Yes, I am really sore! No, not from pain (thank goodness), but from the lamo (is that a word?) excercises from physical therapy. My therapist had me doing what most of you would consider simple excercise, but for a person with no muscle left on her back side....I was sweating! I do look forward to the positive result of all this walking and building up of my "core" though! I've lost 15 pounds so far since November 14th. I'm thinking that next time I'll just call Jenny Craig. That's got to be an easier way to lose weight!
Thanks to Toni Bonfield for driving me to physical therapy this morning!
Thursday, January 29, 2009
Wednesday, January 28, 2009
No Heavy Meds Today!
Instead of waking at the usual 6:00 am to take a morphine pill today, I slept until Paul's alarm woke me at 6:45. I really wasn't sure to expect today, after all my physical therapist worked muscles that are no longer aware that they are supposed to be used in my "core" and "glutes". I am sore from the new exercises, but feel very good otherwise! I could feel when the advil was wearing off though.
I forgot to mention that I was able to go to Katie's water polo game last night; she played on the JV team for the first time. I have not been able to go to any of her games this season, so it was very exciting! I stood for a while, then sat, and eventually went to the locker room to lay down on those tiny benches made for skinny teenage buns. My mother in law stayed by my side as I maneuvered to lay on my back. It was quite a sight! It worked though. I just need to lay down for a few minutes to gain enough strength to last for an hour standing or sitting alternately.
Thank you to Teresa for driving me to PT yesterday, and for Audrey and Teresa for strolling around my track with me today. :)
I forgot to mention that I was able to go to Katie's water polo game last night; she played on the JV team for the first time. I have not been able to go to any of her games this season, so it was very exciting! I stood for a while, then sat, and eventually went to the locker room to lay down on those tiny benches made for skinny teenage buns. My mother in law stayed by my side as I maneuvered to lay on my back. It was quite a sight! It worked though. I just need to lay down for a few minutes to gain enough strength to last for an hour standing or sitting alternately.
Thank you to Teresa for driving me to PT yesterday, and for Audrey and Teresa for strolling around my track with me today. :)
Tuesday, January 27, 2009
Last Day of Morphine
First, I want to say thanks to everyone who has walked with me, brought my family food and gift cards, driven me to appointments or babysat me while heavily medicated,and prayed for us! We would have been in a much tougher spot without all of you! Thank you!
Today is my last day of morphine! I am praying that I will not have breakout pain tomorrow or in the days following as I get ready to go back to work and increase my activity level. The nightmares stopped, but I am sure the shaking will continue for a few days as the last of the morphine leaves my system. I treasure the thought of a clear head and the ability to walk a straight line. (I walk like I'm tipsy down the sidewalk, swerving and bumping into my walking buddy.) I do feel a funny spot in my back where I know the disc is still out of place, but I'm praying that the disc will slip back into its rightful home sometime soon.
Today is my last day of morphine! I am praying that I will not have breakout pain tomorrow or in the days following as I get ready to go back to work and increase my activity level. The nightmares stopped, but I am sure the shaking will continue for a few days as the last of the morphine leaves my system. I treasure the thought of a clear head and the ability to walk a straight line. (I walk like I'm tipsy down the sidewalk, swerving and bumping into my walking buddy.) I do feel a funny spot in my back where I know the disc is still out of place, but I'm praying that the disc will slip back into its rightful home sometime soon.
Saturday, January 24, 2009
Withdrawal
Last night I did not take the morphine at 6 pm, and I made it through the night without pain. I do have very shakey hands, little twitches, nightmares, and I didn't sleep.. I'm hoping that those symptoms STOP quickly! I kept thinking that the contractions in my back were going to creep up and take over and I had trouble distinguishing between real twitching and the nightmares.
On a positive note, I woke up tired but pain free. Lauren had to go to the mall to get a gift certificate, so we walked the mall for 20 min this morning. It was nice to get out!
One more thing, I am looking for a ride to physical therapy on Tues. 1/27 at 11:30 am. It is located next to the Costco and Kohls in Savi Ranch. If you want to go shopping while I am there, which is usually about 45 min, you can drop me off and shop. I will just call when I am done :)
(714) 501-3316
On a positive note, I woke up tired but pain free. Lauren had to go to the mall to get a gift certificate, so we walked the mall for 20 min this morning. It was nice to get out!
One more thing, I am looking for a ride to physical therapy on Tues. 1/27 at 11:30 am. It is located next to the Costco and Kohls in Savi Ranch. If you want to go shopping while I am there, which is usually about 45 min, you can drop me off and shop. I will just call when I am done :)
(714) 501-3316
Thursday, January 22, 2009
Feelin' Good
Well, it's been a few days since I have gone to only 2 morphine pills in a 24 hour period. I have been absolutely fine! YEAH! Tomorrow I will try going down to one at 6 am only. If I feel ok for 4 days, then I can try to completely go off the morphine. I've been having nightmares about the terrible contractions returning and not sleeping well. At least I'm not crying non-stop like I did when they lowered the dose from 30 to 15 mg.
