"Pray that your flight doesn't occur in the winter....." Matthew 24:20
I pray that my flight will come swiftly, because I can't endure much more. There's only one plausible way out.
I'm not jesting, nor trying to extend the drama. I want the agony to finally be finished.
There are limits to everything. I've had my limit.
Yesterday, one helluva day. The pain intensifies. The motor on my bed, which is for the adjustment controls, suddenly stopped working. I couldn't control my position in bed. I was completely horizontal - - which causes severe pain in my back and legs. And - while the motor was being fixed - I was in that position for three hours. Thought I'd pass out.
Many more horrible things happened yesterday, but I'll fast forward.
By early evening, the pain was so intense that I was sent to ER. The University of Tennessee Medical center, which has an ER extension in Jamestown.
Cat Scans.
I have "severe multilevel degenerative changes of the lumbar spine and bilateral hips."
That's the very abbreviated version. I don't want to scare you.
I'm going to see an orthopedic surgeon, but don't know when.
The pain pill that they've been forcing me to take is tramadol hydrochloride, some kind of weird opioid. I've been refusing.
One doctor told me it's not a good pill and there are better alternatives.
Another doctor told me it's a beneficial pill. I reluctantly took one last night. Made me sleep but did nothing for pain.
One thing that INFURIATES me. The spinal/hip problems aren't caused by old age. They are caused due to old spinal injuries. And those injuries were ALL caused by my carelessness. This nightmare could have been avoided.
Whatever you are doing, please BE CAREFUL. One false slip and you could wind up a hopeless, helpless cripple like me.
Enough of this crap.
You're probably bored witless.
Winter storm blew in last night after midnight. Snow. Heavy snow.
And I wile the (very) painful hours away with AI (artificial intellegence).
There's nothing new or interesting about my creations, but I still persist in posting them. I admittedly love my new wolf pictures.
Thanks for taking the time to read this. They are mostly my private thoughts - - which I post for the public.
Go figure.
JON ❤️
P.S.
I received one card, from Jane in TN (thank you! 😸). The other card from Kim, which was delayed. Thanks 😻! Just thought I'd update.
( I added one more wolf pic)
This is so hard. I can see why you're feeling you can't go on. I wish you relief.
ReplyDeleteI never thought it would be this bad. The agony goes on forever. I'm really trying to endure.....
DeleteThanks, Liz.
The wolf pictures are sublime. Who is that wolf? Where is he?
ReplyDeleteI just added one more pic.
DeleteYou've asked a good question, because I don't know. I think perhaps he's the king of the mountain in some faraway mystical land.
🙂 I like that.
DeleteIn the photo you added at the end, his face looks hopeful and friendly, more like a dog than a wild wolf. I hope he finds what he's looking for.
Spinal injuries are relentless, I feel your pain Jon, and I'm sorry that you are undergoing such hardship.
ReplyDeleteThe University of Tennessee medical center is one of the best, hopefully they will be able to offer you some help, and badly needed relief.
Sweet pictures, the animals look beautiful.
Thinking of you and sending prayers.
Hugs,
Jo
Ironically, today one of the nurses told me that the University of TN Med. Center is one of the best. At least I got a Cat Scan which, I hope, revealed the source of my problems. If it wasn't for the relentless pain, I could endure.
DeleteI always have fun making AI creations.
Thanks, Jo.
Post spinal injuries/conditions are monumental. I worked neurosurg when I graduated from nursing school, and I saw some 'bad stuff'. Having gone through a really severe bout of sciatica, I feel embarrassed to have even complained after reading your post. And this literally brought me to my knees. Still....what you're experiencing is horrific. I hope they find a pain med that will help. Meds can be dicey. Some work for one and not another. Pretty much trial and error. Tramadol (Ultram ER) is certainly used to treat moderate to severe pain. Surely, they will come up with a plan of action in treating this soon.
ReplyDeleteYour pics are wonderful. Of course, the cat pics are always my favorites. The wolf pics are awesome. I send you best vibes and sure hope this can be delt with quickly. The pain and mobility issues have gone on far too long.
Paranormal John
I hate to keep complaining about my pain, but it's an emotional outlet. I know that understand the nightmare of spinal/back issues.
DeleteAnd you're right about meds being dicey. They are presently deciding what pain meds will be best for me. I will plod on....
I never tire of making cat pictures...and the wolf pics turned out better than I thought.
Thanks, John.
They're going to give me a new pain med starting tomorrow.
DeleteLifting bold prayers now!
ReplyDeleteBold prayers are what I need, Myra. It's about all I have left.
DeleteI had to delete my comment on your latest blog post, because I made a horrid mistake - - then I was too lazy to rewrite it. Just wanted you to know.
Wondering if this big storm might bring snow to Alabama.
To everything there is a season, a time for every purpose under heaven: A time to be born, and a time to die... Ecclesiastes 3:1, 2
ReplyDeleteI remember that verse from childhood. It certainly has much more meaning to me now.
DeleteI hope you're enjoying the MO snow.
Ha! I'm enjoying my warm home and rejoicing in the fact that so far, we haven't had anything in the house freeze up. After tonight, it gets better.
DeleteI am so sorry, Jon.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Sandra. I'm really trying but it's not easy.
ReplyDeleteHello Jon
ReplyDeleteI've been off social media for a bit.
Tramadol is an opioid, been around for years. Used for less serious pain. It's much less effective, like by 80%, than morphine.
If they are going to give you an opioid, at least use one that is effective for your pain.
Your current medical institution has a good rep. I used to know a couple docs there, I'm sure they are gone now.
If it would help, I'll call to talk to your attending. Let me know.
Talk to who they assign you as an orthopod for your spinal issues. Get them to explain fully the options, and the probable outcomes of the treatments.
Best.
They've given me so many meds that I can't keep track of them. Today I got another Tramadol. It does very little for my pain but makes me sleepy.
DeleteOn top of everything, I'm presently dealing with my insurance, which wants to take me out of rehab and send me home! I'm hysterical about that.
Call, if you want to, but I don't want to bother you with my problems.
University of TN Medical Center, Jamestown Dr. Kevin Delk
or
Signature Health Care
Jamestown, TN
The extension in Jamestown is for ER and clinical care
DeleteWill do. It's late here will call tomorrow.
DeleteDelk is a radiologist, who's your attending doc, the hospitalist?
DeleteStrangely enough, on my discharge paper the only names are "Kevin S. Delk MD" and "Patricia Meisner, attending". No other name is mentioned.
DeleteMy dad was given tramadol after his kidneys began failing him. It is not considered a narcotic and does very little for pain! Especially after he had been taking Oxycontin for so long. He said he may as well have taken aspirin!!
ReplyDeleteI hope they can give you a much better alternative!
- Kim
Everyone assured me that tramadol was so effective. When I (finally) took it, I was really disappointed. It made me dizzy, sleepy, and did nothing for my pain.
DeleteI finally got your card! I revised the P.S. at the end of the post.
Thanks, Kim.