Finally !!!!!

[Janet]

About ten this morning a male nurse called and gave me a heads-up about my MRI. He had woken me up and my mind wasn't working at full speed, but he said it looks to be 2 slipped discs in my neck. He reminded me of the follow-up appointment on August 1 at 9:30 am.

So I guess now I can find someone for Physical Therapy. I didn't want to until I found out exactly what was going on because I didn't want more damage to be caused.

You know....I cleaned house Friday and Saturday and felt really good. My upper arm ached, but my neck and shoulder really didn't cause me any real problems. Yesterday a family friend came to see Mom and when she was leaving she gave me a hug. She squeezed just a little too tight and I let out a yelp (which scared her half to death) and it's been hurting ever since.

[DianaB]

Finally you've found out what your problem is!!! Did the guy tell you what to do in the meantime???? I guess that August is just a week away so it probably wouldn't do much good to try and get another appointment.

Sorry, that the hug made you hurt again. Take some ibuprophen and it will help with the inflamation.

[Tiramisu]

That doesn't sound too good. Will they need to to surgery?

I'm reluctantly starting PT for my neck on Wednesday. I told my doc I'd go two three times to be fair. She was surprised I'd go once. Really wish the breast reduction surgery would have worked.

[Janet]

I hope there will be no surgery. From what I researched online today...it sounded just like me. Said treatment was usually PT and meds and that it usually is cured. May take more time for the tingling to go away, but so far I'm not feeling any tingling....that's a good thing. Still have to wait until Aug. 1 for the follow up, but I'll be calling now for the PT appt. Hopefully that can get started soon.

[judy]

So glad that you finally got a diagnosis, and are going to begin treatment! What caused a slipped disc?

With PT, it can be cured? That is wonderful news Janet!

[JJJ]

It's always good to know the problem. Hope PT works out.

[Janet]

I go tomorrow at 10:30 for physical therapy. My insurance pays all except for a $20 co-pay.

[DianaB]

That's great!!! At least you have insurance that will help. We only have major medical so that means all the tests I had done we'll have to pay for.

I hope you're able to get some relief.

[gja1000]

Janet, I'm so glad that you may be able to get some help!!! I'm also grateful for insurance!

Diana, I'm sorry you have to pay for your medical tests. I know they are very expensive. We are so fortunate that Gary has Medicare and a supplemental that pays almost all of his medical expenses. I get the statements and I know those tests are very expensive. He gets all of them for his diabetes every three months. Plus, he gets similar (but not the same) every three months for his kidney disease. And then sometimes they run more tests for his heart failure. If we had to pay out of pocket for all those tests, we would be in the poorhouse.

[Janet]

I have a very nice young man from India as my PT. He doesn't think my pain is from slipped discs, but from a stretched/pulled muscle. He did a very thorough exam and then did some massaging type therapy first and then gave me a couple of exercises to do at home. I am to go twice a week. Hopefully after each visit I won't be as sore as I am tonight. I haven't hurt this bad for a few days at least. My PT feels that my pain will be gone in no time. I sure hope so.

[judy]

Well, that's good news! I am sorry that you are in pain right now though!

[DianaB]

I'm sorry that you're hurting but I bet your PT will have you up and going in no time!! Just make sure you do the exercises at home that he gives you!!

[Janet]

I will...I'm not like my mom...I will do them faithfully twice a day just like he told me to do.

[judy]

Go, Janet!!!:D:D:D

[DianaB]

You'll be back in shape in no time!!!!

[Tiramisu]

Still sore? I'm surprised that I enjoyed my PT. She put me on a heated stretcher that pulled on my neck for 30m, ultrasound for 20m, and soft tissue massage for 10m. They want me to go 3 times a week and my copay is $30/visit. And, I have to take off time from work and make that up! Hope I don't need to go for long.

[gja1000]

Sandy, Gary was able to get one of those portable neck stretchers to use at home. He is doing so well, he only used it a few times, but it really helped him!

[Janet]

Oh wow Sandy...it's sounds more of a spa treatment...lol. I would love to be put on a heated stretcher....sounds enjoyable since I have no idea what it is... :D I go again in the morning. I have to tell him I picked Mom up twice since my last time. Not sure how I'm gonna keep that from happening again. I'm looking forward to tomorrow therapy. I do know one thing, after the soft tissue massage he gave me.....I've got to go get a real massage at a spa. I still haven't been, but I've just got to. It felt so good.

I don't hurt as bad as right after therapy, but today after the Mom passing out incident, the tech gave me a hug and again....thought I was going through the roof it hurt so bad.

[gja1000]

Janet, be sure to tell the therapist about the hugging thing. That does not really sound like something muscular. If he will let you, show him the hug (by hugging him) and exactly where it hurts.

[DianaB]

I don't like the sound of you hurting so bad from a hug. I agree with Gayle...talk to your PT about it.

[Janet]

I will do just that.....besides....he's a nice looking young man....lol.

[DianaB]

Sandy, I hope your therapy was as relaxing as it sounds!!!!

[Janet]

I know this is hard to believe...I did tell him about the hug....but I was too embarassed to ask for one or to give him one...lol. He did have an explaination for it....having to do something with my posture.

[judy]

I would have been embarrassed too! But, he seems to have pinpointed the reason! Try taking hot baths or lie on a heated wet towel.

[Janet]

Not sure about the 'hot' baths. He's been telling me to use cold and the wrap he used Friday felt so good.

[gja1000]

It's true that cold is better for some injuries.

[judy]

Do not take hot baths!!! No towels either!!

I'm 100% sure that your PT knows better than I do!

[Janet]

I just love ya Judy!!! I went to town this evening to visit with some classmates and now....I'm so sore from all the hugs I could just cry. Waiting on the pain pills to kick in. It's hard to tell someone you haven't see for awhile or don't see often not to hug me. I'm paying for it big time.

[judy]

Awww! But you had a great time, and the pain pills will help with the pain.

[gja1000]

I know you had a great time and you really needed to get out of the house and have some fun and laugh! I'm so happy for you. Yep, the pain from the hugs is well worth it!

[Janet]

Yes....I can handle the pain as long as it comes with hugs. It was such a wonderful evening with old friends and classmates. I truly enjoyed every minute and can't wait until we can all get together again. It was exactly what the Dr. (and nurse Gayle) ordered.

[gja1000]

:) :p :)