Health update

[shadowsfate]

Ok, I just got out of the psych ward earlier today. Here's the story behind it (and one that only 2 other Pixie's do know about (and thank you, thank you, thank you a million times for helping out Lizzardbits!!!!).

I suffer from very bad depression. Usually, I'll have an episode and am able to find ways to work through it. However, this last Sunday, things got to a point where I couldn't handle things anymore (and thus, another aspect of my mental illness, suicidal thoughts, reared its head yet again). It has happened once before this bad, and that time (back in 2002, iirr) required an overnight visit to the psych ward. This time, I had the notes almost written and a plan in place, but at the last minute I called a friend in to read the note I had intended for her. Then proceed to call another friend (who hadn't realized things were quite as bad as they were, apparently I hide things way too well) and let her know I was headed to the hospital.

I spent 2 nights in the psych wards, I've been put on new anti-depressants (I had quit taking mine 5 years ago, due to the loss of insurance and lack of money to pay for them myself and the feeling that I really didn't need them anymore). I've also been put on a sleep aid, which should also help.

Right now I'm enjoying my time outside again, and have things in the works to get insurance through my state and information enough so that in the future I'll have things in place to help pay for the meds (fortunately, one is on Wal-Marts $4 med list). I'll also being going back to a conciller (sp?) and I have several support people who know exactly how bad things were for me and are working with me to make sure things never get this bad for me again.


Next up, after I get my insurance is a doctor visit to see how bad my back is getting again (it seems my back is going again for the 3rd time, 2 surgeries already). The depression, the extreme back problems, and the insoimnia are all tied together, and since I've got 2 of the problems worked on, it's time to go for the third. I'm also looking at disability, at least for some time, just to get back on me feet and completely healthy again, as all these health issues have made it practically impossible for me to work.

I'll update when I can, and I'm sure Lizzardbits will pass on news if she can when she gets any

[wyndhy]

best of luck to you! i hope things are looking better real soon

[shadowsfate]

best of luck to you! i hope things are looking better real soon
well, things already look much better than the did last week lol

[Lilith]

Thank you for reaching out to get help!

[shadowsfate]

yeah, but I wish I would have done it before then, but I get too stubborn and withdrawn

[Lord Snow]

I am sorry to hear that it is that serious of an issue. The spelling is "councilor". On a brighter note, it's great to hear you've survived and realized how deep you had gotten and decided against doing anything stupid.

[shadowsfate]

On a brighter note, it's great to hear you've survived and realized how deep you had gotten and decided against doing anything stupid.
Yeah, but I wish I would have learned after thefirst time years ago.

And thanks for the spelling, between trying to get used to the new meds and trying to type on a small notpad computer (almost too small for me big fingers) I gave up on trying to figure it out. My brain is still doing its own thing and is ignoring what my fingers are doing :roflmao:

[lizzardbits]

Yup, you got it, ShadowsFate! I still only have access to here via my smartphone, but if there is anything you want me to pass on to the fantastic Pixies Peeps, I will!

We are just super glad that you are taking the steps in the right direction to better health! Remember, depression is NOTHING to be ashamed of! It is a chemical imbalance. We don't shame diabetics, or people with thyroid problems, or other chemical imbalances.

Know that many, many people care for and about what happens to you, you are not alone!

[dicksbro]

Keeping you in our thoughts and prayers, shadowsfate, that all will work out for the best and that you'll soon have that insurance protection.

[Aqua]

Thank you for reaching out to get help!
Ditto!

You know what's needed... stick to it. If you ever start thinking you can just take yourself off the meds or handle it on your own, come back and read your own words in this thread. :)

I pray you'll get your health issues sorted out quickly and with the least pain possible. Be it emotional or physical.

[shadowsfate]

You know, it's all these good wishes and helpful advice that makes me very happy a friend introduced me to Pixies. Hopefully I won't retreat from the world to much that I forget to stop in here from time to time to say hi. Thanks all, you are the greatest!!!!!!

[gekkogecko]

Oh, wonderful, you get to play the antidepressant crap shoot.

