Well, much to my chagrin, this last week has been full of the disheartening news following the MRI I had last Thurs. I admit I have not been to my "happy place", couldn't even get in!
Besides Dental appt, Podiatrist appt. and Study Club meeting, I had the MRI of lower spine, hips and S-I joints. on Thurs. On Friday my GP's nurse called and said he wanted me to make an appt with my Orthopedic Surgeon. Guess that answered the question alright.
Well I haven't gotten the appointment yet. The reason I had the MRI in the firstplace was because my right leg was getting numb every time I stand, and also there has been a really nagging pain in my left hip and swelling in surrounding tissues, which has spread around to my back. I was pretty sure I knew what to expect, having had 8 spinal surgeries, with fusions, bone transplant, supportive titanium rods, plates and screws. Might even be some twist-ties in there too.
I asked the nurse to send me a copy of the report, which she did, and Doug called my GP, who is also his neighbor and asked him to fax a copy of the report. Then he called me and said something to the effect, it wasn't the worst it could be, but it isn't good., and "we'll get you fixed up".
It's a mess. There are 7 areas on the spine that would need attention.
Then, yesterday I went to the Physical Therapist appt at the hospital. Spent 2 hours with the Doctor, as he evaluated every inch of me for whatever. Showed I have alot of limitations, besides the continuing pain and numbness. My GP had asked him to give me some exercises to strengthen my legs. After several of his trial exercises, he determined my legs were not very strong. You know what straight leg lifts are. Ha..can't budge the right one.
So he said there really isn't much of any strengthening exercises I can give you that won't aggravate these conditions in your spine.
He asked how long I had had the arthritis. I noted that I have had Psoriasis since I was 2 yrs. old, have had 8 spine surgeries since 1986. And to further complicate the issues, I now have RA.
What really depresses me is that I have taken all these chemicals for over 20 years, tried some that failed, others seemed to help for a while. Presently am taking MTX, Leflunomide and Simponi, the biologic. But the inflammation and pain goes on.
I have had several good summers, able to do what I wanted and needed to do, but admit the Winters in northern OHIo are not so kind.
I feel like a hypocrit, encouraging our newbies and others, to go along with the drugs, have faith and things will get better. But they didn't. Or maybe this is as good as it gets.
What I have to consider is, how much longer can I stay here by myself, or how much longer will my legs allow me? Ias there any surgical technique left to fix what's wrong/ Part of one problem is lumbar level 4 and 5 are right in the middle of where there is a titanium rod and screws. Did this come loose?
So, plan is to have Radiology put my MRI films on a CD that I will send to the Surgeon and let him review them before I get up to Cleveland to see him.
Probably won't get an appt until after the first of Jan.
So , we'll have turkey and dressing, mashed potatoes whipped with cream cheese and butter, cranberry relish and cranberry sauce, pumpkin pies, apple pies and whatever other parts of the family bring alaong.
The day after all that we will have our next, festive Porch Party, which may have to be moved inside! So don't forget Nov. 29 at your 3:00pm
Sorry I kept you reading so long, but that's how it is. Now as you all are getting up, I'm about to get to bed.
Loretxx
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