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Posted 2/21/2010 3:08 PM (GMT 0)
I'd like to appeal to the other great people on this site  and draw on your expierence and knowledge .Lately for me its been one thing after another my hip led to my leg problem cellulitus and I can't walk ,except with a walker or wheelchair .Because of using the walker my hands go numb and now my elbow is hurting , I beleive because I tried to do more than I was able to do , but I wanted to try , I don't want to be always afraid to do anything because of what I might hurt and how it might limit me even ,more than I already am limited .I hate to think of living my life so scared but it seems this makes sense since I really don't want to get hurt a put more limitations on myself . Am I making any sense ?
Posted 2/21/2010 3:45 PM (GMT 0)
Mikel the only thing I can suggest is pace yourself and try not to do much at one time. Set small goals for each day on what you want to accomplish. Many times we set ourselves up by trying to do too much at once. Have you been properly trained to use a walker? Using a walker is suppose to help you out not cause more problems like it sounds it is doing with you.

I hope your cellulitis is improving, haven't seen you post much about it in the last couple of days.
Posted 2/21/2010 4:01 PM (GMT 0)
Hi Mikel,

Do you have access to an Occupational Therapist? I don't know if you have any type of benefit coverage, but you might want to ask your doctor to recommend someone you could see. They can help you learn how to do things without injuring yourself further or causing more pain - how to sit properly, get up properly, do things around the house, etc.

They can be a real help - ask your PM Doctor, or family doctor if they can help you find one. Good luck!

hugs,
Pam
Posted 2/21/2010 6:19 PM (GMT 0)
straydog , Msbunky I thank you so much for your input ,I can see an occupatioal therapist and I'm going to , I had it in my head they could not help me because I was digusted with my condition but you are right they know how to help and little things like how to sit , stand etc make a big difference , I shall pursue this right away .I could be hurting myself by doing things wrong that makes sense .I'm seeing the doctor this wed straydog , the thing is they aren't sure its cellulitis so they've been treting the symptoms and progress is agonizingly slow .Thank you for your helpful responses as always your great .
Posted 2/21/2010 6:33 PM (GMT 0)
Hi M,

It's nice to meet you! It's been a while since I was a regular board member and I haven't yet "met" everyone again. I understand your pain and your concern. It's very difficult to have new pains to add to the old, but I'm starting to see that it is very common. I can only wish you a short walker period, as I had new pain when I was using the walker too. PT helped a great deal and loosing the back brace was a miracle (after I regained muscle strength in my back).

I too have numb hands and that can be a real challenge with the walker because of holding on to it in any way. Please do seek a good PT or OT to work with. They can be a real life saver and the understaning human contact makes a lot of difference.

Best of luck!
Posted 2/21/2010 9:07 PM (GMT 0)
Hi Mikel...

I'm sorry for all of the things you are dealing with! I know how it feels to have one thing after another. It can be really overwhelming. I know it's hard...but I just try to take things day by day; sometimes hour by hour! It's all that we can do, right?

I wish I had more words of wisdom. I've not used a walker; but I am currently looking for a wheelchair to increase my mobility. The health issues I have make it impossible for me to be on my feet for more than a few minutes, at most.

I think the others gave you great advice; I think seeing an OT or PT is a great idea. They can give you pointers as to not cause additional injury to yourself.

I'm glad that you are posting here, and seeking out support. I think it's really important for all of us to do. Please know you are in my thoughts today!!

--Tina
Posted 2/21/2010 9:52 PM (GMT 0)
Mikel, I'm glad to hear that you will be seeing your Dr on Tue. Stray always has good things to point out to you. Keep us posted here, and we will be thinking about you.

SE
Posted 2/21/2010 10:31 PM (GMT 0)
retiredmom , Momto6boys ,Screaming Eagle thank you so much for your input , I don't know if you all realize how much your responses mean , I live alone and have isolated for a long while , last nite a buddy of mine came over and spent the nite here hanging out , watching tv , talking and having something to eat .He listened to what I have to say about my situation and it was so great not to be alone over night .Knowing a friend was right there was so great ! For the first time in awhile I slept pretty well so thanks my friends your attention is so greatly needed and welcome .Thank you because when I have been alone the HealingWell family has helped me make it through .
Posted 2/22/2010 12:45 AM (GMT 0)
Mikel,
I live alone, too, and so do a few other members, so I do understand. I'm so glad you had some company last night.

I think I did read you had pets, though, and that's sure a comfort. I don't have any right now, but hope to get another cat in the future, when my life is a bit more settled.

So glad you found us!

PaLady
Posted 2/22/2010 1:31 AM (GMT 0)
Yes PAlady , I've got 2 cats , Mara and Mischief and I do love them a lot , they sleep with me and love me (especially when they're hungry!! ) (LOL) I hope you can resue a kitty from your nearest shelter , good luck to you .Your kitty will love you no matter what and is pretty easy to care for
Posted 2/22/2010 2:21 AM (GMT 0)
Mikel, I too have a kitty, and we love him dearly! He is so faithful, and follows us everywhere! We just love it when he sleeps with us, and I was surprised that he does seem to sleep throughout the night. The purring is loud though, but we have become used to it. The little stinker is laying with me right now, as I type. We just weighed him at five months, and he is almost 7lbs. I'm a thinking he will be pushing around 20lbs or so, when he is full grown. Deborah a,d I were just talking the other day, and were trying to figure if we can handle two of them, because we thing he will really like the company.