Just keep this in mind: the big problem with Eeyore as an AA Milne character is his incurable optimism.

[Teddy Bear]

You know, it's all these good wishes and helpful advice that makes me very happy a friend introduced me to Pixies. Hopefully I won't retreat from the world to much that I forget to stop in here from time to time to say hi. Thanks all, you are the greatest!!!!!!

We're glad your friend did too! You are a great addition to the Pixie family. I hope things go better for you in life. Don't forget to take your meds, ask for help if ya need it but mainly....... don't forget to come here when you need a hug...... (((((shadowsfate))))) ..... :)

[shadowsfate]

Ok, I got the news that I probably have the insurance I was looking for (but I'll beleive it when I get the official insurance card). Now, I get to try and weave my way through the rather poor mental health care system in my area.

I got told by the only mental health center in the area that I have to fill out some paperwork before they can even give me an appointment (and this was after stopping at one of their local offices and waiting for about 15 minutes without any sign of anyone to make an appointment, I knew I should have called first).

And I got a letter today from the group that manages the mental health aspect of my insurance that their goal is to make sure I get an appointment with a psychiatrist or therapist within 7 days of my release from hospital, with a number to call. So, I of course called the number, willing to take them up on their offer of them sending a mental healthcare professional to check in on me until I can get into the local mental health center. But what I got was a bunch of question and "advice" with no word on getting anyone to see me any sooner than whenever the local mental health center can manage to squeeze me in.

No wonder so many people in my area give up (come to think of it, I think that's a part of the reason I gave up 4 years ago. I went for 4 years total and saw 5 different therapists, two of whom wound up quitting to go to other jobs. HMMM, I wonder if I had anything to do with that :rofl:)

[Lord Snow]

Honestly, I don't put much stock in professional therapists, psychiatrists, psychologists. I find that a good friend with comfy pillows and a sympathetic ear does much better. I'm not nearly as deep as you in the depression area though. I hope all comes through okay and you get the help you need.

[shadowsfate]

Well I have to see the psychiatrist/psychologist to get my meds (and the insurance I've apparently got requires me to go to one of them instead of a general practioner).

As far as therapist, I've gotten a lot of good help and tools through the ones I've seen. Plus, for some of the worst of my problems, I'd rather talk to someone that isn't a close friend (plus, in some cases, the friends are part of the problem)

[Lord Snow]

Makes sense for the meds, and I can understand that friends, while meaning well, just make the problem worse. I was stating that I never really found a use for them. If they're helping you, by all means, keep going to them. I think I can safely say that everyone here wants you to get better, not worse.

[gekkogecko]

Yeah, finding the right mental health care professional can be as much as a crap shoot as finding the right medication.

[Pussy Willow]

I hope so as well......You will be in my thoughts and prayers. I will pray that you find the help that need........XOXO Shadowsfate XOXO
Please don't give up...you have a life to get back to !!!

[shadowsfate]

I hope so as well......You will be in my thoughts and prayers. I will pray that you find the help that need........XOXO Shadowsfate XOXO
Please don't give up...you have a life to get back to !!!

Even if I wanted to give up (and I don't), I have many good friends that won't let me, including the one that kicked my ass at mini-golf yesterday (she's already threatened me with a rematch :roflmao:)

[dicksbro]

Glad you got the insurance and can get the meds you need. :thumbs: Prayers will continue for you ... and, when you need a friend ... you've got a bunch of them here. ;)

[shadowsfate]

Glad you got the insurance and can get the meds you need.

Well, actually, looks like I didn't get the insurance. The unemployment extension went through just in time to make sure I didn't get my insurance (yet, at least). Which means I got to run out of the main anti-depressant I was on this last Tuesday.


And now, on top of the depression, my back went out bad enough to cause me to go to the ER (I knew it was going to happen eventually, just was hoping it would hold off). Basically, I felt like someone had taken a hold of my spine and was just squeezing it. Couldn't stand, sit, lay down, nothing. Fortunately I have a good friend near by who was willing to put her evening plans to the side to take me to the ER and wait the entire 2 hours til they released me.

