Wednesday, November 20, 2024

RECAP AND UPDATE

You have been considerate and kind concerning my "health" problems, and I really appreciate that. I feel boring and helpless. I use this blog as a catharsis - - shamelessly releasing my emotions and eventually regretting it.

So - -

I'll recap the past few days.

When I was released from Livingston Hospital last Saturday at around noon, I felt fairly good - - plied with medications. When I got home I was able to walk and fix dinner.

The good times didn't last. By Sunday morning the excruciating, unrelenting pain in my hip, back, and leg returned with a vengence.

I couldn't walk at all, couldn't even move my right leg. Completely helpless, I just collapsed in the wheel chair in the living room. That was my homestead for the next three days.

Sunday, Monday, and Tuesday I lived in the wheelchair in the living room. The pain was so intense that I absolutely couldn't move. I had no food or water for three days. Fortunately there was a case of Pepsi near the front door which I had ordered from Walmart. I'm not exactly crazy about Pepsi, but it was cheap.

I managed to reach over and pry open the box. I existed solely on Pepsi for three days.

So - -

I'm trapped in the living room in a wheelchair. What? No bathroom?? Have you ever tried to pee in an empty Pepsi can? Don't. I have a pretty good aim. Most of the time.

What did I do for entertainment? I had my two cell phones with me (a new one and an old one). I was able to write blog posts and watch videos on YouTube.

I also had an important prescription to fill. Walmart pharmacy is IMPOSSIBLE to deal with online. I kept getting messages that they couldn't confirm my identity.

I've had a Walmart account for over twenty years. If they don't know my identity now, they never will.

Why don't they come over and watch me pee in a Pepsi can?

So - -

On Monday morning I called the Home Care office and had one of the nurses come over an get my prescription.

Another nurse would pick the prescription up on Tuesday and bring it to me.

That's one helluva long time to wait when you're in agonizing pain.

There was torrential rain on Tuesday afternoon. Ironically, Walmart delivered a kitchen cabinet that I ordered last week.

Finally the nurse came with my prescription. She also offered food but I politely declined. I don't want to be a pain in the ass.

So - -

It's now late Tuesday night....or early Wed. morning. Still in wheelchair, still in livingroom.

The new meds might be starting to help. I'm still in pain......but I managed to get my wheelchair into the hallway, by the kitchen and dining area.

I have presently been changing everything around in the kitchen. My (new) refrigerator isn't in the kitchen. I put it in the dining area near the hall.

So - -

I pulled the wheelchair up to the hall doorway. With a great effort I was able to reach the fridge and open the door! Somehow I managed to reach a few readily edible things - - ham, cheese, and an apple. Not exactly a meal, but better than three days of Pepsi.

I'm rambling too much. Better speed it up.

So - -

On late Tuesday afternoon I took my first dose of prednisone.

It's now Wednesday morning. According to the Internet, prednisone has about 500 side effects (very slight exaggeration). I haven't had any. So far.

The extremely intense nerve pain has somewhat subsided - - but my hip still hurts like hell. Can't lift my right leg or put any pressure on it while trying to stand. I'm still not able to walk.....but I made a heroic effort to get into bed. It failed. Too much pain and a fear that I'll never be able to crawl out again.

So, for right now, I'm back in the wheelchair. In the living room.

My phone battery is nearly dead. It's time to recharge.

Much luv, Jon


I didn't edit this. Hope it's ok.


31 comments:

  1. Jon, please try to accept help? Food is important! Meanwhile you're very much on my mind.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I truly wish I wasn't so stubborn. I hate to cry for help - - but food is definitely important. I hope the meds will help so I can get back in the kitchen to prepare a decent meal.
      Thanks, Liz.

      Delete
    2. I can't make it a complete promise, but I'll try. Honest. Real food is better than a Pepsi diet....

      Delete
    3. Jon, stern mother voice. The help is NOT charity. Please rethink this.

