Month: September 2017

Health update

Yesterday morning I had a lumbar epidural.  I had a choice between local or general anesthesia.  I chose general anesthesia and am glad I did.  The back doctor had wanted a caudal epidural but I had extra bony growth, so the needle could not go the whole way in.   They had to do a higher injection.  The downside is that while I was under I coughed/sneezed the entire time.  I came out of anesthesia with a bad sore throat, almost no voice, and a raw nose.  Thankfully, they said I kept apologizing, so at least I was nice while under!  However, I had Rob make me an appointment at our internist to see if I had more than just bad allergies.  Today was my appointment and I have ANOTHER sinus infection.

My second appointment of the day was my follow-up with my orthopedic surgeon re: my ulnar nerve surgery.  I am doing very well and she released me back to work on Monday.  I told her how my other fingers are going numb and she fit me for a carpal tunnel splint.  However, she thinks the problem is stemming from my cervical issue.  I guess time will tell.  I have another follow-up in 3.5 weeks.

I would be in a better mood if I got more than 2 hours 19 minutes sleep last night.  The antibiotic shot must be somewhat working because my headache has subsided.  Here’s hoping I am more myself before I head back to the workforce Monday!

A bit down

Today I woke up feeling down, just an overall feeling of sadness.  I looked around the messy living room and felt unease.  I really wanted to clean it all up but was lacking the energy.  Also, I had plans for coffee with some friends.   I reluctantly went to coffee, for when I am down I am not feeling social.  It was a nice hour but I still felt down and tired when I left (despite the additional 16 ounces of coffee).

I keep wondering why I feel so down and today’s Headspace meditation had me realize one factor.  Today, it was focusing on if you are feeling pain and I realized my intention through the meditation and during this sick leave was to recover and rejuvenate.  I am still in pain through my arms, my entire back, and now my feet.  With virtually weeks of rest, my body has not rejuvenated itself.  It has actually worsened in some areas.  I was hoping when I was to return to work I would feel better than when I had my last working day.

A little bit more

Everyday I try to do a little bit more.  This weekend’s little bit ended up putting me twenty steps backward yesterday.  I felt horrible head to toe.  I did virtually nothing all day.  Luckily, Roger had a play date and ABA therapy that gave me rest time.  Then, we took Roger to my parent’s house and we shopped and ate dinner.  The shopping was a little too much for me, so I waited in the car for Rob.

Today I woke up feeling 19 steps ahead of yesterday.  I was dreading reading to Roger’s class due to how I felt yesterday.  However, it was a pretty painless venture despite half the class gabbing/interrupting and Roger unable to sit still since I was there.  Immediately following, I had a podiatrist appointment.  I have been in pain for quite some time in my left inner foot.  I had a similar problem a year or so ago on my right foot, but not this extreme.  I decided to go to a private practice rather than one of those big ortho offices, like I did last time.  He saw the orthotics I had gotten prior and said they were garbage and should not have cost me more than $10.  I believe that with the prescription the arches were around $50.  He had my foot molded for full length orthotics that will last 10 years, as opposed to having to buy them yearly.  He also said I needed to wear shoes at all time.  In the house, instead of slippers, I have to wear birkenstocks.  Once my arm is cleared, he gave me some stretches for me to do daily to help stretch the area.  Again, I am quite pleased with my decision.

Although it seems to be a year with some health issues, I am very content with my decision making and know that in the long run I will be healthier and happier!

Still on Medical Leave

Everyday I have thought about updating my blog and everyday I am too exhausted to open the computer.  The high allergens are not helping my activity level.  Add to that the limited activity of the day and I am an achy zombie most of the day!  I have not been consistently taking any pain medication (even OTC, especially due to the fact I am having a lumbar epidural next Wednesday).  My sleep and energy levels are the same post-op as pre-op, which I am not very happy about.  I have been sleeping alone downstairs and I still cannot get a consistent five hours of sleep per night.  I have begun taking melatonin which makes me fall asleep quicker, but does not aide in any other way.

I don’t want this post to be all bah humbug, so I will note some positive changes I have been trying to make in the past couple weeks.  I have been attempting daily meditation via the app Headspace.  Secondly, I have started using MyFitnessPal app again, consistently.  I have shed a couple of pounds but find it hard to lose weight if I try to eat more than 1200 calories, which is too restrictive for me.  Hopefully when I can add some exercise in, that will help my endeavor of losing these 35 pounds I have gained in TX the past 4  years!

Next Thursday, I have my next appointment with my surgeon and am hoping I can go back to work part-time, at least.  I am very bored but do not think I have the energy level for full-time work, yet.