Right now, I have no idea exactly what's going on with my back, but I have my guesses (probably either the disc that I was told was "unhealthy" back in 2002 finally went, or maybe one further up did). Considering that the 2002 surgery was on the 3rd disc from the bottom, and the 4th disc from the bottom bulged into the spinal cord requiring surgery in 2005, and the bottom two were 'unhealthy" (they didn't want to touch those at all because of all the nerves in the area and the fact that they hadn't bulged or herniated), I'm probably lucky I can get around as well as I do most day :roflmao:

More news to come, when I know what's going.

Any rambling, spelling errors and the like are all brought to you curtesy of toradol and demerol :roflmao:

[gekkogecko]

holy shit.

[shadowsfate]

Ok, it looks like I WILL be getting some sort of insurance to cover my hospital stay in July and the ER visit last night, but it's likely to have a big deductible. My Human Services case manager also gave me a few other people to check with to help cover the amount I'll owe. She also suggested that I look into disability also (and considering this is like the 6th time someone has suggested disability, it's probably a sign of what I should be doing).

And provided that Congress doesn't extend my unemployment benefits again, starting in September, I'll full medical without a deductible.

[shadowsfate]

ok, new update. Just got off of the phone with my case worker and things have changed. July and August hospital bills are fully covered, but it sounds like September I'll have some sort of co-pay to pay due to unemployment. Basically just reversed the situation from before :rofl:

[shadowsfate]

Doctor's appointment tomorrow, but I don't expect to have any new news about my back then. Hopefully he'll order an MRI and go from there. Plus I'll be talking to him about anti-depressants, since I've been without my main one for over a week now, thanks to the poor mental health program in my area. They refuse to even see me until I can prove I can pay (which I can now do) and even then, I'm looking at at least severals weeks before I can even get an appointment to see one of their doctors. I'll just end-run around that and talk to my family doctor about it (I've tried with him before about anti-depressants, after my first Mental Health ward visit back in 2002 or 2003, and was on Wellbutrin until I couldn't afford the meds anymore).

[gekkogecko]

If they're going to screw you over, couldn't they at least try and make it so you also ejoyed it?

[Lord Snow]

Sorry, reach arounds are not covered by any insurance. Neither is lube.

[shadowsfate]

If they're going to screw you over, couldn't they at least try and make it so you also ejoyed it?

Well, that's state government for you, though my actually case worker really really tried everything she could to help me out, I think I talked to her 3 times in an hour as she cleared several ideas through her supervisor. but the upshot is is that my psych ward stay in July and my ER visit last Sunday (as well my doctor's visit this morning, my meds he prescribed, my chiropractor visit this afternoon, and upcoming optometrist visit) are all paid for. In fact, my case worker said get as much checked out as you can before the end of August, just in case I can't get nearly as much coverage come September.

And, as for the doctor visit, he put me on a muscle relaxant, an anti-inflammitory, and a different (cheaper, since Iowa is picky about how much they'll pay for meds) anti-depressant. And I definitely need the muscle relaxant, after all the running around I had to do today (including getting my boy registered for school :roflmao:). And since my boy, only a day back after 2 months with his mom, has asked to "help" make supper (grilled Ranch burgers, something he has been looking forward to for a while), I can take a couple of my meds and relax, lol

[Lord Snow]

Well, that's some good news at least.

[dicksbro]

Tell your son there are some folks you know that are proud of how he's helped his mom! And, SF, please do take it easy, relax and perv a bit extra here at Pixies. :)

[shadowsfate]

Well, here's the current state of things. I had an epidural shot today, which is supposed to help with the pin. However, when I've had these shots in the past, the effects haven't been the good for me. At best, I've gotten 3 days of relief. In 2 weeks, I go back to the doctor and let him know if the shot worked or not. And if it doesn't, the next step is to get refered to the neuro-surgeon who performed my other back surgeries.