I'm increasing my walking time to 20-25 min at least once a day, and I am not wearing the brace around my midsection anymore. Soon, I will start the physical therapy back class on Wed. mornings. I will have to attend that class even if I do go back to work in February, but I figure that Wednesday half-days each week is much better than all 5 days off every week!
The doc also said I should start getting out in public again to buiild up my stamina, so the girls took me to Trader Joes the other day, and I got my hair cut. Chrissy, my hair dresser, squirted my head down and cut quickly since the max time I can sit is 30 min. I am excited to get out!You may just see me in the grocery store. :)
Be sure to call if you want to take a stroll.
I'm increasing my walking time to 20-25 min at least once a day, and I am not wearing the brace around my midsection anymore. Soon, I will start the physical therapy back class on Wed. mornings. I will have to attend that class even if I do go back to work in February, but I figure that Wednesday half-days each week is much better than all 5 days off every week!
The doc also said I should start getting out in public again to buiild up my stamina, so the girls took me to Trader Joes the other day, and I got my hair cut. Chrissy, my hair dresser, squirted my head down and cut quickly since the max time I can sit is 30 min. I am excited to get out!You may just see me in the grocery store. :)
Be sure to call if you want to take a stroll.
Monday, January 19, 2009
Doctor Visit :) More good News!
Yesterday I visited my favorite doctor, Dr. Kent. She was astounded at my progress over a two week period. Yeah! She suggested that I try weaning off the morphine now; so I will go from 3 pills to 2 pills a day for a few days. Then, if I feel good then I can go to 1 pill for 3-4 days, and if ok then I will stop taking the morphine. If I have breakthrough pain, she wants me to try vicodine first before going back to the morphine. It's all just a bit scary because I don't know what my body is really feeling because the morphine has been disguising the pain, and at the same time, I will be increasing my activity level. Just keep praying that all will go smoothly. My next appointment with her is the first week of February, and if things are looking good....she said we could "discuss" my return to work. No promises...but I am hoping!
Friday, January 16, 2009
Still walking...
Thanks to Pam and Joni, Teresa, Ellen, Julie, and Jana for walking with me this week! I am getting faster every day. I walk the same path at least once every other day for 15 min and try to get further than I did the last time. I am able to walk around the corner and almost all the way down Hamer now! It's still a very slow pace, but my thighs are getting stronger and are not as sore as they were at the beginning of the week.
I still feel the bulge in my back, and for some reason I am having some anxiety regarding any possibility of surgery rather it be now or later. I guess it's because I have come so far. I don't want to start over! I hope they will give me another MRI, but I doubt it. On Monday, I will ask my pain doctor to schedule another epidural. That seemed to make such a big difference. I don't see her releasing me for work yet...maybe in a couple of weeks. Now that I am only on 15 mg of morphine, I have more common sense; I realize that I need to get stronger and build up my stamina before I go hanging out with 31 active and amazing 3rd graders! Keep praying that I continue to heal.
The call is still out. If you want to walk morning, noon, or afternoon...a slow pace...for 15-20 min, just give me a call. It's really the only time I get out other than to the doctor.
Call me :) 714 501-3316
I still feel the bulge in my back, and for some reason I am having some anxiety regarding any possibility of surgery rather it be now or later. I guess it's because I have come so far. I don't want to start over! I hope they will give me another MRI, but I doubt it. On Monday, I will ask my pain doctor to schedule another epidural. That seemed to make such a big difference. I don't see her releasing me for work yet...maybe in a couple of weeks. Now that I am only on 15 mg of morphine, I have more common sense; I realize that I need to get stronger and build up my stamina before I go hanging out with 31 active and amazing 3rd graders! Keep praying that I continue to heal.
The call is still out. If you want to walk morning, noon, or afternoon...a slow pace...for 15-20 min, just give me a call. It's really the only time I get out other than to the doctor.
Call me :) 714 501-3316
Tuesday, January 13, 2009
learning to walk again
So...I was pretty weepy the first few days off the 30 mg of morphine, but I didn't feel any pain on the 15 mg. I will shoot for a lower dose on Mon 1/19, and maybe another epidural. I have been a busy bee trying to follow all of the instructions of my physical therapist and other doctors. For the first few days after I got the cortisone epidural, I felt like my back was not connected to the rest of my body..very strange feeling. But now, I am feeling much better! No, I am not well yet...I wish!
My PT has asked me to walk 2 times a day 15-20 min. Last week when I first started walking, my legs felt like sandbags and my hip socket is very weak because of the atrophe (sp?).
Paul put out the word during our Sunday school class, so yesterday Pam Lane and Joni Pettikus took me to walk at Tri-City Park. It took us about 25 min just to lap the lake, and then I had to lay down for the majority of the rest of the day. I have to be careful not to overdo it.
