Well another fine mess I've gotten myself into

[eclectic]

{{{{{Oh BCIPAM}}}}} sometimes life really sucks

I hope they can get you in before the end of the year - deductibles really suck too.

Take care of you and prayers that all turns out timely and well

Eclectic

[Bikingmomof3]

I am just now seeing this. ((((((((((Pam))))))))))))) My continues prayers!

[bcipam]

Jen - how are you doing?

[Bikingmomof3]

I am going to live, I think. Thank you for asking. I am far more concerned about you! How are you today? When can you get in? What can I do to help? I have bene meaning to tell you how much I love your avatar.

[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}}}

[Bikingmomof3]

I am pleased to hear your weekend went well. Keep us updatted on what the doctors say.

[Ninabike]

Hey Pam, I'm so glad you went riding. There's something about "the bike" that takes everything else away.

Nina

[Aggie_Ama]

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??!?

Not to threadjack- Mimi I worry about my friends who think health insurance is an unnecessary expense. They can afford it, but cut it to have extra disposable income. I think about my DH who seemed very healthy and had only been to the doctor one time in the past two years, until he spent 6 days in the hospital. Turns out my "healthy" DH has Crohn's disease and currently goes to the doctor once a month. Without insurance we would have a $30k+ hospital bill and could not afford the $8,000 IV therapy that his doctors feel is keeping him off the operating table. I may sound like a nag, but all my friends have received my $.02 worth! <<Off my soapbox>>

Pam- I am so sorry you are enduing more discomfort. It is great your doctor is trying to get you in before the new year! ((HUGS))

[bcipam]

I met with Dr. Legome and we went over the MRI results. It is very clear at about L1-L3, maybe even before that at the thoracic level, I have a cyst; quite a large one (it covers 3 vertebrae). It's funny, I've always known something was there. I can feel it. I just didn't know what it was.

Dr. states it's benign and unless it causes me problems does not need removal. So here's the bad news... the cyst is not causing me the pain and leg weakness. Very clearly starting about L3 my back is arthritic. The vertebrae are all gnarly and spikey looking. Starting at L3 and difinitely worsening at L5, the spinal canal is narrowed (stenosis) due to the arthritis. This narrowing is cutting into the spinal cord causing the pain and the leg weakness. Dr. thinks the leg is permanently damaged and will remain weak, just getting worse with time.

Right now he wants me to continue taking the pain medication and then after the Holiday I go back and we assess the options. He first wants to try an epidural cortisone injection, under a hosptial setting to see if that doesn't give me some relief and eventally we are talking surgery. Much worse surgery than if it were just the cyst. I'll worry about that when it happens. Dr. said things like bike riding are good for my back since it causes me to flex and stretch it out so I plan on riding as much as possible. I'm still trying to come back from the cancer surgery.

Good news for work - means I won't be taking any significant time off for awhile (whew) and things will be OK so I can enjoy Christmas without being flat on my back.

[Bikingmomof3]

((((Pam)))),
I am very glad the cyst is benign. I am terribly sorry to hear the weakness may forever stay and possibly get worse. Keep recovering from your first sugery and thank goodness you are able to bike. Did he mention other things to help strengthen your bones? My mother has severe arthritis in her back. I tried to get her to try yoga or swimming. She does walk, which is good. Healing prayers are being sent your way.

[mimitabby]

what grreat news, your Dr wants you to RIDE!
Hope you heal on your own.. core exercises?

good luck.

[bcipam]

I think I am going to look into starting yoga classes. The stretching and developing core muscles should be helpful. I think hiking/walking it out for awhile as it irritants the stenosis. But I can ride and do spin classes! Yeah!

[snapdragen]

Pam - check into Pilates too, that will help strengthen the core and surrounding muscles. Glad you've dodged the surgery bullet this time!