Old Age Catching Up
Around the middle of March, 2012, I started feeling like something was brushing up against my left calf. Then I got some tingling and numbness in my left leg, although I could still use it. When it didn't go away, I saw Dr. Casey Morris, my chiropractor. An MRI showed I have a bone spur touching my sciatic nerve. Scary stuff.I bought and used an inversion table, applied ice, sat in my hot tub, took ibuprofen, stretched and exercised, but nothing really helped. I was able to work and perform daily activities, though limited. I completed my mile run for the lifesaving corps and was sore for a week. No more running for now. I have less strength in my left leg than if it was healthy. Dr. Shirley prescribed micro current therapy which I began yesterday. Dr. Casey advised medrol dosepak, a steroid for inflammation, but Dr. Shirley wanted to try micro current therapy first. If treatment doesn't work, I may end up with a neuro surgeon. Hopefully, it can wait until November, when I will be 65 and qualify for Medicare. I have had to take medication for pain several times. My hip and calf hurt about 8 on a scale of 1 through 10. I saw Dr. Pagan, a pain doctor several times and he gave some relief. He then told me I needed a procedure to relieve my pain. I liked him and he was honest with me and prescribed some medication that helped.
May 1, 2012
Note to Facebook friend:
Hi Linda - my experience was similar to your friend's. My trauma started in March and I wasn't able to get it treated until October, when I got Medicare and a supplemental policy. I went through the 3 stages of Hans Selye's GAS. I was in the exhaustion stage in July, started on Zoloft, some muscle relaxers, and some nerve spasm pills, and clawed my way back up. I am one month out from my procedure and I get a little stronger and feel a little better every day. It's no fun staring into the chasm. You are welcome to share this with your friend. I had strong support from my wife, sister, and several friends. After I posted going into the hospital on FB, I got a lot of prayers from my friends. I hope your friend hangs in there and gets to feeling good again. - David
November 18