As for the depression, it's as best under control as I'm likely to get. I'm on an anti-depressant, and the addition of the puppy should also help (which was a part of the reason my neighbor got the pup, as she suffers seasonal depression, and figured the pup will help us both out).

Basically, the way it feels now, I'm probably looking at another surgery in the near future, while being on the anti-depressants for good (as long as I can afford them, that is).

[dicksbro]

We'll keep the prayers coming. :grope:

[gekkogecko]

(as long as I can afford them, that is).


See, now that's the kicker. Hang in there.

[shadowsfate]

New update:

I saw my family doctor on Monday, just over 2 weeks after I had my epidural. And since the epidural failed to give any long term relief (it worked very good for 2 days, then gave about 50 relief 2 more days before it failed to give any relief at all), he's reached the limit of what he can do. So he's passing me on to a neurosurgeon.

The bad news is that it is likely I'll have to have surgery again, plus I'll have to wait before I can get an appointment (part of it is his long waiting list, and part is because he requires a new MRI done and my insurance requires around 2 weeks to approve it). Additionally, it's a hour and a half drive to his office (but, fortunately, I've already got a couple of people that have offered to drive me when I need to, including my best friend who's offered to take time off of work if she needs to to make sure I can get to my appointments).

The good news is that this neurosurgeon is the same neurosurgeon that did both of my other surgeries and he is the type of doctor that explains everything in a way I can understand them. And he does a good job too, considering that in the 5 years since the last surgery, I've been doing landscaping (not an easy job for some one with a good back, let alone one like mine). But, following his advice when I asked him if I'd be able to do work like landscaping, I took things carefully and lifted as properly as I could and avoid to strenous an activity on the days my back was acting up.

[gekkogecko]

The bad news is...
The good news is...

Seems like it never, nor will ever change, doesn't it?

[shadowsfate]

yeah, unfortunately my medical problems will never go away completely. I just have to enjoy the days when I'm healthy and take it easy on the bad days

[shadowsfate]

New update, though not much of one. I have an MRI scheduled for tomorrow (the 6th). Additionally, I have an appointment with the same neurosurgeon that did my other 2 surgeries on November 15 (the earliest he could get me in).

[Lisa976]

hope things turn out better then they have been

[Oldfart]

I hope they don't make them worse.

[shadowsfate]

Not much could really be done to make it worse. Right now, I can't work because if I spend too long standing or sitting, I lose strength and feeling in my leg. Even trying to clean my apartment takes a hell of a lot longer than it should, cause I can only do a little at a time. Fortunately my son is old enough and understanding enough to know that he has to do the lion's share of the work to keep the place clean. Plus I lose quite a bit of sleep due to the constant pain/pressure on my lower back.

[gekkogecko]

Ah, sleep-induced insomnia. I'll get back to you after I manage to avoid this myself.

Glad you're getting your MRI, hopefully, that will tell the neurosurgeon what needs doing.

[shadowsfate]

Actually had the MRI yesterday, and made sure they were giving me the contrast dye too (which, after the gave me a shot of it, made me want to puke although that never happened the other times I've had it). And the neurosurgeon requires an updated MRI before making the appointment, which is good since he is an hour and a half drive away from me.

Last time I went to see him for a possible (which became definite) surgery, they forgot the contrast dye and I made a wasted trip because he couldn't tell for sure what was going on because of the scar tissue from the first surgery.

I'm just hoping that they won't have to fuse my back yet, but I'm afraid sooner or later that that is going to happen.

[gekkogecko]

Blech. Yeah, here's hoping the spinal fusion won't be necessary.

[shadowsfate]

Ok, I saw the neurosurgeon today. After looking at my MRI, he told me he can see some degradation in the disc that was last operated on (in 2005) and the disc above it (which hasn't had any surgery) BUT nothing stood out as any cause of my current problems. So now I have to go in for a nerve induction test (which is what I had to do the last time, since the disc was bulging into the spinal cord and causing the problems. Unfortunately, his schedule is pretty tight right now (since he is going to be gone all of December) and since I don't want to have to make two trips back out to the city where his office is located, the soonest I could get in for both the nerve induction test AND to see him (doing both the same day) is January 10th. That means almost 2 more months of suffering (and me probably going back to my family doctor to see if he can give me anything for the really really bad days, as today has turned into) before I can get any specific answer.