In the evening, Katie and Lauren set up my treadmill in the livingroom so I can be with the family while they do homework or watch TV and I walk. (I can't sit on our couches..too low.)
One of my good friends sent me an email with a prayer in it that struck me. I share it with you in hopes that you are also touched.
"May today there be peace within. May you trust that you are exactly where you are meant to be. May you not forget the infinite possibilities that are born of faith in yourself and others. May you use the gifts that you have received, and pass on the love that has been given to you. May you be content with yourself just the way you are. Let this knowledge settle into your bones, and allow your soul the freedom to sing, dance, praise and love. It is there for each and every one of us."
So....If anyone out there would like to take a short 15-20 min stroll, call me (714) 501-3316 and we can set up a date morning, lunchtime, or whenever you are available. :) I'm here (and pretty bored!) unless I'm at the doctor or PT. Don't feel obligated to stay around afterward, I know how busy everyone is!
My PT has asked me to walk 2 times a day 15-20 min. Last week when I first started walking, my legs felt like sandbags and my hip socket is very weak because of the atrophe (sp?).
Paul put out the word during our Sunday school class, so yesterday Pam Lane and Joni Pettikus took me to walk at Tri-City Park. It took us about 25 min just to lap the lake, and then I had to lay down for the majority of the rest of the day. I have to be careful not to overdo it.
In the evening, Katie and Lauren set up my treadmill in the livingroom so I can be with the family while they do homework or watch TV and I walk. (I can't sit on our couches..too low.)
One of my good friends sent me an email with a prayer in it that struck me. I share it with you in hopes that you are also touched.
"May today there be peace within. May you trust that you are exactly where you are meant to be. May you not forget the infinite possibilities that are born of faith in yourself and others. May you use the gifts that you have received, and pass on the love that has been given to you. May you be content with yourself just the way you are. Let this knowledge settle into your bones, and allow your soul the freedom to sing, dance, praise and love. It is there for each and every one of us."
So....If anyone out there would like to take a short 15-20 min stroll, call me (714) 501-3316 and we can set up a date morning, lunchtime, or whenever you are available. :) I'm here (and pretty bored!) unless I'm at the doctor or PT. Don't feel obligated to stay around afterward, I know how busy everyone is!
Saturday, January 10, 2009
Lowering my dose of morphine
Thurs 1/8- A special day! I am so determined to do as much as humanly possible to advance my progress. My next appointment for my pain doctor wasn't until 1/19, and I wanted to return to work on 1/20. I called my pain management doctor early this afternoon and there was a cancellation for a 3:50 appointment! So I jumped on the phone and called Teri Joblon, who has such servant's heart, and asked if she might be available to drive me down to the appointment. THANK YOU TERI! Mission accomplished.. Dr. Kent lowered my dose of morphine to 15 mg. She also mentioned surgery...I REALLY don't like that word! I have been down so long already! Teri also took excellent notes and helped me keep my spirits up when the doctor pointed out that I am nowhere near healed and I won't be allowed to return while on morphine..some silly rule about working with children and being on a narcotic...
Wednesday, January 7, 2009
Two busy days
January 6th-
Today was my first day of traction at physical therapy. It felt funny, but it didn't hurt. By the evening, I felt stronger than I had the previous day. My PT says that he was taking it easy on me. :)
January 7th-
Today was a scary day for me. I had a lumbar epidural. ( I had one in the hospital, but I was so drugged up that I don't remember ANYTHING about it!) Paul was by my side every minute before I went to "the room". I was crying, picturing a long needle and intense pain. Just the very touch of his hand calmed me down. I am so grateful that he is such a loving husband! I pray that some day my girls will marry a godly man who will take care of them like my Paul takes care of me!
Anyway, the procedure was uncomfortable, but there was a very nice nurse holding my hand and calming me down. She was an angel! I don't really feel any significant diffference in my back yet;they say it may take a few days. As usual, I am very impatient. I told God today that I was willing to be a modern day miracle if it was ok with him.
Today was my first day of traction at physical therapy. It felt funny, but it didn't hurt. By the evening, I felt stronger than I had the previous day. My PT says that he was taking it easy on me. :)
January 7th-
Today was a scary day for me. I had a lumbar epidural. ( I had one in the hospital, but I was so drugged up that I don't remember ANYTHING about it!) Paul was by my side every minute before I went to "the room". I was crying, picturing a long needle and intense pain. Just the very touch of his hand calmed me down. I am so grateful that he is such a loving husband! I pray that some day my girls will marry a godly man who will take care of them like my Paul takes care of me!
Anyway, the procedure was uncomfortable, but there was a very nice nurse holding my hand and calming me down. She was an angel! I don't really feel any significant diffference in my back yet;they say it may take a few days. As usual, I am very impatient. I told God today that I was willing to be a modern day miracle if it was ok with him.
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