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Update - 11/21

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Chronic Pain
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Posted 11/21/2013 4:06 PM (GMT 0)
Got my script for a rolling walker of my choice from my doctor yesterday, he agreed within seconds.  Have found a good place to shop for one in Greenville, that's on the approved Medicare competitive bid list.  Hope to go there tomorrow and pick out one right for me.

If anyone is interested, I posted my most recent oncologist visit from yesterday on HW PC.  Feel free to read and comment as you please.

Will say it was a good visit.

David

Posted 11/21/2013 5:47 PM (GMT 0)
David, congratulations!  That's very good news.  Let us know how you make out.

M.

Posted 11/21/2013 8:10 PM (GMT 0)
This is good news David! Happy to hear.
Will check your update on PC.

UA
Posted 11/21/2013 10:07 PM (GMT 0)
Sounds like it was a good doctor visit for you as you sound upbeat for a change...always glad to hear that...Keep us posted about the outcome on December 4th, will be wishing you the best and saying some prayers...
They have some really big wheel walkers out there...amazing...
Posted 11/21/2013 10:38 PM (GMT 0)
That's great David! Please let us know how much Medicare pays and if you have any out of pocket expense?

I would love to have one with the seat but can't spend a lot to get it.

Thanks
Posted 11/21/2013 11:57 PM (GMT 0)
Thanks.

Talked to the "walker" people today. No problem, all I will have to pay is 20 bucks out of pocket, for a Invacare Rollator Walker, with brakes, seat, basket, large wheels. Red, I believe is what they have in stock. Just waiting on a phone call, for the paperwork to clear. If all goes well, will be able to pick it up tomorrow afternoon. Can't happen soon enough, my frequency of near falling is still increasing by the day.

Noticed a lot of upper leg apathy in both legs that I didn't see or feel before, mostly on the left leg, which for me, is my strong side.

David
Posted 11/22/2013 4:13 PM (GMT 0)
Really? $20 that's it? With straight Medicare? I've got Humana SNP gold its a Medicare advantage plan and the state pays my co-pays and 20% of what Medicare doesn't so it may not cost me that much or anything?

Im going to send my Dr a email for a script and check it out!! I would so love to be able to do the mall thing with my teen for Xmas!

Thanks David!
Posted 11/22/2013 5:45 PM (GMT 0)
Glad you got some good news! take some pics of that new badboy when you get it haha :P
Posted 11/22/2013 6:09 PM (GMT 0)
Luie made me think about these 2 old ladies that ride the city bus and they're always together and they both have one like yours. Now they've added some features and you might say they've "pimped " their rollators!! Lol

They collect small stuffed animals, like the wee pound puppies you get in kids meals right? They each have actually sewn straps to each toy and have 100s adorning every bar on their walker as well as the basket! They've got cup holders of various sizes, saddlebag type things attached, iPod complete with headphones in a pouch, cellphone holder, and during whatever holiday is closest they have the entire walker decked out in that theme complete with musical animals playing.

They even use battery operated Xmas lights! Im not joking!!

Now these gals are every bit in their 80s and go to bingo by bus with their pimped out rollators about everyday of the week!!

They are the cutest things you've ever seen and I adore them!! I've seen them get up and give their seats on the bus to much younger folks!!

Someone forgot to tell them they're elderly!! I hope I can grow old as gracefully and retain the kind of simple joy as they have when I'm their age!
Posted 11/23/2013 12:33 AM (GMT 0)
Very disappointed, the "walker" company did not get all the paperwork approved today, so wasn't able to get the walker this week.

Went to PT today, and was told point blank, no more walking there, unless I have the walker. While walking my 3 laps today (each lap: 1/10th mile), I almost fell 8 times, and did fall twice. The first time, collapsed to the right, and my therapist let out a scream and caught me. The second time, fell into a wall, and she also stopped me from hitting the floor. This has to be settled, both the walker, and hopefully the MRI's ahead might shed some light on the true root cause.

David
Posted 11/23/2013 2:34 AM (GMT 0)
Oh no David. I hate that you couldn't get the walker. It scares me to hear that you fell and almost fell so many times. I'm sorry. Sometimes that stupid paperwork gets in the way of so many important things.

love and hugs
Loretta
Posted 11/23/2013 2:52 AM (GMT 0)
Things were looking so positive, too!  It's frustrating when the red tape ends up creating knots in our attempts at getting going.

I'm glad that you have a vigilant therapist who is right there with you.  I'm so sorry to hear of the falls.  They're scary when they come out of nowhere and you just find yourself buckling.

I do hope you get some answers soon....and get that walker so you can get back to scooting along!

M.

Posted 11/23/2013 3:01 AM (GMT 0)
yes, been fortunate to have the same therapist for over 2 1/2 years, she definitely knows my every tick. And she was being extra vigilant knowing I am having this problem. She really freaked out when I fell into her, I had to laugh, and told her that it wasn't that bad, because it happens so often now, it no longer surprises me.

she did another assessment of me first, and not surprisingly, have lost even more strength, stability, and range of motions in all my lower limbs, so the downward spiral continues. not a good thing.

due to a short week next week (thanksgiving) I have to go to PT on Monday, almost too close to today's session, or else I will miss out. so I will not be able to do the walking part, if I am lucky, perhaps I can pick up the walker later in the day Monday.