However, he said (depending on the result of the test) that it could go one of two ways:
1). Physical therapy and meds, if the tests show no specific problem. Personally, I don't think this is probably going to work, but if that's what the tests say, I'll try it.
2) A partial fusion of my lower back, which may or may not get me back to what my current (or the current before the back went) normal.

So I get another 2 months of stressing over this before I can get a definite solution.

[Oldfart]

Tough call.

My brother had a fusion 20 years ago, and has not been quite 100% since, but it's a lot better than the pain he was in.

[shadowsfate]

Tough call.

My brother had a fusion 20 years ago, and has not been quite 100% since, but it's a lot better than the pain he was in.
Yeah, the surgeon said that I would probably about 2/3 of what I was before my back went out this time, but since I can't really do much of anything for very long, I figure that's good enough. But we'll see, in just under 2 months

[Lord Snow]

My mother had her lower back fused a few months ago. While at first she was sore and very tired, she was for the most pain free. However, the pain has started coming back gradually. From what I understand from listening to her, it's a 50/50 shot as to whether or not it cures your problem.

[shadowsfate]

yeah, the surgeon mentioned that too, but considering that most days I very quickly get to a point where I can't do much at all (including walking without a cane), I'm almost ready top take the 50/50 shot.

[Lord Snow]

My mother's original problem was basically and internal blister on her spine which put pressure on her spinal cord causing intense pain. She had that surgically removed, but then started having other back pain ending with her having her lower back fused. Unfortunately because of the fusion the discs that are just above and below the fusion have started to squish. If you do decide to get it done, I wish you the best of luck.

[gekkogecko]

What you really need, SF is a couple of these: http://tinyurl.com/2a7n7hr .

[shadowsfate]

3 days away from my surgeon visit with nerve induction tests (to help pinpoint the problem) and right now the weather is sounding like I may have to reschedule, which sucks since I'm getting tired of this not able to do much crap. And this is after spending several hours in the Emergency Room on New Year's Day due to the extreme amount of pain I'm in. The only good thing about the ER visit is the fact that the attending doctor gave me a prescription for painkillers, so that I (hopefully) won't have to go back in to the ER before a decision is made on what to do for my back.

[gekkogecko]

Sheeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeit.

[shadowsfate]

It started snowing yesterday afternoon, and was still snowing when I got up this morning, so my ride cancelled and I won't be going to my doctor's appointment today, unfortunately. And it will be at least a week before my ride can take me (I can drive, but the limit on how far I can drive before it's too much for my back is about 1/2 hour, the neurosurgeon is 1 1/2 hours away, so I have to have a ride), and who knows how long before the doctor can fit me in

[shadowsfate]

Ok, got everything rescheduled, now I have to wait til Feb. 10th, another month of this not knowing crap. Hopefully the weather cooperates this time

[gekkogecko]

...and meanwhile, you just get to sit around and hurt.

*(&#*($&#^&#$*%(R**#Q&$*#%#&_$&#*($U*@#&$*

[shadowsfate]

...and meanwhile, you just get to sit around and hurt.

*(&#*($&#^&#$*%(R**#Q&$*#%#&_$&#*($U*@#&$*

Either hurt or be in a pain killer haze. And when my small supply of pain killers runs out, I'll probably go and talk to my family doctor, just as soon not have to go to the ER again, though the Demarol shot did give me better sleep than I usually get :rofl:

But, truthfully, I've been in constant pain ever since the back first went out in 2002, but my pain tolerance went way up because of that. It's just now, that amount of pain that I get to "enjoy" is way higher than my tolerance

[dicksbro]

I'm a little surprised if the doctor is aware of your condition that he won't go ahead and at least prescribe enough pain killers to get you through until your visit. Did you ask?

