Doing Minute To Minute Battle

Pain centers in three different locations at the same time in the body is a continual challenge whatever your age .  My back pain is a very familiar pain even with it's variations from day to day . Some days more intense with radiation into my left buttock and thigh . And , on a good day I almost forget about it even though it has been with me over twenty five years .  Yes , it has worsened as age has a way of "wear and tear" on the bony structures that cause pressure on various nerve routes that cause pain .  In my experience , keeping my muscles fluid by keepin' a movin' helps me to avoid "folding up my tent" .  It ain't easy on many days but have to keep pushing on . Unfortunately , my scoliosis is causing more and more curvature toward the left causing more pressure points of pain . 

And, now the added huge annoyance of having my old knees hollering for attention !  I think the left knee is a tag-along of the right knee even though the x-rays show both knees as "bone on bone" as the cartilage has worn away and the synovial membrane which releases a lubricating fluid which reduces friction in a healthy knee is absent .The left knee is troublesome in that it hurts sometimes and feels unstable when I am walking sometimes .

 But , the right knee is a whole different story for me . The severe pain at night time is unrelenting and it makes me want to call out with sounds of pain .  Even with elevation and ice packs it seldom calms down . I have no idea why it is so bad at night .  And , it doesn't seem to make a difference in respect to my daytime activity . One thing that is new that I have tried at night is to massage behind my knee with Charotte's Web Hemp Infused balm.  So far it has been helping somewhat .  And , it at least helps me to get some sleep . Of course when the knees hurt it kicks up the back pain because my posture is less than good when I am trying to get around with a cane and avoid falling .  It surprises me how much I can do with the help of the cane .  I can water my garden and also do some simple activities .  I have chairs around the garden so I can sit if I desire while doing the hand watering .  Additionally I can get around the kitchen quite well . Of course I must pace myself and be mindful of possibly overdoing it .

Corticosteroid injections into the knee are sometimes given to try to reduce the inflammation and relieve pain but if they are administered , there is at least a six month waiting period before surgery can be performed . So , it really wasn't an option as far as the doctor was concerned .

One thing that really puzzles me is why they will not order some strong pains pills when my blood pressure has been very high . Last time in the doctor's office it was in the range of' 174/110 range !! The primary M.D. says to his assistant  'that's because she is in pain" when she asks if she should take it again .  With 25 plus years of pain and absolutely no issues with overuse of medication - - - I wonder if they are trying to kill me !  Not really , but I think I should call and beg if I have to and explain my concern !!!!!  It would be nice to avoid a heart attack .  Another month more of this before surgery may be more than I can take. I understand I will get pain pills after surgery . Tomorrow , I start to see the Physical Therapist . However , I have already started gently following the instructions already given to me .

Yesterday I managed to go to the Post Office to pick up mail , go to the drive through car wash , get gas at the drive through gas station , took trash to the dump and go grocery shopping . Each step planned out like going from A to Z in a straight line and no backtracking .  Somebody gotta do it .  I was ready to hit the couch.

Well folks , even though I don't like to talk about pain , I can either talk about my Physical Pain or the Elections .  They BOTH are very painful ! 

Just trying to stay upright !  Beats the alternative !

 

Until Next Time .

Mary