Update:
On Thursday, my primary doctor made some
changes to my medications that have really helped reduce my pain and allow me
to get a much better night’s rest. That
means two things. I am able to sit in my
wheelchair for longer periods of time and not have to go lay down to relieve
the pain as often; as well as reducing the need that I had for taking naps
throughout the day. Whew! That’s much better!
I’ve got another appointment scheduled
with the Pain Clinic on August 10th.
Back in June I had a facet injection (steroid injected into the facet
joint of the spine) that relieved 90-95% of my back pain and significantly
reduced the sciatic nerve pain too. June’s
injection has worn off and now that the surgeon has removed my post-op restrictions,
I’m going back for more treatment. I don’t
know if it will happen this visit or not, but my doctor at the pain clinic had
talked about a more long lasting treatment called radio frequency lesioning. Sign me up!
I might have to have another injection or two before they perform the
radio frequency treatment. Reduction in
pain means a reduction in pain medications as well. I look forward to that!
I just got word yesterday that my
insurance company has finally
approved my new wheelchair. The one I’ve
been using is borrowed, old and worn out.
I need a new one and it needs improved back support (I think part of my
back problem is due to sitting in the wheelchair so much since having trouble
with my prosthesis). This has been a
long process. I first talked with my
doctor last December and then had a wheelchair evaluation in January. Since then it has been one delay and
rejection after another by the insurance company. Now almost eight months later, it is
approved! Yeah! I should have my new chair in a few weeks
now. It won’t be too different from the
one I currently have but it will be mine, brand new, and set up for me
specifically.
I’ve slowly begun to exercise
again. After sitting in the chair doing
nothing for almost three months (under doctor’s orders), I’m taking it easy so
I don’t hurt myself. Wouldn’t that be
awful if I pulled a muscle or tore something at this point! I’ve finally started doing some stretching
exercises that my physical therapist gave me right before my surgery. I have another appointment with her on
Monday. Now that I have been cleared by
the surgeon, I should have a series of PT appointments in the next few weeks to
see if they can help ease my pain.
As long as I’m not under the influence
of narcotic pain relievers I can drive again. So I might have some times when I
cannot drive; but overall I’ve regained my freedom!!!! I had put my gym membership on hold for June
and July, so on August 1st I can head back to the gym to swim and
lift some weights. I really look forward
to do that!!!
I haven’t heard back from my surgeon yet
about treatment or referrals concerning the hypersensitive nerve in my residual
limb. Right now, I’m on hold with my
prosthetic limb. I cannot wear it, nor
can I have my prosthetist try to build a new leg for me. I’ve got to let the nerve in my leg heal; and
that might be a year-long process. I’m
going to rack up some serious wheelchair time unless they come up with some
surprise fix that they haven’t thought of yet!
I really am feeling the best that I have
in months. I’m feeling so good that I’m
planning to go to church in the morning.
I’ve felt so poorly that I haven’t been for the last seven weeks. I’m looking forward to going! Things seemed to have turned around for me and
it is a whole lot easier to maintain a positive attitude! I deeply appreciate your prayers and well-wishes
for me.
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