Tuesday, August 11, 2009

I'm not a doctor, I just play one on tv

My doctor called me yesterday afternoon. I do indeed have a herniated disc in my neck. My next step is to go see the spine specialists. He is working to finagle an appointment because he said "they only want to take patients who are almost dead". IF they take me, they'll evaluate my situation and try therapy. If therapy doesn't work, I get to meet with a neurosurgeon about having the herniated disc removed. In the meantime, I have to stay on my pain meds/muscle relaxants.

Here is the thing about the drugs that I think I've mentioned before~they make me light headed and dizzy. That is not conducive to driving. The drugs also don't work 100% of the time so I still end up suffering. Every day is different so I'm learning to manage my pain, but I'd rather be pain free. I've got kids starting school in 3 weeks, one of whom has to be driven to school and picked up. I can't be on drugs and not be able to take care of him.

So, for now I wait. No appointment scheduled yet. No idea how and when this will resolve itself. No alcohol allowed to make it all better (curse you Percocet!).

4 comments:

Jess said...

Ugh. I'm so sorry you're having to deal with this. I hope you're able to get an appointment with a specialist soon, and that you will find a solution to this!

AndreAnna said...

I'd skip the percocet for the booze.

And I've already mentioned this, but I've had back/spine/disc issues for years, and one of the best pain meds I've used was plain ol' Motrin or Alleve. And no feeling loopy.

Good luck and I hope you feel better soon.

Astarte said...

It certainly sounds like you're practically dead to ME.

They take the disc OUT?! What do they put in to hold its place? Play doh?

creative kerfuffle said...

ummm, this is sounding pretty serious and i can't believe the dr said the spine guy doesn't see people until they're almost dead! wth is up w/ our health care system? and, i'm w/ astarte---if they remove it what do they put in its place?