I read almost everyday but don't usually post because, for the most part, my pain is under control enough to be tolerable. The quick version...I have a shattered elbow that can't be repaired even after 7 surgeries. I'm 44 and need a total elbow replacement but it's not an option until I'm 60 unless it's totally unbearable because elbow replacements don't last very long or work very well.
My PCP handles my pain mgt. because none of the pain management clinics would accept me as a patient. According to them they don't have good success with treating the multitude of injuries to elbows like I have. I'm on a fairly low dose of Vicodin. I don't have my bottle right here but it's either 500 or 550 and I take it three times a day. I went in for my regular checkup. PCP said it might be a good idea to see if we could try some different things so I wouldn't have to stay on it forever. I worry about the effects on my liver. While there he found that I had a bad sinus infection and strep throat. He prescribed an antibiotic I'd never had called Levaquin. He also asked me to see my Ortho to get some updated x-rays. I started the Levaquin and started having some horrible leg cramps and tightness. In the meantime I went to the Ortho and he added an anti inflammatory. I started that and ended up not being able to walk! I was, literally, on the couch except to use the bathroom for an entire week. Turns out I had a very severe (although now I'm learning alarmingly common) reaction.
Back to the PCP who gave me Prednisone, stopped the Gabapentin and told me to continue with the Vicodin and new anti-inflammatory from Ortho. Took the Prednisone and by the next morning I was feeling and walking better than I had in almost 6 weeks! I was beyond excited!! Felt great for two days and had to take ONE anti-inflammatory. Within the hour I was back to horrible pain in my lower legs and I still have it three days later.
I'm frustrated because my oldest daughter graduates from high school this weekend! I have already limped and been miserable through all her awards ceremonies, senior programs, college orientation weekend etc and now it's back! I was in awful pain through her entire party tonight and tried to pretend I felt okay until I just couldn't do it anymore. Her graduation ceremony is tomorrow afternoon and now I'm worried about how I will even be able to walk into the venue and sit comfortably. I WILL do it but I want to feel like my old self. I'm so tired of chronic pain trying to take the enjoyment out of the memories I should be sharing with my kids and husband!!!
Thank you for letting me vent here. I know a lot of you deal with pain on this scale everyday. I read your stories and updates and hope for relief and encouragement for all of you! This was the only place I thought I could get it out and not feel like I was complaining to "deaf ears" or to someone that has "already heard it before." I keep up without much complaint in everyday life so I think others in my day to day life just figure it can't be that bad. Perhaps, I'm just wishing for a miracle that isn't going to happen. 