I went to the doctor's office yesterday to discuss the results of my MRI. My appointment was at 11, and true to form, I had to nap for an hour after getting up so I could make the trip because the drug I take to prevent neuropathic pain from spinal stenosis makes me drowsy.
It's a forty-minute drive from here, but the guy is one gnarly pain specialist and very good.
As it turned out, I didn't see him, but another doctor in the office. Neither of them look at all like this guy.
So, the test results: Severe stenosis. Nothing had changed in almost three years. I don't know why it would, but it was worth a look. Soooo.... what now?
As I discussed it with the doctor, we seemed to be going round and round in circles, and I didn't know why. I couldn't seem to get us past the idea that my pain was currently manageable but my life was not. She mentioned that there were other options up to and including surgery, but if my pain was manageable then we needn't do them at this time. So, I left. The whole appointment took ten minutes.
I realized as I went home that I am caught in a classic catch-22 here. Because my pain is manageable on the drug (duloxetine), the doctor is not inclined (and no doubt my insurance company is very disinclined) to make any changes. If I go off the drug, my pain may become unmanageable, and then we may have to opt for something else. I do not want unmanageable pain; the memory of being helpless in agony on the floor will stay with me for life. But if I do not get off the drug, there's no way to know if my pain is unmanageable now. So we must stick with the drug that is making my life unmanageable.
I came home, did some work, had some lunch, and slept for two hours.
Now I don't know what to do. This is all a little depressing. Ironically, duloxetine is supposed to be an antidepressant that just happens to help with nerve pain, but it has done nothing for depressed mood for me. Maybe because being sleepy so much of the time is discouraging.
Oh, well. At least when I can function, I can function, if you know what I mean. And if you do, please explain it to me.
Hopes and prayers, Fred.
ReplyDeleteThanks, PL.
ReplyDeleteHey Fred, I feel your pain. I had an episode decades ago that kept me on the floor for a week. Fortunately, we had a glass coffee table I could put an open book on and read through the glass below. Spouse had to drive me places with the passenger seat in the prone position. Walking was excruciating. I ended up with a chiropractor who made a few minor improvements, and started doing strengthening exercises. That seems to have done the trick, for me at any rate. Going on 30 years now, and no repeats. I hope however you proceed that relief comes your way, my friend.
ReplyDeleteTake care Fred.
ReplyDeleteShoot. Everything is at least 40 minutes drive from here. And I live in a town (well, at least a 'Ville.)
ReplyDeleteNonetheless, here's prayin' ya feel better soon.
Praying for you, pal.
ReplyDeleteJust started reading your blog, hoping the best for you.
ReplyDelete