Well another fine mess I've gotten myself into

[SadieKate]

Oh, sheesh, when it rains it pours. I can feel a little empathy for you. I have a lipoma on my back that is too close to a regular injection site and it's been getting a bit upset so I trotted off to doctor who prodded it . . . and I hit the ceiling. It's right over the sacroiliac joint and has been mimicking sciatica for years. Who knew? I can feel your pain.

My surgeon's appt is Monday. I'll be thinking of you.

[bcipam]

Oh, sheesh, when it rains it pours. I can feel a little empathy for you. I have a lipoma on my back that is too close to a regular injection site and it's been getting a bit upset so I trotted off to doctor who prodded it . . . and I hit the ceiling. It's right over the sacroiliac joint and has been mimicking sciatica for years. Who knew? I can feel your pain.

My surgeon's appt is Monday. I'll be thinking of you.

Sadie is it the same thing I have? I would like to know what your surgeon has to say about the surgery and the down time after. I cried all the way home from work (surprise I didn't have an accident - I don't remember driving home). I'm not afraid of surgery I just don't need another right now Seems like things are always keeping me from riding. What's up with that???

[SadieKate]

A lipoma isn't a cyst at all; it is an amorphous blob of unencapsulated fat. My lipoma just happens to be, probably and maybe, in the same place as your cyst. Mine is probably a lot more in the elective surgery status. It doesn't like any pressure on it and I have to locate it for whoever is giving me an injection in the posterior. So I'm just going in for an evaluation whether 1) it is even possible to remove the thing and 2) weigh the risk against the need. I'm nowhere near in the pain you are - at least until my doc pushes on it.

I have been dropped to my knees by sciatic pain but I learned how to control the pain before I learned that the lipoma could be causing it. Fortunately, I've been pretty pain-free since then. But I have to have the injections the rest of my life. Therefore, I'm just in exploratory mode right now.

We need Lise or Doc. Did I get my description of a lipoma right?

Pam, I know this is incredibly difficult news right on the heel of your cancer surgery but I truly believe things come in cycles. For a while, I was afraid to pick up the phone for the bad news. My mom was in the neuro-surg ICU with a brain tumor (all is well now) when my dad discovered a lump which turned out to be non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma, but things work out. Doesn't mean I don't pound my fist on walls at times but then I focus on the light at the end and start putting one foot in front of the other. It's the only way I know how to get through it.

[salsabike]

Everything SadieKate said.

Jeez, Pam. There are times when life just piles it on. Luckily, there are those other times when we have clear, lovely sailing for a while. Just know that those times will be back too.

[LBTC]

{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{Pam}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}

I'm sorry you're hurting so and have to go through this again! Trust yourself and the universe, honey. This, as with all things, will pass.

You've been an inspiration to me. Thank you!

ps maybe when you get a chance you can tell me what my scopes will be like. I don't want to think about them until late Feb....about a week before they happen, okay? Is it a deal?

Thanks!

Hugs and butterflies,
~T~

[Duck on Wheels]

My formerly fellow Americans,

You have just GOT to get it together and get yourselves a national health plan! Why on earth should it be the poor working person's tough luck if they happen to get cancer, and then a cyst, or maybe a broken leg, or whatever? In sensible countries your surgery AND your down time from work are covered by national health insurance. Everybody pays over their taxes, and everybody is covered. Companies love it because it means there's a level playing field amongst them and a generally healthy population to recruit from. Too expensive, you say? You're already paying twice what we Scandinavians pay per capita for your health coverage, and not getting half the service we get. And don't think you don't pay for those who aren't covered. One way or another, the bill comes around. For instance in the form of antibiotics-resistant diseases because of all those poor working folks who can't afford to take a whole series of medications, just the first few doses until the symptoms fade and then sell off the rest.

Well, at least your insurance is now covering the direct costs, Pam. Hang in there! Sorry I can't get this pushed through Congress in time for your upcoming surgery. I don't even have a vote back in California any more.

[bcipam]

I have to say I am fortunate to have the insurance I do. My cancer surgery costs were close to $100,000 and I will be paying something less than $3,000 I had the best of care at Mission Hospital, was treated royalty. Because of my insurance now, I will no doubt be able to expediate this surgery in order to have it done this year (and save me money). I'm not knocking a National plan, I hate to think people are not covered for this sort of thing but I can't imagine a National plan will be better than what I have.

I know this debate can go on and on. Frankly right now I am just so depressed about having surgery and another hosptial stay, and being down off by bike I don't want to think about it. The tears haven't stopped. And this has been a particularly sucky year for me. So much has happened between recovering from my collarbone surgery late 2005, having to move out of the house I was sharing with a roommate because he got a girlfriend and moved her in without asking me, financial issues, lost of a long time girlfriend (no she didn't die - our friendship ended for Inguess a million reasons done of which I know), the cancer, the betrayal of my friendship by a man I thought cared for me, and now this. Boy I can't wait for 2007!

Thanks for the advice you all about just getting through this. The time will pass soon enough and plus, maybe all the back and leg pain I've had (and thought was due to an old back) will go away. I can't tell you tha last time I had a really good nights sleep. I usually woke up several times due to back or leg pain. Of course right now the Vicodin is helping. Like I said, I can see why folks gets addicted to pain killers. My body usually has tons of aches and pains. Not right now! Oh Vicodin, sweet Vicodin!

