The past 12 days…

Well the two days following my last post were absolutlely horrid.  I was in massive pain over that weekend and close to admitting myself to Bayfront Emergency, but when I called they said they did not even have a Neurosurgeon on shift for these emergencies and that they would not want to read my MRI since they did not do it!!!!!  It was not until today that I stumbled across this article explaining Bayfront’s Neurosurgeon issues: St. Pete Times Article
Then I started barfing the pain meds…surprise, surprise!  That did not help.  Monday could not come quick enough.  When Monday did finally arrive the orthopedic surgeon said ” You realize you are seeing the wrong doctor!!!”  Great… now I had to wait until Friday, I just wanted pain medication that would work and that I could keep down.  So at least he gave me a script for an anti-inflammatory, muscle relaxant and pain medication.  He said I had a bulging disc, and I needed to see the Ortho Spine specialist. Between Monday and Friday the pain had definately decreased, but it was still not at a long term tolerable level.   Friday came and I met Dr SpineMan he examined me after reviewing my MRI and said in a very matter fact way…you need surgery, it is the only way to fix this degree of a ruptured disc!!!!   Anterior Discectomy and Fusion….this can’t be.  So I pleaded for a Steroid pak and better pain and anti-inflammatory medications, Physical Therapy, and an at home cervical traction unit.  He said alright to everything!!!!!  So here I am feeling much better than I did a week ago….I have a LOT of friends and family PRAYING for me…THANKS!!!!!
I got my at home traction unit today, I was so thrilled to get it.  Insurance paid for it with a Doctor’s wriitten order…retail is close to  $400! 
As of right now the “severe” pain is gone.  I have finished the steroid pak and start the Celebrex tomorrow…I am going to try to do tomorrow without the pain med!!!  I am starting to get use to the “pins and needles” sensation in my index finger and thumb of my right hand.  Please keep the prayers going!
I still have full function of my right hand….if that changes then surgery is probably in the picture.

“Bossman” at work called to let me know my job will always be there for me and to take as long as I need…how awesome is that.  I sure hope to be back to work soon!

Thanks to all my friends and family for your support!

Waiting…

I am sitting here waiting for pain medication to work!!!!! I hate taking medications…but the pain is back in a very bad way, my entire right arm and into my hand. Strangely it is not as bad in my neck although I am sure this where the the real issue lies. I was ordered a stat MRI tonight…GREAT…I am claustrophobic! I placed eye sheilds over my eyes before I got on the table…I still almost called it quits and walked out. Off to the orthopedic surgeon for a consult on Monday morning…please say a prayer for me if you think of it. Special thanks to GiGi and mom who are ALWAYS around to help when there is a need! Well, the combination of Tylenol#3 and Ibuprophen are definately helping to take the edge off of the pain.
In celebration of the Devil Rays, even though Todd & I are not into sports, I wanted to share a Scrapbook LO I did for Aubrey. This was several years ago back when the stadium was not very full for a Rays game..but Aubrey still had fun. The only reason we were at the game is becuase Todd was singing the National Anthem Click on Image to enlarge.