Tuesday was my one year anniversary....BLOGOVERSARY. Sadly, I haven't been myself lately. I will have a one year party & giveaway next week. But, for now it will have to wait....
I casually mentioned that I was injured on a post a few days ago. I don't feel like I have a right to complain but I'm going to complain a little. Sorry, I'm not usually a complainer....at all. This is the reason why I haven't been posting or visiting you very much. So, here I go.
For the last 3 weeks I have been in the worst physical pain of my life. I was at work on July 20th and when I turned my neck, it popped...loud and it really hurt. After that I felt lower back pain. Being a former dancer/gymnast I've had back pain before, fractured bones etc. No biggie....I am also the WORLDS worst at taking any medication...I don't like it and I'm allergic to most pain meds and alot of antibiotics. I can't even swallow a pill....seriously, I can't do it. I have to have liquid medicine or it has to be crushed or I take nothing. I usually choose to take nothing and deal with it. I didn't even take anything after I had my wisdom teeth pulled if that tells you anything.
For the last 3 weeks I have been in the worst physical pain of my life. I was at work on July 20th and when I turned my neck, it popped...loud and it really hurt. After that I felt lower back pain. Being a former dancer/gymnast I've had back pain before, fractured bones etc. No biggie....I am also the WORLDS worst at taking any medication...I don't like it and I'm allergic to most pain meds and alot of antibiotics. I can't even swallow a pill....seriously, I can't do it. I have to have liquid medicine or it has to be crushed or I take nothing. I usually choose to take nothing and deal with it. I didn't even take anything after I had my wisdom teeth pulled if that tells you anything.
Anyway. About a week after the initial 'pop' I woke up and couldn't move my neck....AT ALL and haven't been able to since then. It felt different than a 'crick' in my neck but I dealt with it thinking....it will go away. Two days later I woke up with a headache....Mister says I have never ever told him ( in over 10 years ) that I had a headache but I called him at work and told him my head was about to explode. This was serious. It caused me to have dizzy spells and a black out episode....the pain was excruciating. Mister said it's time for you to see someone...a specialist. So he called and made me an appointment....I was too chicken. So, I went to see Dr. Specialist they did some x-rays and he scheduled me for an MRI and sent me for blood work....he said my eyes were bulgy....like a thyroid issue? I politely informed him that my eyes are big but not bulgy ( I think I may be a bad patient :) I also told him my eyes were puffy because I can't sleep and I'm still working 10 hours a day....sigh....and they are strained because I'm relying alot on my peripheral vision. Anyhoo...had blood work...everything was normal. Went to get the MRI.....2 of them....each were 50 minutes long....it was horrible.
Now, I have this handy little doo dad...... it sends little electric shocks that are supposed to help with the pain. It's been over 2 weeks since I've been able to move my neck ( I can't even look down at my toes....they probably need a paint job...lol. )
Mister and I went to Dr. Specialist Wednesday morning for my results...he looked me right in the face and said..."This is degenerative...You will have to deal with this for the rest of your life." Huh? What? I'm 35 years old. Degenerative disc disorder? Really? C-4,C-5 & C-6 disc are damaged....one is bulging. What I thought was paralyzing swelling over the weekend...{ when the pain was radiating down to my hip and leg....so not kidding about that}...is a bulging disc. Seriously...it is visible. Since Dr. Specialist is a surgeon he is done with me.. ( since it's degenerative...surgery really isn't an option...for now....unless the pain can't get under control etc. Which I don't want surgery, anyway. ) Now, I'm waiting for an appointment to see the pain management person. I have to say I was thinking that when I went in to get my MRI results that he was going to say ' We know what the problem is and POOF...you're healed... you can shave your own legs now.'So not what happened.
I think this is my longest blog post ever. I'm sorry to complain but I wanted to let ya'll know what's going on....and I think I needed to vent a little. Please be patient with me as I will be having another give away one day next week in honor of my one year and all the cherished friendships I have made here in the land of blog. Really, ya'll are THE BEST!
My spirits are high....this will not keep me down....but for now I have plenty of 'weekend' help...the genius & bear. I plan to put em' to work. winks :)
♥ J
My spirits are high....this will not keep me down....but for now I have plenty of 'weekend' help...the genius & bear. I plan to put em' to work. winks :)
♥ J
16 comments:
Oh my poor Jessica. Now you really need me to come and do that laundry. I wouldn't even make you do my dishes if I could be there. Chronic pain can be so debilitating and I really feel for you. I have a knee that needs to be replaced so I understand about chronic pain in that respect and the immobility. I hope they can do a pain regimen that keeps this under control for you. I didn't think you were complaining or whining either. This is what our blogs are for, to share with each other. I think by sharing it helps to ease the burden a bit. It's nice to know that we matter to more than just our families, right? I'll keep you in my prayers and I hope that you can find some relief soon. Don't worry about give-aways and all of that stuff, just your presence here in blogland is enough for me! Take care. Me
Girl I feel ya!! I too was a gymnast for 12 years and then a coach...I am 46 and have pinched nerves on both sides of my neck..they want to do surgery...I don't want the surgery...trying to deal with the tingling and numbness everyday..