I went into PT with pain about a 5 and fatigue a 6, so after walking and spending 10 minutes on the New Step Machine, I was completely spent, and couldn't even do the third normal routine, which involves upper body strength. That was the 2nd week in a row I could finish things.

However, I was scheduled for massage right after PT, and I almost cancelled. But the massage therapist talked me into staying. She spent 45 minutes just massaging my feet and right knee/leg. She really knows her stuff and does his "light" pressure massage technique. It felt wonderful, and while she was doing it, it pulled all the pain out of my right foot/heel.

sadly, less than 10 minutes after she was done, and I was walking back to my car, all the pain returned, as if the massage never happened. She wants to teach my wife this technique, and said it would be nice if my feet could be done 2-3 times a week. My wife said she was more than willing to learn and do this for me.

David
Posted 11/23/2013 3:03 AM (GMT 0)
I'm sorry they couldn't complete the paper work today David.
Hope it's completed so you'll get it next week for sure.

Glad you have a very caring and helpful therapist. Sorry about the pain. Get some rest this weekend. Hope you'll get some pain relief.

Keep us updated.

UA
Posted 11/23/2013 3:19 AM (GMT 0)
yeah, due to my wife been completely run down work wise, and my issues, and a lousy weather forecast, we are planning on laying low this weekend. past 2 weekends, ran around all over the place.

david
Posted 11/23/2013 8:33 PM (GMT 0)
David:

Sorry that you didn't get your walker in time for your PT. I hate to hear that your worsening in your legs and such. The falling isn't a good thing either, I'm truly sorry about that.

I think if your wife can learn the massage that the therapist does for you, will help a lot. I know that my muscles and tendons bother me so much, that w/o massages I'd never be able to get out of bed. My therapist will work on me sometimes as long as 2 hours, just to get the knots out. I feel great when I get off her table, but within, like 15 mins things are tight again.

It helps me at night if my feet are really hurting, hubby will rub my feet and try to relieve the pain that I'm feeling. Of course, he can't massage nearly as long as Pam can. He certainly tries though and for that I give him a HUGE "A" FOR EFFORT.

Hope that both you and your wife get plenty of rest and relaxation done this weekend. Please be careful around the house. Try to always keep in mind, only until you get your walker, that you need to think about how unsteady you are on your feet. I'll be praying that you have no Falls over the weekend.

Take care and many hugs,
Barbara
Posted 11/24/2013 4:00 AM (GMT 0)
Thank you, Barb.

My wife tried to massage my feet tonight, but despite her best effort, not the technique of the massage person I am seeing now. And just like with the other massages, 5-10 minutes after it was over, the pain in my feet came back with a vengeance. But I appreciated her efforts.

We had a pretty decent day today.

David
Posted 11/24/2013 2:10 PM (GMT 0)
David, I just saw in a magazine a "foot massager."  It reminds me of a "foot bath" but this is something with a bunch of knobs on it, similar to what I'd imagine reflexology points to be like, and you're sitting, resting your feet on/in this unit, and it vibrates and rolls back and forth. 

So you're getting pressure.  It's not soak.  It's not just a vibration.  And I liked the idea of the little nibby knob things on there, so you could adjust where and how you put your whole foot down on each placement.

Sounds divine.  I'm sure nothing can compare to what your massage therapist does, (when they're good, they're good!)....but maybe it could help?

M.

Posted 11/24/2013 7:15 PM (GMT 0)
my wife has one of those, bought it for her a few years ago, while it sounds good in theory, its too harsh and rough for me, the massage person uses this ultra light technique which seems to be best for me.

despite my wife's tender care massaging my feet last night, it ended up making things worse for me.

I am going to have the regular massages done twice a month from this point forward. too bad, the effects only last a few minutes at the most.

david
Posted 11/24/2013 9:17 PM (GMT 0)
I know this is something entirely different, but I wanted to relay this:
When I had clients who suffered with plantar fasciitis, I'd have them take a (small) bottle of water and stick it in the freezer. When it's frozen, take it out, (put a nice, thick sock on), and while you're seated, roll the frozen bottle (which has shape to it) back and forth under your foot.

Since you're seated, you control just how gentle you apply pressure, or if you want to focus on certain areas.

Another alternative for those who did not want to try something cold, was to fill the water bottle with sand. Then it's not cold, there's also some "give" and "flexibility" to it. And again, just place your foot on it and roll the bottle, on it's side, back and forth, massaging the sole of your feet.



M.

Post Edited By Moderator (Blessedx8) : 11/27/2013 1:15:49 AM (GMT-7)

Posted 11/26/2013 7:47 PM (GMT 0)
So glad you will soon have added safety w/ walker !!

Enjoy the holiday!!
Posted 11/27/2013 4:16 AM (GMT 0)
Thanks, Diane. You too, on the holidays ahead.

David
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