Double Whammy

Red....for the blood I saw on the doc's rubber gloves after my injections.

I went in for a single steroid epidural injection in the right side of my back today. I quickly realized how much I depend on my husband to be the strong part of me when I am faced with something I am leery about. I've always been so independent and proud of handling things like that just fine on my own. It didn't help that every time I mentioned it at work every person responded with a terrified look on their face! LOL I had done an injection before and have had several of those 5-6 inch needles stuck in my back. I am guessing that I am not as strong without my husband. The procedure went well. All in all they said it would only take about 20 minutes but I was in there from 1:00 until 3:00. Only about 30-40 minutes was actual procedure time. I ended up with bilateral neuro-foraminal injections. That is.........they did both freaking sides of my back!! So, the worst part was the numbing medicine because, of course, I could feel that! So, when we were done with the left side and I found out it was a two fer today......we did the right side then. The numbing meds hurt a tad more on the right side but when I was done I didn't feel any of the pain I normally feel. But, I was also numb!! My legs were a little wobbly and I felt a little unstable, but other than that I was good! My friend Andrea brought me home (thankful for that!) and then my friend Leigh came by with a DP and Caramel Popcorn! She stayed with me until about 5:00 and then I ran with her to pick up Georgia and Jett so I could say hello. She dropped me off and then my friend Becca and her kiddos (Claudine and Eli) came by with a big ole' DP from McD's!!!! Man my friends know me well! They stayed until almost 7:00 and we had a grand old time! By then I was getting a little stiff in the back and sore so I look forward to when I can really get down and play! As of now I am a little stiff. I can not take any Aleve, Naproxin, or anti-inflammatories so I took my last Tylenol-3............I was saving it for something really good!! I needed something though and that's all I had that was Tylenol. Yeah, I'm feeling a little groovy. I kinda like those things so I know I can't have too many of them around! I've had that last one since last August so it lasted a LONG time in my medicine cabinet! Anyway, I am still shocked that I am doing so well but it is in the wee stages. I may have to do a 2nd and even 3rd injection but I'm okay with that. I know the doc knows where my pain is stemming from because he stopped it today! I am keeping my fingers crossed and I ask that you do too! Thanks in advance! Here is a pic of the big needle they used. It's next to a smaller 2 1/2 in. needle! If I could have I would have taken a pic of the needle actually in my back. Would have loved to watch!

On another note, I forgot to mention that my awesome hubby took me to The Oz museum in Wamego, Ks. this last weekend. It is (I believe) the top Oz museum as in memoriabilia. It was pretty cool! Now we just need to make it to Liberal to see Dorothy's house! Anywho....I think that's about it. I just got up to let Marley out and I realized that for so long I've had to brace myself before moving so I was prepared for the instant bolt of pain and I don't have any of that right now!! Just the stiffness, so I have got to learn to relax all over again! It's been a while.........a long while.

All righty then, it's after 10:00 and tomorrow is a TLM day. I hope I don't feel too bad because those days are non-stop action. I don't have to scribe so at least there's not going to be a lot of up and down for me. I just have to take it easy and do my best. I am sure this cost a couple grand and I'm not gonna blow it! Now for finding a way to pay for it.........Ha!