An ER Visit

This isn't the blog I had planned but this is what is still currently on my mind and plus, I need to get two more pictures taken to do my other blog.

Any of you that really know me know that I have terrible back problems.  Some issues I was born with, then they were increased by an auto accident in 1998.  Basically, I have Degenerative Disc Disease and Spinal Stenosis along with lots of inflammation.  I always have back pain.  Rarely does a day go by that I don't.  So, I'm used to it.  I push through it, don't use pain pills and only occasionally take a prescription anti-inflammatory.  I have had several injections and would honestly take those 6 inch needles once a week if they'd allow it.  I surely do not have the upper body strength that I should.

I woke up last Thursday morning at 1:30 in the morning unable to move without excruciating pain.  It was my normal pain only heightened to an unbearable state.  I came into the living room to try and stretch in the floor and then literally could not get up.  Any pressure put on either leg caused my back to spasm and lock up.  Rusty had to actually pick me up out of the floor.  I remained in the living room for the remainder of the night after taking a Tylenol.  After about 2 1/2 hours of sleep I decided to go ahead and go into work but request the afternoon off.

Once I got home I ate lunch then went to change clothes and that's when things changed for the worse.  I made it a little ways down the hall and got "stuck".  I could go no further.  Folks, I have never let my back bring me to tears except during one treatment called a Discogram.  Not only was I in tears the night before, I was in tears now.  I was going to call my doctor that afternoon but decided I better go ahead and go to the ER.  I had to be seen to see what kind of relief I could get.

Because of all the problems I have, and underlying medical, my only course of action is pain pills, muscle relaxers and physical therapy.  Not big into taking meds but I have to function and get over this.  Physical Therapy came in to visit with me and also show some stretches I could do.  Of course, all they did was cause even more excruciating pain but they had to.  She asked if I ever got massages.  Too bad I consider them a luxury.  Maybe I will start now.

The injection of pain meds they gave me in the ER pretty much knocked me out.  I felt a tiny bit better Friday but doc said no work for 2-3 days.  Saturday I was better, Sunday went for the worse.  I took today, Monday, off to completely REST with no activity and feel better.  Not good, but better.  Unfortunately, I have to rely on the muscle relaxers but I am sure once I get started on PT (they can't see me until Wednesday) everything will work itself out.  I need to get my back in shape and keep it there!!!!

So, even though I am relying on the muscle relaxer I am soooooo glad to be feeling better.  Never take for granted being able to dress yourself, lift the toilet seat and then flush, turn the water on in the shower, or even just STAND UP.  My husband does so much as it is, this last week has surely been tough on him.  Not only does he feel helpless, he has had to do everything around the house as I lay in bed or the recliner.........cook, clean, laundry and so forth.  He does that stuff all the time anyway and I take it for granted.  I love him with all my heart and he is a trooper.  I owe him big time.

I have learned my lesson.  I will exercise and stretch for my back.  I have more people affected by it than just me!  I'm also thankful for the great friends who have been thinking of me.  It most definitely has helped!