[shadowsfate]

I actually have an appointment with my family doctor on Tuesday to discuss that, so hopefully he will. But considering what the ER doctor did, and the fact that a copy of that visit was forwarded to my family doctor, chances are I'll probably be given something

[gekkogecko]

It's still a Catch-22. And that sucks.

[shadowsfate]

I saw my family doctor, and he had no problem prescribing me pain killers, as he knows the condition of my back and the pain I'm usually in. And he also had no problem giving me "official" verification that I can't work (I knew this, and the person I directly deal with for the program I'm on could see this, but she had to have something official for the records).


AND he was very happy to help me with an attempt to stop smoking, although with the day I had yesterday, it won't be an easy chore, since I tend to smoke a lot more when stressed, and yesterday was an extremely stressful day

[Lilith]

Gonna do Chantix?

[shadowsfate]

That was what his first suggested. But because of the chance of side effects that include depression and increase in suicidal thoughts (which a friend of mine did get when she attempted to quit smoking with Chantix), I decided against using that as I experience enough depression and sucidal thoughts on my own. I'm not exactly sure what the help is going to be, but I'm going through my state's quit smoking help line, just waiting on them to get in touch with me. My doctor thought that maybe they'd help with nicotine patches.

And if they don't get in touch soon, I'll go back to my doctor, as one of the other suggestions he had was Zyban (aka Wellbutrin). I've heard a lot of people were able too successfully quit with that.

Of course, there's always the cold turkey method. Which might work currently since I'm so zoney on my current pain medication (which are just a bit stronger than the ones I was put on via the ER on New Years Day) that all I relly want to do is sleep. Not even getting my normal nic fits, or nicotine headaches. Currently this is the route I'm going until I hear from the quit line, but only cause I have no choice, no money to get cigarettes :rofl:

But the main thing is, I think I am finally ready to quit, and that is the most important thing. It was completely my decision, not due to nagging from my doctor or surgeon or family members, but one that I decided to do for myself. But my son is extremely happy with the decision, he hates the fact that I smoke(d)

[Lord Snow]

Great to hear. Just hang in there and it'll all work out in the end. Keep in mind that (I'm sure I'm safe saying this) everyone here has your back.

[shadowsfate]

Great to hear. Just hang in there and it'll all work out in the end. Keep in mind that (I'm sure I'm safe saying this) everyone here has your back.
You all can have my back, it's pretty shot with all the problems I have :roflmao:

[gekkogecko]

If you're giving away body parts, can I have your spleen?

[shadowsfate]

If you're giving away body parts, can I have your spleen?
Do I even want to know your plans for it? :rofl:

[gekkogecko]

All your spleen are belong to us.

[shadowsfate]

Well, from every forcast I've seen, I'll be able to go in for my torture,....I mean doctor's visit tomorrow. THe fun part is where they stick all those needles into my legs muscles, but hopefully all that will pinpoint the problem and I can get an idea of what exactly is the next step.

[gekkogecko]

Mainstream doctor, or acupuncturist?

(yes, I'm being a smart-ass again).

[shadowsfate]

Mainstream doctor, or acupuncturist?

(yes, I'm being a smart-ass again).
Smart-ass how? I've had acupuncture before, and may have to do so again.

But a main-stream doctor

[shadowsfate]

Ok, just got back and the news is this: No surgery will help at all. Nothing is bulging into the spinal cord or on a nerve, so surgery won't help at all, I was told it wouldn't make any kind of difference.

The nerve induction test showed the old nerve damage in the left leg (and this is the leg that is causing me the most problmes with weakness and loss of strength). However, apparently there has been some new nerve loss in the right leg, but that leg hasn't caused me any problems.

So the surgeon refered me to a physical therapist (apparently a specialized therapist since the choices for where to go didn't involve anything closer to home than the surgeon was). Basically, from what I understand, the PT I'll see is trained in pain management, physical therapy for back problems and the like. It sounds like what I'll have to go through is a combination of physical therapy (wihch is going to kill me, considering how limited my mobility is currently), meds, pain management, and possibly (not sure if the surgeon was serious or not) acupuncture.

