well as professionalism. I hobbled around the house a little and did some minor exercises to help with strengthening my lower half. I'm exhausted but invigorated. Jessie didn't even budge from her spot in the sun. I think my "Attack Cat" doormat is a joke!

Anyway, I hope you have a pleasant day, as much as you can.

Luv Ya!
Posted 6/4/2008 4:02 PM (GMT 0)
Oh, is my face red now. cool I didn't realize you had addressed that to Toritoo.  I was kind of wondering what you were talking about but didn't want to be ignorant by asking if something happened that I was not aware of.  Could happen you know.

 

I'm sorry you are having a bad day with your pain. mad   Try to take it easy the rest of the day.  If the cause is not your heart, where do you go now?

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