Saje's health update

[Mythsaje]

Many folks here are aware by now that I've been having some problems with my back and left arm. I had an MRI done last week and was finally able to get into the doctor to find out what was going on. I was referred to a specialist at the "Spine Institute," but got the run-down from my own physician before heading over there to make an appointment.

I discovered that the MRI revealed that I have disk degeneration, arthritis, and bone spurs in my neck, and the inflammation this is all causing seems to be wreaking havoc with my left shoulder and arm.

I'm currently not able to work because of all of this. As things stand now, I'm going to be out at least until the fourteenth, assuming the procedure they have planned to inject some stuff into the inflammed and irritated areas to hopefully enable me to live more or less pain free until I need the next set of injections. Suffice to say that this is looking to be a chronic problem. Maybe we'll go to greater lengths to deal with the problem at a later date, earlier if the shots don't allow me to live with more manageable levels of pain.

I know that there are several DUers who've expressed concern over my condition, so I wanted to share what I'd learned with everyone. The news isn't as bad as I'd been worrying about, but hardly "good" news either. The procedure they're going to do MIGHT alleviate the pain entirely, or it might just lessen it to a more reasonable level.

I'm hoping to sell some books to make up for some of the money I'm losing during this period I'm not working--especially salient since what I consider to be my best book to date, "Tales from the Magitech Lounge" has just gone to print. It's the one book I didn't manage to get many reviews from, since nearly all the review sites I know about are mostly dedicated to romance novels and "Tales" wasn't published as any form of romance.

Annoying, really. But that's the business.

So if anyone felt like lending us a hand by purchasing a copy of a experimental urban fantasy novel for themselves or a fantasy fan of their acquaintance...I wouldn't object. :)

But I know things are tough all over and don't expect anyone to do any such thing if not so inclined. :)

In other related news, I'm just now finishing the edits on my next novel and have dedicated the book to "my friends and fellow travelers on democraticunderground.com." And to my wife.

[Mojorabbit]

1. I am glad you are a candidate

for the injections. My dad had them for years before he passed. It made a world of difference. I hope your experience with them are just as good as his was.

[Breeze54]

2. disk degeneration --- I feel your pain.

:hug:

That sucks, Mythsaje. I've been living with that for awhile now.

D4 & D5? Or did they tell me C4 & C5? I can't remember but they
did say that inflamation at that locale is definitely painful.

Doh! I knew that! :rofl:

I hope you are feeling a little more pain free soon. :hug:

[roguevalley]

28. are they using cortesone shots? those helped my mom a lot. Good luck, honey.

[Viva_La_Revolution]

3. steroid injections can be a good thing...

I hope it works for you. Ya know, I've been trying to find your books on-line cheap but it seems no-one wants to give them up. I may hate you forever if I have to pay Amazon retail prices.

:hug:

keep us informed. We really do love you.

[Mythsaje]

5. Well, the e-book formats are much cheaper...

:D

More ecologically friendly, too. But there's just something about holding a book in one's hand that just feels right. Some people can't do e-books. I can, but I certainly understand the preference.

[Viva_La_Revolution]

17. I can do e-books sometimes... non-fiction mostly..

but when I read for enjoyment, paper is much better.

[mac2]

19. Steriod injections

according to our back specialist steriod injections are only short term to help the pain. It helps bring down the swelling. It won't heal the structural problems in the back.

[Viva_La_Revolution]

25. The relief of chronic pain is a big deal...

but you're right, it's not a cure.

[ben_meyers]

4. Bet you thought you were having a heart attack,

Same thing I went though 30 years ago. Checked myself into the hospital. Finally came back with the exact same diagnoses. I've had some treatments and do some exercises and have been able to function normally. It does take me 4 ibuprofen to get through a round of golf though. Hope all goes well, and try to stay away from the heavy pain killers.

[Mythsaje]

6. I couldn't stay away from the heavy painkillers.

I'm on percoset right now, upgraded from the vicodin. I could get ahead of the pain and stay there. I wanted to claw my face off, I was in so much pain.

And the onset built slowly enough that I was never afraid it was a heart attack...thankfully. It was just pain in the back to begin with, with occasionally stabbing pains down the arm, accompanied by occasional muscle spasms in the arm.

I knew it was my back, but I didn't know what exactly was going on.

[mac2]

20. Careful the pain killers can be addictive.

[Warpy]

7. It sounds like they're trying the conservative treatment first

When a disc bulges out of place, it can press on the nerve roots exiting the spinal cord. The ten dollar word for this is radiculopathy and you've got a great case of it. The injections will relieve local inflammation and with a combination of that plus pain management and rehab, you might be able to dodge surgery for some time.

Surgery is the cure, I'm afraid, and they've gotten very very good at doing cervical discs. It just costs a bloody fortune, so we'd all better hope a Democrat gets into office and actually manages to do something about the mess the insurance companies have created.

I hope you get the best outcome from conservative management, anyway.

[mac2]

8. Go to a doctor/surgeon who specializes in back surgery, etc.

The CINN in Chicago, IL has an excellent reputation.

Surgery and physical therapy may help you. You'd be amazed with the new technology and progress they've made today with back problems. Some aren't even invasive.

http://www.cinn.org/physicians/karahalios-dean.html

Sorry this pain has taken over your life. Good luck.

[Mythsaje]

9. I live a LONG way from Chicago

and I'd prefer to avoid surgery as long as I can. Until it's absolutely necessary, that is. I trust my doc, and from what I understand the woman doing the treatment I'm undergoing is very, very good at what she does.