      Delete
    4. I will rethink. I have always been fiercely independent, wanting to do everything myself (inherited from my father)

      Delete
  2. I'm sorry to read you are suffering in pain Jon, and pain in your buttock and leg region, sounds like sciatica, which is made worse from sitting, oftentimes caused by a disc problem.
    I think it would be a good idea to leave little emergency food supplies around your kitchen, living area, bedroom, keep them in a little tote so they are handy to get to, then you have several options close by.
    If I lived closer, I would come by and help you, but sadly that is not an option.
    Please accept whatever help is offered, even though that is hard for you to do, people truly are willing.
    Healing wishes sent your way.
    Hugs,
    ~Jo

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I have several back and spinal issues, including sciatica - and it complicates everything. I'm worried about having to sit too much, which intensifies pain and weakens muscles. I've been trying to stand occasionally.
      Emergency food supplies are a good idea. I'm at least glad that I can now reach the refrigerator.
      Thanks, Jo!

      Delete
  3. Good Lord Jon, what a way. I feel for you and I am so sorry you have to go through this terrible ordeal! And yes, it is utterly f-ing ridiculous what companies (not just Walmart btw) put you through to PROVE your identity these days! WTH do they want? A DNA test sent to them? UGH!!

    Please take care - I am thinking of you.
    - Kim

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    Replies
    1. It's really frustrating because I was feeling fine last week. I don't know what caused this to happen, since I didn't sustain any injuries or anything. My life is always a challenge and adventure.
      Ironically, they let you vote with no ID.....but Walmart wants birth certificates, fingerprints, photos, and DNA tests *smile*
      Thanks, Kim!

      Delete
  4. Jon,
    Haven't been by here in a while and now I find you're in these straights. I feel so bad for you that you don't have a caregiver. I am so thankful that I could be Bill's caregiver for the last three years of his life. We were lucky because he wasn't in pain but he did have a lot discomfort with the loss of his eyesight and his inability to take care of himself. For me, I feel so blessed that I was able to care for him. I'm having trouble getting around myself now. Pat is still in Canada, we're waiting for his K-1 VISA to be approved so we can get married. Then comes the challenge, perhaps living together. I feel I will need help in a few years because I am having a hard time getting around now and my blood pressure is up. I just hope I can get out of this life without a stroke. My only fear now other than what a mess the election of Trump is going to have on our country.
    I hope by the time you read this comment that your situation has improved. You're too young for this!
    Ron

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    Replies
    1. It's really good to hear from you, Ron. I still read your blog but haven't been commenting lately. Bill was very fortunate to have such good care at the end. Your dedication and immense help was truly a blessing. I hope you will have the same care when you need it. It's exciting to know that you and Pat will be married.
      I have been cursed with health problems but keep pushing forward and hoping for the best.
      Take care and hugs.

      Delete
  5. Little Sir Echo here .... strongly suggesting you set aside your pride and accept what help's being offered. Tom's (hip) pain levels these last several months sound frighteningly similar, yet after his steroidal injection last week they've all but disappeared. Is a referral to pain management an option? Still holding you in my prayers!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I don't know why I'm so stubbornly opposed to help - - it's infuriating and foolish, I'll admit. It's probably best to accept all we can get.
      I have no clue why this latest back/spinal trouble flared up. I felt fine last week. Pain management is probably an option...but I'll wait and see if the meds help.

      Delete
  6. If the prednisone can get the inflammation down, the pain level should drop a bit. Were it me prescribing I'd do a limited Rx of Flexeril, and duloxetine. A 5 day Rx. Maybe check with your doc and see what he thinks. Sounds like you're in need of some help to get out of this cycle.
    Hope you find some relief soon, Jon.
    best,
    Mike

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I'm now on the second day of prednisone. The agonizing nerve pain has decreased significantly - - but I'm still having an enormous trouble with my right hip. I can't lift my right leg and can no longer walk like I could last week. I have to shuffle or drag my leg, and there is hip pain. Could it be bursitis? I have no clue.
      Thanks for your input, Mike.