Yay!!! I beat Shelia here today!
okay Girlie...first...you need to vent and should not feel bad for doing so.
Second...you have the genius and mister to help you cope
Third...there are a whole lot of us here in the land of blog who love you endlessly and will keep you in our prayers.
What can I do? I am not at home until maybe Friday morning...so I will be giving you a quick phone call when I get there....I am worried for you!
Why do the bad things always happen to the best people?
Maybe that doc is wrong...and maybe you will be all better in a few days....that's what I am going to think.
I'm here...any time...you have my numbers...do you have my cell??? at any rate...I will be calling you up for a chat very soon
love you...and the genius and mister....say hi to them for me!
forgot to add...keep your beautiful chin up!!
bulgy eyes....that guy is lucky that you only said to him what you said! lol
Oh Jessica, darling; I had no idea your injury was this serious. I pray you find some relief and very soon. Girl, you aren't complaining or venting at all. You know you are loved beyond words here in Blog Land.. I'm praying, praying praying for you.. wish I lived closer to be able to help you ..although the miles separate us.. remember I'm still thinking about you and saying lots of prayers darling... you need anything don't be afraid to ask..
love ya hugs... ~lynne~
I'm so sorry J!!! But I'm so glad you told your friends here so now we all will be keeping you in our prayers! You are in so much pain but still working? You need to look into taking some time off. Neck and back pain can be so horrible, I sure hope you can get some relief with pain management. I also hope you are staying off the computer because that doesn't help matters at all! Be well sweetie!! xoxoxo
I am so sorry Jessica....what a horrible ordeal you have been going through and dealing with....all of the sudden too. You will be in my prayers. I believe that there's Nothing too big for God. God keeps his promises....so keep hoping and keep believing for healing...no matter what any doctor says. I know someone personally, (she's been my best friend, since we were young teenagers), she has this conditon, like you have, and she has had 3 surgeries for it, and unfortunately,it has made her worse. So I can understand your reluctance to jump into surgery right away. Every situation is different....so it would be a hard decision to make. I hope that the pain management will give you the relief that you need. I hope you feel much better very soon!
Big Hugs,
Queenie
Please make sure that you get another opinion!!!! At least a neurologist should see you. I had that happen to me..only it woke me out of a sound sleep, and I ended up in the fetal position for weeks until I finally saw the RIGHT doctor. I am NOT a doctor lover, and half the time I don't take the meds I am supposed to because I am not fond of them either, but there may be something someone can do for you. Just ask...I also have degenerative disc probs, but I had one of my cervical discs operated on and I have been 'better' for the past 15 years. It may be that the surgeon is right, but you should make absolutely sure....
Good Luck
Lynne
dlynne172@yahoo.com
Jessica,I am so sorry you are having to deal with all the pain! I think of you often! Love you and hope you get better soon. Linda
Jessica, you are in my prayers. When you first mentioned it in your blog I knew it was something and am so glad you shared this. I pray the Lord will relieve this pain you are feeling and give you all you need to deal with this.
Oh sweet friend vent all you want , get it all out . I really care a lot for you and I'm praying somthing will help you . My son had the same thing like that happen to him .They wanted to put a halo on his head , drill holes in his head to hold it on . He would have had to ware it for 9 months . He went for a second opinion . Was sent to a masage Therapists , with in weeks he was so much better . I know every one is differant and causes are differant but it worth a try . I'm about ready to go get one , my right knee is so painful and hard to walk some days .
I'll be praying for you that God give's you relief from all your pain . Please don't ever worry about telling your friends , we're here for you .
LU , Mary
Jessica, Do not feel bad about explaining our condition - that is not complaining - although you do have a reason to complain. How much pain can one person take? This is the perfect forum for this. My daughter is your age and had the same thing a few years back. She did have surgery and still has some pain - not constant, but still there. Her latest DR said that he can hypnotize her and she will be done with it forever! Don't know if it'll work or not, but I'll take a non invasive treatment any day over the knife. You're in my prayers.
Jessica, Linda told me about your back. I came running right over. I experienced a very similar injury. I Had one of those do-dad's too. It did give me relief. It aweful to have a injury like that. You can't find a position to help you relax. It takes a long time to get better. I agree, no surgery!! Phyical therapy helped a lot. Massage therapy was/is helpful. You are in my prayers. I love you!
Hugs, Terrie
Oh, Dear Jessica! Oh, honey, you vent all you want to! I'm so sorry to hear all of this and that you're having so much pain! I agree with who said maybe you should get another opinion, just because. I know those MRIs are scary! Dear One, you are right now in my prayers and I will continue to pray for you! I can just see you out in the back yard turning cartwheels! You take care of yourself and let your dear family tend to you and I know they will.
Don't worry about anything in Blogland. Just know you're loved and if you don't feel like it, let Genius keep us updated on you.
Love you, sweet friend,
Shelia ;)
That just so sucks...there it is...nothing pretty, nothing inspiring, just calling it as I see it. I hope you get relief soon.
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