[mac2]

18. Too bad.

Surgery or not you need a good opinion from another source. Don't take just one doctor's opinion. It is too critical to your long term health.

You might call them for a recommendation of someone who is knowledgeable in the field in your area.

As I said, back problems have new solutions. Between the wars and Oliver Reed research they know a lot more.

I have a relative who waited too long to address the pain in his leg (from his back). He lost some nerve feeling and the leg started to get smaller. He was in pain yet avoided seeing a new doctor. Finally he did find out there was new technology, etc. His feeling in his leg and foot may never return once they are damaged long term.

Just thought I'd share that with you.

[Hatchling]

21. If you can afford a second opinion, I would do it.

Be careful. I know your problem isn't exactly like mine, but it sounds close enough for me to share my story with you.

I had a whiplash injury in 1993, it was dealt with the insurance/work injury doctors. I couldn't afford a second opinion and just went with what they said. Neck brace, physical therapy, injections, etc. Then they said that I was okay (ie stabilized), although I didn't feel okay, offered me a check for $6,000 in leiu of future treatments. SInce I needed the money and they said I was ok, I took it.

To cut a long story short, after years of pain, the bone spurs eventually damaged my spinal cord and I was having muscle spasms and cramps and I had to have the surgery. Luckily (?) I was on medicare/medi-cal by then and there was no financial reason not to opt for the surgery. My neck is now pain free, but I will always have to take medication now to control the spasms I have from the spinal cord damage. OTOH, I no longer have to take pain pills.

[krispos42]

26. Come, come to Rochester...

The Mayo is calling you!


And maybe Twin Cities DUers could have a meet-up with you!

[Der Blaue Engel]

10. Magitech Lounge will be delivered to my door on March 27

:)

I'm glad you have some resolution to the pain question, even if it isn't the best news. At least now you have a starting point for working on a solution.

My partner has been dealing with chronic pain for a while now, and it's very frustrating. (Sounds like you're both on the same regimen.)

Sending you more good vibes.

:hug:

[Mythsaje]

13. Thanks for everything.

Buying the book and the good vibes.

Yeah, it sucks. I hope it doesn't continue to make me miserable for much longer. Even a relatively short period of relief will be welcome.

[nadinbrzezinski]

15. You will feel it soon after the injection, within twelve hours in fact

they can have other effects and they will go through the list, but you will feel much better

[Mythsaje]

16. Yeah, they said there are varying degrees of success.

The best result is that I'd be pain free for quite a while, though I've been warned not to start acting like there's nothing wrong immediately. I'm probably going to stay off work for a while longer, to make sure it takes.

[nadinbrzezinski]

11. the steroids will do a world of difference, no pun

good luck with that

[ThomCat]

12. I hope the injection helps.

:hug:

A number of us here have had those anti-inflamatory drugs injected into our lower spines. I don't know anyone who's had the injections in their neck.

Please let us know how it goes. Be well.

[Mythsaje]

14. Will do.

I figure there are plenty of people here who'd appreciate the updates.

All the support is appreciated.

[Akoto]

22. I was recently diagnosed with a chronic condition, too ...

No cure. It's difficult news to face, but I am not allowing myself to be discouraged. There are treatments out there. Until then, I will make the most of the less painful days and learn to cope with the rest!

Glad to hear that there is a surgery which might help you get out of this, though.

[elizfeelinggreat]

23. I had/have the same problem, same area

I hope you find relief soon.

Years ago I suffered similar pains and they thought I had rotator cuff problems. I was treated for that without relief for quite a while before the disk degeneration was found. I have managed to avoid more invasive treatments by doing specific neck exercises and they are working amazingly well. I know to step up the frequency and pay attention to my posture when my shoulder or back starts hurting me.

[madokie]

24. I could send you some hydrocodone but that would prolly get us both in hot water

or jail even so for now I'll be sending some good vibes and well wishes. its colardarties for me. say clogged arteries real fast ;-)

[Mythsaje]

29. Thankfully, I've got plenty of pain meds.

As long as I don't have to drive, which means I have to avoid taking them for however long, and stay ahead of the pain, I do okay.

[alfredo]

27. I've got something similar. If surgery can't help you will see you can

manage the pain with getting a good night's sleep, plenty liquids and a good attitude. In time the pain will just be a bother, but something you can live with.

Mine is inoperable so I've had to live with it. If it comes down to it, you will learn to live with it and accept it. The anxiety that magnifies the pain will disappear as you accept the pain. Good attitude is important.

If they tell you you can't lift over X amount of weight, don't lift over that amount. Keep all records so you can show them to SSI. I got 100% disability on the first try. Second opinions are a good thing.

[Mythsaje]

30. If I end up having to go that route, I will...

It's going to be about seeing what I can do and how I can manage it in the meantime.

[alfredo]

31. Chances are good you earned your aches and pains from working hard

and playing hard. It is your reward for living a full life. Fix what you can, and accept what you can't. In the end life is good.

[mac2]

32. Pain and back problems are not the same today....

they do have surgery and new technology.

They told a family member that nothing could be done years ago too. The doctor said it was inoperable (maybe to his knowledge). It took me two years to talk him into having an other opinion from a famous back doctor. His leg was getting smaller and he lost his balance a couple times. That did it. He went and had back fusion surgery and is new recovering with less pain. I don't know if it will be a full recovery since he waited too long. Time will tell.

The Brits claim they can not do wonderful things to bringing back scar tissue in the back. Everyday something new is happening in this field.

As we age and hurt our backs (large percentage of the population) the demand is a reason to do it. Don't ever just sit back and accept pain. Be pro-active in your own health. Don't accept no.