Needless to say I'm both relieved and extremely frustrated. I really didn't want to be laid up trying to recover from surgery, but frustrated because surgery would at least provide me a good chance of being able to do more than I currently can in a quicker timeframe than PT likely is. And the therapist I'm likely to see is the same doctor that preformed my needle torture....I mean nerve induction test today.

So, things go along pretty much as they have been for at least the next two weeks, me unable to do much and on painkillers to try and control the pain.

The only real good news I have out of this is the the PT I'll be seeing will be able to definitively saw what my limitations I have, so there is the possibility (provided things don't get a lot better) of having a doctor backing me on disability.

Speaking of disability, the day after I see the PT, I have to go visit another doctor for testing to see if my depression is bad enough to qualify for disability.
I never really wanted to go the disabilty route, but after having so many people last year (including several health care officials) telling me I should apply for it, I did go ahead and do it. Right now, I think the application for the back/physical issues has been put on hold, but the mental issues (or at least, the ones I KNOW I have :rofl:) are what I need further testing on, so I have an appointment for that too.

[gekkogecko]

So, you got tests so that you could go get more tests?

Talk about a runaround. And you can't run.

[shadowsfate]

So, you got tests so that you could go get more tests?

Talk about a runaround. And you can't run.

And not even nice tests either. Needles put into the muscles in both my legs and a few in my lower back. Additionally a little bit of current sent through the nerves in my legs, which really sucked in my right leg, but the left leg I barely felt it (unfortunately, that is all old nerve damage)

[shadowsfate]

New update: Just saw the physical rehabilitator (or whatever his title is :rofl:) and he's put me on physical therapy 2-3 times a week for a month (but, fortunately, I can do that locally, starting this afternoon), and put me on 3 different meds (a new muscle relaxant, a pain killer that specifically targets the nerves, and a tpical analgesic to help with the back pain). Then, in 6 weeks, I get to go back to the doctor to see if we continue with this route, or if we have to try something different for relief.

[dicksbro]

Keeping up the prayers for you shadowsfate! :thumbs:

[gekkogecko]

Sounds like a plan, at least. Let us know if it works.

[shadowsfate]

Well, I finally got a diagnosis: Degenerative Disc Disease, Sacroilliac irritation, and ridiculitis (a can't spell any of those, so don't hold it against me). To me, that means even if I manage to get through this current round, I'll probably have more problems in the future.

Unfortunately, the government has decided that I'm not bad enough of to be considered disabled, even though I can only stand for maybe 15 minutes without pain, if that.

And add on top of that that I no longer have internet at home, and am not able to check Pixie's at all. I got licky and snuck onto Pixie's while at my parents' place, which means it'll only be a quick visit.

But the current treatment is Voltaren gel on the sore spots, TENS machine use to help with the siatic nerve, and a shot in the scaro-illiac area coming up. Hopefully this will help some, cause Physical Therapy did not.

So, if anyone really needs to get a hold of me, just message Lizzardbits to get my email addy, since I can check that least once a week, but they tend to frown on me checking places like Pixie's at the public library

[gekkogecko]

Degenerative disc disease? That really sucks. Plus some.

Sacroiliac irritation? Taht sucks raw moose cock.

Ridiculitis?

All this ensures is that if you ever do get a break, it will be any one or more of several different major bones in your body.

Sheeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeit.

[shadowsfate]

Sacroiliac irritation?

Sheeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeit.
WEll I was given a shot for the irritation, however, it had no noticable effects. In fact, 4-5 days later, I was again in the ER for extreme pain, early one morning. And, unfortunately, I lose my insurance the beginning of May, so I won't be able to go back to the doctor for anything more.

So, basically it leaves me having to try and find a job in areas I've never worked before (i.e. non-factory, non-landscaping, non-fast food) and hope that I can find some relief long enough to be able to get insurance again so I can go back to the doctor (or, on the other hand, do enough damage to my back while trying to work that I can no longer do even the little my doctor has said I can do, but I'm not hoping for this result, I don't need anymore problems :rofl:)

[gekkogecko]

Indeed, you don't need any more problems.

