Well, well, well. I left you last as I stared out the back of the ambulance window. They whizzed me into ER. Such a surreal way to experience a space, flat on your back speeding by, pausing to wait for traffic impasses, seeing faces flash by.
In the end, or wherever we are at this point, I’m glad I ended up in the ER for the MRI instead of going in to my regularly scheduled MRI. They would have done my lower back and my pain doctor would have thrown up her hands, and said she didn’t know what’s wrong with me, that my MRI didn’t look any worse. However, being here, on site where I could get MRI after MRI (god help me) they kept looking. My middle back had a bit going on but not enough to explain things. Then they did a CT of my neck and an MRI and it turns out my hot spot is in my neck. All the nerves go through the neck, so BINGO.
Eventually they got me into a room. I guess we were in the ER 12 hours or so but it didn’t really feel like it. Well, it probably did to Ernie, and Owen who was here for part of it too. Once I got into the room I sent them home. Ernie was exhausted. I told him he had to to the party for Bob but that he didn’t need to make a cake for him. People, a cake was made and reportedly met with great accolades. Leo reported that watching Ernie and a neighbor have a seemingly high level baking discussion was surreal. I think my cake boy was quite pleased with himself. Ann and Bob and Sophie are such a grounding force force for us. I was so glad all the Blackwelders were representing.
So, the neurosurgeon came in yesterday afternoon. He’d like to see how I do for a few days with physical therapy. Possibly into a residential physical therapy center, then depending on results, possibly surgery. I saw a physical therapist yesterday. I managed to walk as far as the toilet but it was really rough. Later I managed to stand with help and use the commode. Yay. Surely some industrial design school should hold a challenge for a better bedpan. Later I tried again and it was even harder to stand but I was tired.
So. that’s where things are. I have a lovely roommate. I hope she doesn’t go home (sorry roommate). Yesterday I has visits from Ernie, then Leo and then Owen and Trinity so that was lovely. Oh, and Dennis is finally out of the hospital (although it was kind of fun grumbling about the food together) so that was good too.
I couldn’t sleep last night, spent half the night looking up wheelchair ramps and what they cost. Even if I end up doing the surgery, the hoped for effects will not be immediate so we will need one. Man, as I told one of the CNA’s as I sat on the commode trying to poop, “Man, you just never see life coming, do you?” She chuckled and agreed.
Oh, and I must say I had really nice MRI guy. He amused me and teased me about all the MRI’s I had to have when I said I hate them. CT tech was shitty but he was great. He asked me what music I wanted and I gave my trusty answer, “John Prine.” And I gotta say, the MRI was almost worth it to hear the sublime mashup of “It’s a Big Old Goofy World” with the Eraserhead stylings of the MRI machine.
I’ve had breakfast and it wasn’t bad. It helps if you don’t expect it to be hot.
It wasn’t Biscuit Day though. Ernie soldiered on without me. Good man.
Onward.
Love, Cynthia
Hope you 're all healed soon Cynthia!
Trying to put weight on your arms using the walker probably made the situation worse over time. Damn!! Woman I wish I had a magic wand to make all your spinal stenosis disappear. Ask if there is a rehab place that has aquatic therapy. My back therapy in the pool was better than traditional therapy. Thankful you are getting answers to move toward better treatments.