well, not really mean
but definitely grumpy
My hip has been giving me grief for a couple of months. My spine doctor insists that’s the cause, that my L4 and L5 vertabrae or whatever they are are pressing on my nerves. They’re definitely standing on my nerves! It feels like someone is pushing a nail into my hip at times, and another one into the small of my back She has been singularly unhelpful about resolving this and I refuse to accept that nothing can be done except further steroid injections. The last ones were what started this whole mess.** I asked my family doctor to refer me to a different spine doctor, I got a call a week later, saw the new doctor this week and she thinks it’s actually my hips, that my spine is not as bad as I was told. We’ve scheduled a new MRI, she’s looking at the hip x-rays that were done and I have an appointment with pain management next week, so I’m hoping that something can be done. I wasn’t built for this – chronic pain is exhausting.
I bought a TENS machine. It works quite well but doesn’t address the underlying issue. I’m grateful for the amount of relief it gives, even if it doesn’t last. Of course, it might last longer if a certain dog didn’t think that pushing on me was a great idea. I don’t mean leaning, I mean PUSHING. He literally shoves me around. Even when I’m sitting down. I love him. I really do. I have no idea how to stop this behavior – nothing has worked for 7 years.
I just finished reading Mao’s America by Xi Van Fleet. This lady lived through the Cultural Revolution in China, what she has to say about events before the last election is terrifying. GIve it a read, it’s well worth it. I’m now half way (or more) through The Great Gatsby. It’s been eons since I read it, so it’s like a whole new book! I remember bits and pieces but that’s about it – and it may well have been required reading – my first degree is in English Lit – so I probably was drunk as a skunk tipsy when I read it. (Ask me sometime about reading Moby Dick in 2 nights) (AKA, Moby Douche) I’m not sure what’s next, I bought a few books by authors I’ve never heard of onlybecause they were being canceled for liking Harry Potter. If you’re not aware, J.K.Rowling is a very vocal supporter of women’s rights and speaks out about men who claim to be women invading women’s spaces. When a woman who has just been raped is denied the right to ask for a female doctor – and not a man wearing a dress and a wig – well, that’s just wrong. We’ve fought too hard for too long for women to give in to this mess.
And on top of the hip issue, I have a rash that won’t go away. I’m just going to good old Gold Bond Powder next.
At any rate, all this bs is making me crabby.
** this is my opinion, no one will substantiate it – of course
Suziecreamcheese Sings the Blues 
It’s so good that you finally got to see a different doctor! Hopefully this one will look at your case with fresh eyes and a functioning brain to find a way to help you.
I was watching one of those autopsy medical shows, and the case of the day was a woman with degenerative disc disease. They talked about how debilitating it is and how the pain wears you down. I thought of you when I saw it. 😢 Do you think they might want to do hip replacement for you? Might that bring relief?
I think I am the only person to have read Moby Dick and not cared about what happened to Captain Ahab. I only enjoyed the sections about the whaling industry. Have you read Ethan Frome recently? It’s a short book with a nice emotional punch.
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She mentioned the hip bursa and so much other stuff – my head was spinning. It’s more likely going to be shots in the hip for now. She actually showed me the spine images and pointed out the nerves – and commented that they are not being compressed. I’m hopeful. I’ve always believed that God will never give me more than I can handle – apparently He thinks I can handle this. And who am I to doubt His wisdom?
I think the worst part is that it’s isolating. People don’t understand – especially when you seem fine and then you turn wrong and you’re gasping in pain. But I see people in much worse shape – it could be worse! I have books, fabric and booze, what more could I ask for? 😂
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That is such wonderful news that your nerves aren’t being compressed! It sounds like there is real hope for relief with this new doctor. I’m glad you kept pushing until you got to meet with her.
Imagine that first night that you get to sleep without pain! Ahhhh….
You are so right about hidden disabilities!! Has your doctor recommended Behavioral Therapy in dealing with the emotional side of chronic pain? (If you go, I’d be interested in what their approach is.)
Now, if only you could convince Maverick that you aren’t one of his toys…
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I’ve been doing a lot of reading- the Pain Management Workbook is great. I see that doctor on Tuesday so I’ll know more then
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Also, I read Ethan Frome about a year ago and couldn’t wait for it to end. 😂
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I hated it the first time I read it, but the second time I connected with the story and the characters. That time I felt the tragedy.
At least it was a short read! 😆
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I am so sorry about your hip. Living with pain is very draining and unpleasant. Thank you for the book suggestions. I’ve read Moby Dick a very long time agom, but in Swedish. The Great Gatsby I’ve never read but I saw the movie. Mao’s America by Xi Van Fleet sounds very interesting.
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In Swedish? Is that your native language? We actually visited Melville’s home in Pittsfield, Mass one summer – interesting tour
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Yes, Swedish is my native language. That sounds like a very interesting tour. We’ve done some tours of author’s homes and birthplaces.
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My friend and I were the only people on the tour so it was great. I love doing tours, especially when the guide can answer questions!
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I agree. It is interesting and a learning experience.
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I’m sorry you haven’t found anything to help with the rash, maybe it’s a heat rash? It’s been very very hot and humid here too! So the corn starch didn’t sooth it any?
Well it sounds like maybe hope for your hip and that it’s not your back! Let us know what she decided is best for your hip. I get a nerve caught in a bulging (or herniated) disk I have (from a fall down basement stairs about 30 something years ago.) When a nerve gets caught in it, oh my gosh, there is no getting up or down.
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I didn’t use corn starch – I have a cream from the doctor but it’s taking forever to work. I’m gonna try good old Gold Bond powder.
I think my spine has issues but not as badly as I was led to believe. Fingers crossed and praying
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Will put you in my prayers 🙂
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Thank you so much
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I’m sorry that you are experiencing this ongoing pain, but it sounds like you might be on the right path with this new doctor. Pain management seems like it makes a lot of sense. At least no one has said ‘hip replacement surgery’ – yet. I can’t even begin to imagine post surgery with Maverick!
Anyhow, I hope you find some positive measures to help!
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Maverick had me up half the night with the runs and throwing up. I think it’s just upset stomach from a different food but we’ll see the vet tomorrow
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I hope you get relief soon.
If you think the steroid shot made it worse, it probably did. You don’t want to hear my story but it took several years of try this, try that, how about this before I got relief.
Prayers are prayed.
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I would love to hear your story. This is going on 20 years here, so it’s past time for something to be fixed
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