Update on stroke and painful back

[Kiwisufferer2019]

Hi everyone, we'll, I've re eived the results from my back mri!! It appears I have a fracture of my sacral bone, goodness only knows how that happened, I haven't had any falls. All I know is it's very painful to put my weight on the left leg, I'm using a walking stick and that helps a bit. Also my Rheumatologist showed me the mri of my brain after I said to him the stroke must have been very small, in fact it was very large. I'm now on atorvistatin to keep arteries clean, but not blood thinners as it was a bleed not a clot and Gp said blood thinners could start another bleed.. I'll have to wait until st least February to get in with a neurologist, so it will be interesting to see what he says.

This has been the worst year of my life, starting with losing Ted in February I seem to have had one thing after another.

The good news is, I've been doing the dead slow taper of pmr pro, for 8 weeks, 10-9.5 and for the first time in 2 years I am feing good, no neck pain or withdrawal symptoms. Previously, after 2 weeks of tapering I was a mess and feeling ill. So maybe this time I can get down lower on the slower taper. Rheumy seemed quite happy for me to do it that way. I'm still to have monthly blood tests for him, and go back in 3 months. He is so thorough.

I had the pleasure of meeting another nz member on Thursday who came to Pukekohe to dog sit for her son. It was so nice to meet a kindred spirit and both of us are in the pmr gardening group. Now we can put a face to our respective names. Thank you Sandy for your company on Thursday. We had plenty to talk about, and so.much in common. If my back allows we will meet again tomorrow.

Well I think I've rambled on enough, so appreciate everyone on this forum. I do hope you all keep warm in the UK, it looks like your weather has been pretty terrible. Take care everyone.

Wishing you all a Happy and Healhy Christmas Seasom

Janis🎄🥰

[PMRCanada]

Wow….you certainly have had a difficult year with loss, grief and significant health woes. I’m so glad you’ve found a local person who “gets it”….nothing like a connection based on common ground. I too was happy to connect with some folks in my area with whom I can share as we support one another. Also happy to hear that your taper seems to be going more smoothly as of late. Sure hope it continues.

You have managed to identify and appreciate the positive aspects of your life, including your thorough rheumy, amongst the challenges you’ve faced. Good for you, a positive attitude/approach goes a long way especially when it comes to healing.

Wishing you a happy, healthy holiday season and a better 2024!

[Kiwisufferer2019 in reply to PMRCanada]

Thank you, unfortunately Sandy lives about 4 hours drive away and is only up here for a few days, but I'm sure we'll keep in touch and now we've met, and found a lot of common ground . Wishing you a happy Christmas Holiday too.

[Kiwisufferer2019 in reply to Kiwisufferer2019]

Thanks Merryfield, imm trying to stay positive, but it's hard when in so.much pain. Merry Christmas to you too.

[Kiwisufferer2019 in reply to Kiwisufferer2019]

I see on the news tonight our kiwi girl won gold in the snowboarding in Canada.

[Frewen1 in reply to Kiwisufferer2019]

💐🙏🌲🌟very best wishes for continuing improvement x

[Merryfield]

So sorry for the loss of your husband and for the cracked sacrum and a stroke! How strong of you to still be able to appreciate the positives of successful tapering and a visit from a fellow Kiwi PMR-er. Hugs.

[Kiwisufferer2019]

I'm excited about the tapering as it's taken so long to get it right!

[DorsetLady PMRGCAuk volunteer]

Hi,

Sorry to hear this, and yes you will be glad to see the back of this year…. and all tge best fir next year and your appointment in Feb… and you’d to hear your tapering seems better.

Glad you’ve met Sandy…. sounds as if that’s helped…. not by chance from Massey, Auckland and a photographer I suppose?…

[Kiwisufferer2019 in reply to DorsetLady]

No Sandy lives down Opotiky way near Whakatane. It's so nice to meet someone in the same boat and who belongs to this forum, we both agree this site has been invaluable. Talking with someone who understands! Is so good. Seasons greetings to you and yours, and good health for 2024. Hard to believe another year nearly gone

[DorsetLady PMRGCAuk volunteer in reply to Kiwisufferer2019]

Thank you and seasons greetings to you 🌸

[Kiwisufferer2019 in reply to DorsetLady]

🎄🥰

[PMRpro Ambassador]

Things do all seem to come as a series, that is true! Bit of a mystery the sacral bone fracture - but it sounds to be at the milder end of what it can be.

And yes - isn't it nice to put a face to a name! I've been able to do it with several people I have got to know through PMR. Four hours drive is small beer compared with getting to NZ for most of us - it would be near enough for me to use it as an excuse to have a weekend away now and again. That's how long it takes me to fetch people from the airport - each way sometimes!

[Kiwisufferer2019]

I can only walk with 2 walking sticks, every step is agony, so everything is being ignored don't make a mess being by myself. The most comfortable place is in my bed The wheatbags are getting a hammering. The heat seems to soothe.

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to Kiwisufferer2019]

I have a hot water bottle - very useful!!!

[Kiwisufferer2019 in reply to PMRpro]

Yes, the same principle I'm sure the heat helps.

[Rosbud in reply to Kiwisufferer2019]

I’m surprised they haven’t given you crutches , 15 months ago I had A stress fracture diagnosed and was on crutches for 3 months , they certainly helped me , as you can put less weight on your leg , physio advice pretend your treading in A donut and trying not to let the seep out , best wishes for A speedy recovery x

[Kiwisufferer2019 in reply to Rosbud]

Thank you for your message rosebud, I would definitely be better off with crutches, it's so painful to put any weight on it. I don't even know how it happened, it's a mystery. Did you have a fall that caused yours? I haven't had a fall, so goodness knows.It's really hard living by yourself. Just getting dressed is a mission! Everything takes me so long to do.

Janis

[Hidden]

No matter what we do, meds have consequences as do not taking them. Our bodies need just wear out and too often it's because we don't nourish them properly combined with the chemicals in food and in our environment, it takes a tole. Keep positive. We are praying for you. I'm taking all sorts of suppliments including something called moringa and genuine Essiac tea. They are just plants. You might read up in them.

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to Hidden]

"They are just plants" - so is Deadly Nightshade. Just because something is herbal doesn't mean it is safe either in isolation and, more importantly, in combination with other substances and prescription medications in particular.

[2013mayo]

poor you, hope you get better soon. Sending you a big hug.

[Broseley]

Thank you for posting so honestly. I'm not very good with expressing empathy, but I do feel for you. You are keeping your chin up and gritting your teeth. You will make it through this year!

[Hunter134]

I hope you have a better year in 2024.I also have had a rough year.Not nearly as bad as you though.I am a whip and iam impressed with your positive attitude.Merry Christmas to you and your family🎄🎁

[Kiwisufferer2019 in reply to Hunter134]

Thank you very much for the good wishes, at the moment I'm very immobile, with my back. Seasons greetings to you and yours too. Yes here's hoping we'll all have a better year next year!

[Hunter134 in reply to Kiwisufferer2019]

I mean t whimp.lol.I just came back from a echocardiogram and I have seen to have things wrong in my hearttoo.I ll find out next Tues Trying to read my results but can't understand them.Wishing you a better year too🌺