So Much to Learn

Here’s an example. I’ve been battling this neck/back/arm/elbow injury-thingy for about 4 months. After trying everything (see previous entries) I finally got an MRI and have learned that I need to have an anterior discectomy with a cervical fusion – a bad disc needs to removed & replaced with a fake one. The surgery is scheduled for May 12. That’s not the learning part.

Here’s a snapshot off what I’ve been putting in my body the past 2+ weeks. You got your Prednisone, your Celebrex, your run of the mill Oxycodone, Oxycontin, and Hydrocodone. There’s a smidge of Butol, Etodolac, Diazepam… and poop-stuff so I can poop. Which I finally did. Which ended with a rest on the bathroom floor – TMI. I know. However… my bathroom floor is pretty now!!

Anyway, I seriously thought that people who had to take a lot of medication would feel good. Or feel nothing. Or just get to sleep a lot. I didn’t anticipate the sleeplessness, the nutty thoughts, confusion, bad decisions, rambling stories, hysterics, lack of appetite, or any of the other really crappy, bad stuff. I am having a serious WTF kind of experience. I want it to be over. NOW.

Two trips to the ER last week. TWO! My poor husband, who already has his hands full with the other inmates, now has to add all of my “work” to his list. He hasn’t complained, but I have to guess that it is taking it’s toll. It’s cruel and unusual punishment and he needs a break. A break from me. Hell, I need a break from me!

I met with the neurosurgeon, Dr. Thai, on Monday. Chip & I both liked him immediately. He changed my meds around a little (this is the 5th round) and I seem to be leveling off, which is a blessing. I have 2 days of Prednisone left and then I’m taking the Oxy-good-stuff twice a day. I’m trying to stop taking everything else for fear that my friends are already in the middle of contacting the A & E Network for an Intervention. It worries me that I’ve worried so many people, but I am feeling stronger.

Here’s another lesson, when I’m feeling all weirded-out, I should not call people (my apologies to my parents, to Laurie, to Carol, to Colleen S). I should not send e-mails (sorry to Laurie, Sue, Carol) and that includes the one I sent about 2 hours ago. Having said all of this, I feel pretty confident that I shouldn’t eat a sleeve of Ritz crackers with mounds of spinach dip… and blog at the same time. So I am outta here.

PS- it’s 2:06 AM. That alone is a sign that I am not right!!! LOL