[mimitabby]

My formerly fellow Americans,

You have just GOT to get it together and get yourselves a national health plan! Why on earth should it be the poor working person's tough luck if they happen to get cancer, and then a cyst, or maybe a broken leg, or whatever? In sensible countries your surgery AND your down time from work are covered by national health insurance. Everybody pays over their taxes, and everybody is covered. Companies love it because it means there's a level playing field amongst them and a generally healthy population to recruit from. Too expensive, you say? You're already paying twice what we Scandinavians pay per capita for your health coverage, and not getting half the service we get. And don't think you don't pay for those who aren't covered. One way or another, the bill comes around. For instance in the form of antibiotics-resistant diseases because of all those poor working folks who can't afford to take a whole series of medications, just the first few doses until the symptoms fade and then sell off the rest.

Well, at least your insurance is now covering the direct costs, Pam. Hang in there! Sorry I can't get this pushed through Congress in time for your upcoming surgery. I don't even have a vote back in California any more.

Boy, you have got that right. I am always worried about my sons who alternately do not have insurance (right now one does the other doesn't)
what if something HAPPENS to them??!?

[margo49]

Everything SadieKate said.

Jeez, Pam. There are times when life just piles it on. Luckily, there are those other times when we have clear, lovely sailing for a while. Just know that those times will be back too.

What Salsa and SK sed too
Live your life 1/4 of an hour at a time till things improve - you can stand anything physical or mental for 15 minutes.

In my thoughts and prayers (a local call from here!)

[bcipam]

Just an update... I rode my bike Saturday. I felt sluggish and was worried I would have some pain, but although I'm clearly out of shape since my surgery, I did OK. We did a relatively flat 30 miles with one big hill. I was slow up the hill but was able to crank up it.

But the good news was after the ride, I felt like well normal. My leg didn't hurt. I went to Michaels and bought some craft stuff, I did the grocery shopping, got home, cleaned house, worked in the yard, took stuff out to the garage, cleaned my bike, worked on Christmas cards, did laundry and finally around 6p, took my shower and hit the couch. I was tired, but a good tired.

Sunday was also a good day and so its today. My leg is numb but not aching. I'm going to try and wean myself off the Vicodin and hopefully not have to take any starting today. It's made me all constipated with is another issue I have to deal with, but that I can deal with.

I see the doctor tomorrow to discuss the MRI and his findings and with the surgeon later this week. I'll update once I know more. Thanks for all the HUGS, they keep me warm and fuzzy inside!!!

[Triskeliongirl]

I am glad to hear you had a good weekend. Hang in there and keep us posted how the visit goes tomorrow. {{{HUGS}}}

[light_sabe_r]

A lipoma isn't a cyst at all; it is an amorphous blob of unencapsulated fat.
We need Lise or Doc. Did I get my description of a lipoma right?

I may not be Lise or Doc, But Yes you did get the description right. I've the pleasure of growing fat from a lipoma come through our fat research lab. (Don't all get grossed out at once. Every biologist has to make her living somehow)

Looks the same as any other fat. it's NOT malignant. It will grow out but will not invade like cancer.

the cells just undergo mitosis a lot more than usual is all. They're NOT immortal like cancer cells



bcipam!

That's wonderful news about the cyst! Not so wonderful news about arthritis... But more than wonderful news about being encouraged to ride! YAY FOR YOU!

[Triskeliongirl]

You might ask your doctor for a referral to a physical therapist (which your insurance then might pay for) who can design an exercise program for you. After my cycling accident I had a problem with my SI joint and general back weakness. The PT gave me a back strengthening program which I found more helpful than general yoga/pilates classes since due to the nature of my injuries not all exercises one might do in a gym or yoga class were appropriate. At her suggestion, I purchased a balance ball which came with a workout DVD and found that also did wonders for my back and core, and can be done in the convenience of your own home. Good luck with healing. At least you can still ride, and at least surgery is off the table right now. I think eating healthy food and doing the right exercise (i.e. what your med experts say is safe) will be good for your to heal, and perhaps slow the progression of your arthritis. Perhaps others with more experience in this area can chime in. Healing thoughts are going your way!

[mimitabby]

oh gawd,
i had a lipoma for almost 20 years right on my spine. finally it started getting so big that it was showing.. so i went to a surgeon and had it cut out.
It was the noisiest operation. I kept cracking jokes because of all the noise
the surgeon was making cutting through gristle. "I'm a hen that would take hours to cook, talk about tough!"
He wasn't amused. he said i shouldn't have waited so long (and contradicted the doctor that said to wait)

Listen to Triskelion girl, she's right. They are finding that people recover from all sorts of back injuries on their own. Exercise with a focus on posture and core training might be all you need. As a bicyclist, you are already dedicated to fitness, so you can heal yourself.

[Trekhawk]

Pam - I just read your post and Im so pleased for you that the cyst is benign but sorry to hear about your back problems.

Pilates and Yoga sound like great ideas and Im so happy that riding is a good thing for you.

Take Care

Leslie