      Delete
    2. It's possible. Is there swelling or warmth (more than usual) around where your joint is on your hip? Unfortunately, the treatment is the same as you are currently doing. What nsaids (Tylenol, etc) are you taking? Wish I could see a MRI of your hip, it'd give some answers.

      Delete
    3. I've been taking Tylenol, but it seldom helps at all.
      I just realized that I have edema, which is undoubtedly contributes to my pain and extreme difficult trying to walk. I'm trying to do leg exercises, etc.

      Delete
  7. Do the home health nurses still make regular visits? Sciatica can be totally debilitating. I've had it and was vertically challenged and the pain was off the scale. Mercifully it finally subsided. I screwed up my back big time being an RN and lifting patients for 40 years. Even using proper 'body mechanics' as I was taught still takes its toll. The prednisone will help. The problem (one of many) with prednisone it can masks other symptoms. But....when you need it you need it. Urinating into a Pepsi can is quite impressive and takes some fine-tuned skill!! Sure hope you're feeling better soon and put aside that 'pride' (before it kills you) and accept the help!! A nurse speaking here!
    Paranormal John

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I still get weekly visits from the home care nurses. It's always good to know if I need anything I can call their office.
      Sciatica is a nightmare, along with all the other back/spinal issues. It must have been horrible to lift patients for 40 years! I imagine that they weren't all skinny *smile*
      Prednisone is supposed to have a lot of side effects, but so far I haven't had any. It did help the pain, but I'm still having lots of trouble with my hip.... and I'm horrified that I can't walk. I think my edema is making it worse.
      My"pride" is annoying. I listen to nurses. Honest.....

      Delete
    2. A bigger problem Jon is long term prednisone use more than short term. I hope this hip situation can be figured out or resolved with the prednisone use. Yes, edema can be an issue if you're immobile and can't move that leg. Are you able to elevate them? Venous stasis can be another big issue. But let's not go there right now and work on what you can do and what currently helps. Keep us posted. Dealing with some eye issues here with a detached vitreous layer. Thankfully it didn't yank the retina up with it. Still seeing floaters and flashing lights. Honestly, you hit a certain age, and the wheels start flying off. Hang in there, Jon....we're all in this mess together!
      Paranormal John

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    3. I've been doing leg and arm exercises - but unfortunately elevating my legs results in extreme hip pain.
      I sympathize with you eye problems. Years ago I had surgery on both eyes for torn retinas.

      Delete
  8. Jon, as one of your long-time followers, the few you would lament about before, I am at a total loss of what to comment. You are obviously in dire straits and it is painful to read of your continuing health issues and your stubbornness in seeking more help.

    Please just get over yourself and do it, my friend, if not for yourself then for all your very concerned blog friends. From the previous comments I have read, there are more of us very concerned about your latest turn of issues. Everyone is very well meaning as I am and we hope there will be some relief.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I was doing fine last week and these back/spine problems seemed to come out of nowhere. My fervent hope is that my hip will heal so I can walk again.
      I can always call home health care if I need it, which is reassuring. I'm not the helpless type - I try to do as much as possible without begging for assistance.
      I'm truly grateful to have so many genuinely concerned blog friends. It means a lot.
      Many thanks, Dorothy. Hugs.

      Delete
  9. Hi Jon, I’m sorry to hear you’re in so much pain and have suffered with nothing to eat for many days!! I’ve had bad back pain, & severe nerve pain in right knee& thigh area for many years until I started taking gabapentin 300 mg 1-2 three times a day. I still use ibuprofen. You’re all alone in the hills of TN.. I wish you nursing staff came out more often an asked more questions. Happy Thanksgiving 🍁🦃🍽

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    Replies
    1. Thank you, Gabrielle - I appreciate your thoughts ans concerns.

      Delete
  10. I’m too tired to edit. ✍🏻 my apologies

    ReplyDelete

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