I'm falling apart

**clueless campers** · 03-19-2012, 11:08 PM

About a month ago the doctor diagnosed drop foot, put me on Lasix for the terrible swelling in my feet and legs (not helping), ordered blood work for thyroid (came back ok), then last week I had to have tests done on my liver and an MRI on my back. Doc seemed to think it was my sciatic nerve, but I have no pain in my legs at all - just my spine and a little to the right at waist level and I lose my balance going around corners so I stay close to the walls.
I should get the liver and MRI results Wednesday. I sure hope something can be done SOON to end this pain.
The only wheels I want under my butt are those on the Sunline or one of the trucks but it's gotten to the point where I can't stand or walk for more than about 5 minutes.

Poppy & Nana · 03-20-2012, 06:39 AM

As we get older our body parts seem to fail.....my problem is I didn't think I was "getting older".....

Jim-Bev-2363 · 03-20-2012, 11:33 AM

If I knew I'd last this long I'd have taken better care of myself. Hope you find a solution soon.

Murphie · 03-20-2012, 03:47 PM

Sorry to hear about your challenges. A while back I had cancer, I beat it. But like many people I am in pain too. The cancer Hospital taught me how to meditate. That and some pain medication keeps it in check to some degree. There are pain clinics that can help as well. One day while feeling sorry for myself I ran into someone in the local supermarket that that was a double amputee, above the knees. I know to some degree I am lucky. Give meditation a try. It may help you as well. Hospitals have free relaxation classes for cancer patients. You could possibly join one of them. Hope this helps

Richard

kanyonkitty · 03-20-2012, 06:04 PM

Dona,

Sorry to hear that you are having health issues. I hope some of the tests provide some info as to what is causing the pain, so the docs can figure out a way to help you.

Kitty

**Sunline Fan** · 03-21-2012, 01:04 AM

Hope you feel better soon Dona!!

**JohnB** · 03-21-2012, 08:06 PM

Dona, hope you start feeling better soon and they can figure out the problem to start the healing.

John and Cindy

**clueless campers** · 03-21-2012, 10:54 PM

Thank you for the well wishes.
I went back to the doctor today. Still don't know what's going on. His biggest concern at the time is the swelling which hasn't changed. The Lasix has been doubled and Prednisone has been added (20 mg twice a day).
The results of the blood work to check the liver still aren't back - I think 9 days should be plenty of time!
The MRI showed a slight bulging disc but "not that bad".
The doctor said drop foot is caused by nerve damage but can't find a pinched nerve.
Still having trouble standing/walking more than 5 minutes and losing my balance going around corners or on stairs.
My legs feel so weak. I can't stand from a low (read normal commode height) seated position without pushing/pulling myself up.
I was experiencing severe pain yesterday and Monday, even when sitting or lying down. Of course it was much better today at the doctor's!
I have a prescription for a handicap parking card, so I'll go to the BMV tomorrow since I need to renew the registration on my truck and the camper within the next three weeks.
One thing I know is that I don't want to be dependent on pain medication.

Jim-Bev-2363 · 03-22-2012, 05:44 AM

Like someone said: "We have nothing to fear but fear itself". That is what your dealing with right now, fear of the unknown. Do not give up until someone finds the problem and be positive about healing. I live with chronic pain, with minimum medications, and have since late 80s. What I can tell you is that life changes, we do the best we can with what we have to work with and we can endure more than we think we can.

The Serenity Prayer not just for alcoholics:
God grant me the serenity
to accept the things I cannot change;
courage to change the things I can;
and wisdom to know the difference.

Still praying the doctors will find your problem and you can heal it quickly.

Perhaps this is not the place for it.... but......

My opinion on feeilng better on days we go to the doctor is that when we go to the doctor we are not concentrating on our pains but moving toward a goal greater than ourselves. While staying at home we are engulfed in pain and that is all the mind sees. The pain has not changed but how we perceive it has. Pain becomes second place to seeing the doctor. Once the doctor finds your problem you can then concentrate on life and deaing with whatever your doing instead of feeling the pain.

**clueless campers** · 04-07-2012, 12:32 AM

Still don't know what is going on, but I feel pretty good!

I was experiencing excruciating pain in my back on Saturday/Sunday/Monday. At 1:00 AM Tuesday, I awoke to crushing pain in both knees/no pain in back. At 9:00, still had crushing pain and great difficulty standing up. Managed to grab cell phone and very slowly make it to bathroom. Then it happened

- no matter how I try, I can't get up! I called my mom to come and unlock my front door so the EMT's wouldn't need to break it down and off we went to the ER.

The neurologist ordered 5 MRI's (top of head to bottom of spine), ultrasound of legs and an EMG of legs. Some nerve damage was found.

Wednesday, the pain was gone from the knees, still no pain in back, and on Thursday the swelling of my feet that has been present for over a year completely disappeared!!!

The doctors don't understand what's going on. They said they haven't done anything to end the pain or swelling.

I came home with a walker this evening because I'm still a bit weak (but no pain or swelling) and the doctor's still want to do some further testing.

For now, I'm thankful for all the prayers and well wishes - they obviously worked.

**JohnB** · 04-07-2012, 08:36 PM

Dona, glad to hear things are better. Sounds like a really rough road to get to this point.

Hopefully they can figure out what changed to make it so much better so they can keep it that way.

Will still say a prayer for you tomorrow at church.

Best wishes

John and Cindy

**Sunline Fan** · 04-07-2012, 08:40 PM

Wow Dona. Here's to everything continuing to improve like it has! That's weird how it just went away.

kanyonkitty · 04-07-2012, 09:10 PM

Dona,

Glad to hear your feeling better, lets' hope that what ever it was doesn't return. It's amazing how starting to feel better is such a relief once you've been sick/sore for a while.

Prayers coming your way for continued improvement.

Kitty

**clueless campers** · 04-08-2012, 01:18 AM

Well, I spoke too soon. Although I felt good Friday night, I woke up with back pain and the swelling is returning.

I did miss a dose of Neurontin over night so Jeremy went to the pharmacy to get it this morning. After 2 of the 3 daily doses, the pain became a tolerable ache in the evening.
Charlie and I are going to Maumee Bay for Easter dinner at one of the cottages his cousin has rented. It would be nice if we were camping, but at least we can enjoy nature, family and friends. (Maybe we'll get to see a Bald Eagle again.)
I have a really nice stationary bicycle with adjustable tension that I'm hoping to be able to use again to regain some strength. Pedaling was never a problem, it was lifting my foot high enough to clear the chain guard and get on the bike.
I don't know what the future will bring, but for now I am thankful for each day I'm able to function. The well wishes and prayers everyone sends are greatly appreciated and give me hope for a better tomorrow.
Kitty, Richard and Jim - my thoughts and prayers are with also with you that you find comfort and better days ahead.
Happy Easter and if you are camping, have a great time!

Jim-Bev-2363 · 04-08-2012, 07:15 AM

Our blessings are the days. One at the time. God bless and comfort you.

Poppy & Nana · 04-08-2012, 10:03 AM

Dona, hope and pray that your conditions improves and you can deal with "daily life".