I'm happy to know that you have a couple of them, especially since you are living alone. I can imagine that you have grown close to them. Ours happen to get of the house they other day without our knowledge, and I went into a panic, thinking he was gone forever. The little stinker was out front of the house, and was ready to be found.

I'm hoping that PaLady can get one soon, but understand that things have to settle down for her first. We will keep our fingers crossed for her.

You are fitting in with the forum quite well, and I hope you find some relief with your leg problem. Take care!

SE
Posted 2/22/2010 2:23 AM (GMT 0)
Hi Mikel, my OT has been a godsend for me. She has completely reorganised how I use my body both for work and home so I don't put extra stresses and strains on joints. Just small adjustments can make the world of difference. I was negative about seeing her too and I love her now. Sometimes we feel NOT another person to see or to explain myself too, but then that person can really help sometimes.

So in my long winded way, go see that OT!

Hope the cellulitis responds to treatment soon,( you must be in agony),

best wishes to you Mikel, golitho

Posted 2/22/2010 3:39 AM (GMT 0)
Thank you golitho , eagle my wonderful friends , you are all godsends .
Posted 2/22/2010 4:20 AM (GMT 0)
Hi Mikel,

I don't have much to add, but I just wanted to let you know that you are in my thoughts & prayers. I hope you find at least a little relief in the next few days. I know you don't sleep much & I know how hard that is on the mind & the body. A good night's rest would probably do you a world of good, so I'll pray that you get one (or more!) of those as well :-)

Have you ever tried any sort of creams on your leg -- not for the cellulitis, but for pain? I don't exactly know what is out there, but I wonder if something like that might help a little. You could probably talk to your pharmacist or doctor, or even just peruse the medical isle at a health food store (they usually have a wide selection of "pain-relieving creams" & some are pretty good. I used to use Wobenzyme cream and Traumeel cream (a homeopathic ointment) on my shoulders a lot for chronic inflammation & still do sometimes when they they bother me). Maybe a lidocaine cream might help take some of the edge off of the pain? Just something to think about.

Hope you are feeling better tonight!

hugs,
Skeye
Posted 2/22/2010 4:34 AM (GMT 0)
Mikel,
How did Mischief earn his/her name? I had to ask! LOL

And yes, I would get a shelter cat, that's for sure. I visit some of the local shelters when I can and bring them treats. My 20 year old boy I had to put down a few years ago, but I don't want to get another until I know I won't be having to move somewhere I can't keep an animal as it would break my heart more to have to give one up.

PaLady
Posted 2/22/2010 6:56 AM (GMT 0)
Thank you for the suggestion skeye , I've used bengay on my knee which helped somewhat , but I find myself almost scared to try anything new , not wanting to make it worse , but thank you for your suggestion and your caring my friend . PAlady mischief got her name just the way you would imagine , she's into everything , nosey and sweet , she's a wonderful little one .I fully understand not wanting to take one in unless you know if you'll be able to keep them , I would expect nothing less from the giving people like yourself here . I wish we all had the capacity to meet every so often and just say ''hi'' , just talk and I would love to say thanks for being my friends . You are all as honorable and as pure in your motives as can be .May God bless and keep us .
Posted 2/22/2010 12:54 PM (GMT 0)
Mikel, I'm glad to see that your spirits seem better than when you first joined our little group. I know your still in alot of pain but your mental state seems better. I do hope the doc can determine whether it is truely cellulitus that you have and treat it appropriately. From the way it sounds though, you probably do have it.

Not to steal your post but PaLady, have you ever thought about getting a kitty but also making arrangements with someone to care for it if you would have to move into a place that does not accept pets? My 85 yr old dad is getting to the point where he may have to move into a assisted living home. He has a little kitty, Princess, that he has already found a good home for if he does have to move.

I would take Princess but she is a little cat, only 8 lbs full grown & declawed. I'm worried that my big old 16 lb Russell that is not declawed, may take offense with her being here and I don't want to jeopardize her safety when I'm not at home.
Posted 2/22/2010 4:27 PM (GMT 0)
Hi Mikel...

Just wanted to say good morning and see now you are doing...

I'm glad to hear you had a friend over for awhile! I do understand the isolation that comes with health issues. I hate saying that... as I live with seven other people (my husband and my 6 boys). But, it's one of those situations where you can be in a crowded room and still feel lonely? Does that make sense? While I love my family, there are just things that they don't understand or that I can't share with them... which is another reason I'm really glad for the friends I've made here and for this board.

Anyway, just wanted to let you know that I am thinking of you this morning, and hoping you have the best day possible.

Talk to you later,
Tina
Posted 2/23/2010 1:02 AM (GMT 0)
 

   Dear Mike,

 

       Good evening. It is so good to hear from you *hugg* How is your leg feeling tonight? I hope you have a moment or two to relax.

 

      I don't have much time. The exhaustion is like a heavy wet blanket right now. Bleh! But!! I wanted to wish you luck tomorrow *hugg* And don't forget to take a list with you that has all the things you need to ask about. Like seeing a physio therapist.  Hope everything goes well! You are in our hearts here in New Mexico, so stay strong!

 

*warm huggs*

     dani

Posted 2/23/2010 1:28 AM (GMT 0)
mikel I hope you are doing ok. You are a great person. I am so sorry you h ave had so much trouble. I am hoping tomorrow will be a better day for you.

hugs,
melissa
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