Dr. W's nurse called me back yesterday and asked if I had gone to the emergency room. I had to admit that I hadn't. She was very understanding and said that Dr. W had set me up to see a spine doctor. I went today. He was very nice and explained everything in detail. I've heard that the devil is in the details; and in this case I believe that.
After poking and pulling and stretching and thumping me all over, the good doctor sent me to xray. As soon as I got back to the exam room, he had my xrays up on his computer screen. I could immediately see the problems: a pronounce curve to the right in my spine, and nonexistent lumbar discs. Beside for that, he told me that I have arthritis in my hips (no fractures, thank God) and bursitis in my left hip. (Well, no wonder I've been hurting.) I got a little teary when he was explaining it all to me, and I excused my emotions by saying, "I just didn't expect to get so old so young."
The good news is, I won't have to have surgery. The surgery for this condition, he told me, is back replacement. "And we don't know how to do that--yet," he added.
He gave me two injections: one in my left hip and one in my lower back. I think I feel a little better tonight. I start physical therapy next week and go back in a couple of weeks for an MRI. At least I know what's wrong now. I knew in my heart that it wasn't the fibromyalgia causing all my problems.
I've learned that the best way for me to feel better is to have something to keep my hands busy that I really, REALLY like to do. So I bowed to temptation and signed up for the Quilt Studio 12 x 12 Journal Quilt Challenge. With the CPS Challenge and trying to get a couple of pieces ready for the quilt show in June, I should be plenty busy. My theme for the 12 x 12 is Elvis. That'll be fun. I have some Elvis fabric I've been wanting to use---5 different prints. Just stuff from Wal-Mart, but it's truly fun. (If anyone has a source for more Elvis fabric, let me know.) Here's on of my Elvis prints:
Bought a new book today. Blood & Thunder, I think is the title. It's about the settling of the west and Kit Carson. I love Old West stuff. I have a feeling this one is going to lessen my esteem (if I ever had any) for Kit Carson, however.
This afternoon, after returning from receiving my devastating medical news, I thought I'd cheer myself up by watching a scary movie. I chose "Cold Water Manor" starring Dennis Quaid and Sharon Stone. I bought it a while back and hadn't got around to watching it. It was mildly exciting. If you like the young-upwardly-mobile-couple-with-two-adolescent-kids-buys-a-big-old-house-in-the-country-and-moves-from-the-city-and- all-hell-breaks-loose theme, you should like this one.
Now I'm going to bed and start reading about what a bad sort Kit Carson was.
This post was migrated from the old blog. To see the comments on the original post, CLICK HERE. To add a new comment, click "Post a Comment", below.
On 12/30/2006, Lori said ...
I am so sorry to hear about the diagnosis of your back problems. I hope that with the clarity about the cause, upsetting as it is, the doctors will be able to find things to help you.
On 12/30/2006, Rian said ...
What a relief you don't have to have surgery! Whew! I hope the medications help you. I have had back problems in the past and it's no picnic (thankfully the word "past" still prevails). I'm glad you are in the 12X challenge with us. Elvis sounds like a very cool theme.
On 12/30/2006, Debra Spincic said ...
I think knowing is half of the cure! Good to hear you are doing better today and that you have joined the 12 x 12 x 12 Challenge. I am still waffling on the CPS Challenge. I started a journal challenge last year and I may finish it with your group--may. . .
-----
No comments:
Post a Comment