You don't have issues, you have lifetime subscriptions.

[shadowsfate]

Since I haven't updated this in a while, figure it is about time. I had a hearing scheduled for mid-June. However my lawyers dropped me about a month before the hearing (that is what I get for using the internet to get a lawyer). However, thanks to some friends, was able to find a local lawyer willing to take m case even with the little time left before the hearing. The first thing he did was schedule a test that would show how bad my back i and how it would affect my ability to work (omething my original lawyers had never told me about). This test showed that, at most, I can stand up to 2 hours a day and sit up to 6 hours a day, which pretty much was right alog with what I had found out on my own.
At the hearing, the expert on disabilities even told the judge that with the estrictions shown in the test that there was no way I could be gainfully employed.
Unfortunately I was again denied disability, mainly do to the judge interpretting the day listed in the test results as an 8 hour work day. My lawyer decied to appeal based on the fact that the judge's decision did not agree with the test results.
As far as my back health, it is still not good and per haps has even gotten a little worse since the last ime I updated this thread (although it may just be due to weather changes). My depression, however, seems to be doing much better, even with the disability denial. I think it is in part because the doctor at the local free clinic has found the right med for me (and I can't praise that doctor enough ashe seems to really care about each of his patients more than most doctors I have seen before) and the fact that my friends and family hve done a lot to keep my spirit up. And since my older brother has moved back to the area and we have started playing pen-and-paper RPGs again, have a little moreto do each week than just laying around my apartment and reading.

[gekkogecko]

Hey, glad to hear that the meds crap shoot finally came up a winner. Wish the legal crap shoot would for you, though.

[Rhiannon]

To my Dear friends that have ask for updates since the accident..
It has finally been determined that i did black out during accident, I have had a mri and eeg done.

Since the blackout all test were normal. Today i went to cardiologist and they found an irregular heart beat. I am too go in for ultrasound of my heart and and stress test

I am still on restriction on driving till at least November (early. ARGH

Love and blessings to all
Rhiannon

[gekkogecko]

So, the result of all this testing was to determine that you need more tests? That sucks.

[dicksbro]

To my Dear friends that have ask for updates since the accident..
It has finally been determined that i did black out during accident, I have had a mri and eeg done.

Since the blackout all test were normal. Today i went to cardiologist and they found an irregular heart beat. I am too go in for ultrasound of my heart and and stress test

I am still on restriction on driving till at least November (early. ARGH

Love and blessings to all
Rhiannon
Love and blessings to you! For sure you'll stay on our prayer list! :x:

[PantyFanatic]

Have been trying to be a gutless wonder but both parts seem to be inverse. The wonder part is working for us. Me and the docs keep wondering what's not right with the guts. I would often like to be gutless but that part isn't working either. For quite a while they've been looking down my throat and up my address finding nothing missing or extra. I don't think they trust me as they just decided to keep and stair at me for a few days and attempted to turn me into a marionette. First time they saw what I feel :eew: but not what or where. I'm starting to think we should be in the eye department as they still can't see anything. :sad:

[Teddy Bear]

Keeping the 3 of you in thoughts and prayers.

Hope all of you feel better soon!!

[Oldfart]

Yup.

[jseal]

Hang in there, fellow Pixies! I'm sure you'll all soon return hale and in rude health!

[Rhiannon]

they have found all tests normal and have found no reason why i blacked out. . the doctor basically said welcome to the 50% as 50% of all blackout cases they find no reason for it. I have to go to the cardiologist as i had an abnormal rhythm and they are concerned so doing an ultrasound and stress test. He is worried as mom had heart attack at the age of 45.. he asked me if i was worried i said no it was 30 years ago. He said he was concerned i said fine you worry for me.. lol


Rhiannon

[gekkogecko]

Wait, isn't worry & stress one of the contributing factors in heart attacks?

[Rhiannon]

not working right now.. so strike one. yes stress is always around but i do ok.
i m on high blood pressure meds but not all the time per the doctor. so no not really worried. just tired of all the tests