Wednesday, February 3, 2010

UPdate

Sorry it's been so long since I've written. I've had so many bad days it's been tough to stay connected.

I had my evaluation for PT a couple weeks ago, and was excited to start my rehabilitation. The therapist was awesome. She was so positive and totally seemed to get what was going on with me. She told me how my neck had become straight instead of curved like it was supposed to be.

She started by getting my full history and enlightened me to all the muscle groups that were being affected by my herniated discs at C4,5. I wasn't aware that there was so much involvement. She did some nerve and muscle stretches with me and evaluated my range of motion.

I left feeling optimistic and proactive about my PCS. I thought that I might get some relief in a few weeks.

I returned the next week to have my first official PT appointment. It was really light. She started with some heat on my neck and then took me through about 5 different stretches. There was some cage stretching, resistance bands, and an arm bike. After those stretches she applied some more heat and then stretched my nerves again.

I was ok when I left, but the next 3 days were rough. I could barely move myself. I felt like I had been hit by a truck. My symptoms were all exaggerated and on top of that, my husband was out of town. I was alone with the kids, and having a tough time with it.

I canceled the next appointment I was supposed to have there, because I was feeling too beat up to continue. I decided I would reschedule for the next week.

That appointment was supposed to be yesterday. I called the PA I had seen at my neurologist's office and checked in with her about the therapy I was receiving. She said that it wasn't the right type of therapy, and that I wasn't getting the craniosacral therapy (CST) she had recommended. She suggested I stop going to this PT place and find a place that actually does the CST.

I called the place she had initially recommended and spoke with one of the therapists. She and 3 others are certified in CST and that's all they do there. I also spoke with the office manager and they take my insurance. Good, good, good. I start my evaluation there this coming Monday. (fingers crossed)

I had to break up with the other PT place, and it wasn't fun. I really liked the therapist that was working with me. She was really optimistic and positive. I hope I'll have a similar experience at the new place.


I also saw a doctor that works for social security, disability. I saw that doctor this past Monday. To my surprise, the visit went really well. He gave me a neuro exam and a physical exam, and said he was making his recommendation for me to receive ssd. I'm encouraged by that, but I know that anything can happen. I'm trying to prepare myself to appeal if I get rejected. I should know either way in about 4-5 weeks.

Other than that, things have been pretty uneventful. I've been so tired that I haven't done much. My hubby worked at the base all week 2 weeks ago, and was gone all last week for a training week for the air force. Two weeks of waking up early with the kids took its toll on me.

This week is back to normal, trying to get back into a routine. Please pray for me and my family. We are all getting frustrated, exasperated, and overwhelmed. It's tough for them to be taking care of everything, and it's hard for me to sit by and watch.

I know that God has given me this opportunity for many reasons. I want to stay positive and trust that He won't give me and my family more than we can handle. It's pretty tough sometimes.

Thanks for listening and praying.