The pain continues...........

iVillage Member
Registered: 04-08-2007
The pain continues...........
22
Thu, 10-18-2007 - 5:16pm

Shelley's back pain that is. It's sooooooo horrible. Yesterday I took off work to take her to see the specialist for her EMG. It was all normal. Which is good news and bad news. Bad that we don't know what is going on! This has been going on for months and we are both so ready to be off this roller coaster. I should be not bathing and dressing my 41 year old wife! Of course I don't mind it, but she should not be going through this at her age. We both like this specialist but we don't feel like he's listening. We both have been telling him she needs anther MRI. Yes, she just had one in June. But, a few weeks after that MRI her pain got considerably worse. Her first MRI showed 3 bulging disks in her spine. It's very possible that 1 or more of those have herniated.

So, today we went back to our primary care Dr. Shelley was so out of it from being in pain that she could barely tell her what's going on. I had to talk for her. The plan now is a new MRI, and stronger pain meds. She gave her a script for Oxycontin. Her pain is so bad that she needs something strong to bring it down in order for something like Vicodin to work effectively. The Oxy is time released so we are hopeful it will give her long lasting pain relief. The Vicodin is now for breakthrough pain between Oxy doses.

It's so hard to see her this way, sitting in the house day after day. She only leaves the house for Dr's appointments......usually just once per month. I want her to have just 1 day where she is not in gut wrenching soul shaking pain. I want my funny, sarcastic, joke telling, practical joke pulling girl back. I just want her to be happy and feel normal again.

Shannon

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Avatar for mschiffven
iVillage Member
Registered: 04-25-2003
Thu, 10-18-2007 - 6:02pm
{{{{{{{{hugs}}}}}}}} This has got to be really hard on you both. It is devastating to see your partner unable to be the person you know she is. She is very lucky to have your love and support through this. I hope the medical team can find out the problem so they can help repair it for her, for you both- and soon!

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iVillage Member
Registered: 05-20-2007
Thu, 10-18-2007 - 6:28pm

Hi Shannon.

iVillage Member
Registered: 03-25-2007
Thu, 10-18-2007 - 6:33pm

((Shannon))


What can I say that hasn't already been said. I can't imagine how you are doing all of that, going to school, and going to work. Your head must be crazy and your body spent at the end of each day. I am so sorry.


Major Hugs


Blue

BLUE DIA
iVillage Member
Registered: 02-15-2004
Thu, 10-18-2007 - 6:37pm

 


Hugs,


Sebastian


 


http://www.facebook.com/sebastianbruce

iVillage Member
Registered: 04-08-2007
Thu, 10-18-2007 - 6:57pm

I am frustrated for her. Most days I just do what needs to be done but yesterday was hard. Just sitting there watching the Dr stick a 5 inch needle into her again and again was hard. I got all misty eyed and almost started crying right there. The opposite side of the coin is hard when you work in health care. What do I do for me? Well this week I'm eating alot of Halloween candy.....not productive! LOL I don't do much for me, I don't have the time. I always have my bubble bath at night, to relax before bed time. I hang with my pooches and day dream about our commitment ceremony ( June 20, 2009! ). Life is hard right now, but forever the optimist I know it will get better. Thanks for the hugs and positive thoughts!

Shannon

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iVillage Member
Registered: 04-08-2007
Thu, 10-18-2007 - 6:58pm

Thanks Ven, I appreciate it. It will get better, it just takes time. Patience is not a virtue I possess. LOL

Shannon

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iVillage Member
Registered: 04-08-2007
Thu, 10-18-2007 - 7:06pm

I don't know, you just do what needs to be done. I try very hard to keep myself focused on my goals when it comes to school. It's hard but I know it's a short term sacrifice for long term rewards. And, God forbid that Shelley permenantly disables out of work I need to finish school so that I can suport us on my own. At work I just try to keep my head above water and my patience in check. I know I have alot going on because I keep forgetting things. Yesterday I locked us out of the house on the way to Shelley's Dr appt. I had to walk to her Mom's and then back to get my keys so I could drive us.

The lesson in all of this for Shell and I has been patience. We are more patient with each other, more understanding. The things that used to upset me don't anymore. I just want to spend each day making her as happy and comfortable as I can. I keep telling her in a few years when I'm pregnant then she can do the same for me because I plan on milking it for all it's worth! LOL

It will get better, it will get better............repeat X 100

Hugs,
Shannon

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iVillage Member
Registered: 04-08-2007
Thu, 10-18-2007 - 7:07pm

Thanks Seb! It really does mean alot to me that so many people here are thinking about us.

Hugs,
Shannon

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iVillage Member
Registered: 03-25-2007
Thu, 10-18-2007 - 8:09pm

I know what you mean about keeping your head above water. Teaching the extra class gives me no time during the day to get things done. When I find a moment all I want to do is sit at my desk and stare. I always have tons of papers to grade. It's like laundry...the never ending story.


I love spending the weekend with S. It does require preplanning, though. I am packed for Saturday and Sunday right now, because when I get off work tomorrow, I am on my way. I should probably take a weekend, really clean my house and, see some friends around here, but I am so drawn in her direction. I think that I may take some papers to grade, but I will most likely not get anything done, and it will be all my fault. I don't care at all when I am there.


Monday is ds's birthday. He says he doesn't want anything, but for his family to be back together. THAT'S not going to happen, since I sent the retainer to the attorney today. I think I will get him an iPod. Does that come close to having his family together???? No, I don't think so. He is also so majorly stressed about school, that he scares me. He is seeing his therapist tomorrow. I'm glad.


Well, we'll muddle through this together. You know that I am always pulling for you.


Hugs to You,

BLUE DIA
iVillage Member
Registered: 04-08-2007
Thu, 10-18-2007 - 8:16pm

I'm pulling for you too! You deserve all the happiness and peace in the world sweet woman!

Hugs,
Shannon

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