The intense pain I've felt in my legs and mostly right knee hadn't lessened any, in fact was getting worse, so I finally admitted I couldn't deal with this on my own and went to Urgent Care at the VA this afternoon. (Read this post first if you missed what happened).
I drove myself and I was holding onto the wall and in tears by the time I navigated my way to check in. The nurse at the desk saw me and immediately grabbed a wheelchair, for which I am very thankful. If the number on the pain scale didn't stop at 10, I would have been at a 12, and I hovered around a 10 until meds kicked in some time later.
No firm diagnosis because I couldn't see an orthopedist today, but the doc I did see said based on the location and intensity of the pain, he was leaning towards torn meniscus. X-ray of course showed nothing, and only ortho can order an MRI, so he ordered the consult, but I won't be able to get into orthopedics for at least a week or two.
In the meantime, they shot me in the butt with some good pain juice, gave me a prescription for Prednisone (steroids) and Diclofenac (NSAID), and stuck me in a knee brace. Of course I'm to keep the leg(s) elevated as much as possible and restrict movement to the bare minimum, so yep, I'm still sidelined, and it could be for a good while.
The biggest thing I'm thankful for is that I ran into a friend when I got to the VA. He was able to assist me after his own appointment, and even drove me home. I already had an appointment scheduled for Thursday for other things with my primary care physician, so he'll drive me back then and hopefully I'll be mobile enough to drive my car home. I don't know what I would have done if he hadn't been there for me today.
I'm already feeling quite a bit of relief from both the meds and the brace and while less pain is good, I'm totally bummed that I allowed this to happen. I was so excited to be doing so well, and now I'll have to start over, and I don't even know when they're going to allow that. I can't even walk for a while, and depending on what the orthopedist says, I may end up needing physical therapy.
I thought I did everything right, starting off slow and easy and going by the book. I didn't think the pain I was experiencing was a big deal, so continued to work right on through it. Stupid, indestructible-Marine mentality. I guess in this instance pride did indeed cometh before a fall.
~ Marie Anne
No firm diagnosis because I couldn't see an orthopedist today, but the doc I did see said based on the location and intensity of the pain, he was leaning towards torn meniscus. X-ray of course showed nothing, and only ortho can order an MRI, so he ordered the consult, but I won't be able to get into orthopedics for at least a week or two.
In the meantime, they shot me in the butt with some good pain juice, gave me a prescription for Prednisone (steroids) and Diclofenac (NSAID), and stuck me in a knee brace. Of course I'm to keep the leg(s) elevated as much as possible and restrict movement to the bare minimum, so yep, I'm still sidelined, and it could be for a good while.
The biggest thing I'm thankful for is that I ran into a friend when I got to the VA. He was able to assist me after his own appointment, and even drove me home. I already had an appointment scheduled for Thursday for other things with my primary care physician, so he'll drive me back then and hopefully I'll be mobile enough to drive my car home. I don't know what I would have done if he hadn't been there for me today.
I'm already feeling quite a bit of relief from both the meds and the brace and while less pain is good, I'm totally bummed that I allowed this to happen. I was so excited to be doing so well, and now I'll have to start over, and I don't even know when they're going to allow that. I can't even walk for a while, and depending on what the orthopedist says, I may end up needing physical therapy.
I thought I did everything right, starting off slow and easy and going by the book. I didn't think the pain I was experiencing was a big deal, so continued to work right on through it. Stupid, indestructible-Marine mentality. I guess in this instance pride did indeed cometh before a fall.
~ Marie Anne
So sorry, dear friend. Behave yourself, heal up and don't beat up on yourself. You've got lots of time ahead of you.
ReplyDeleteSorry Marie Anne! Perhaps you could start a new crochet project and amp up your Etsy store offerings in advance of the holidays?
ReplyDeleteMarie Anne, I agree with the above poster, high craft time is now. It is exercise after all. Hmm I was considering running, I think I'll stick to the Arc Trainer. Take care and get better!
ReplyDeleteSaying prayers for a speedy recovery for you. Have you looked into what types of exercise you can do from your chair without moving the legs? There are actually some decent options that can still keep you somewhat in the game.
ReplyDeleteSo sorry to hear this!
ReplyDeleteHoping that you recover soon. I like Caren's idea of finding new projects for your Etsy store. Knowing you, you'll be up and running sooner than you think.
ReplyDeleteTake care of yourself!!!!!! Stay off that hurting knee.
ReplyDeleteGet better soon! Stay off that knee until you know for sure what is wrong. I know you're a badass marine, but take the pain meds as prescribed and don't skip a dose even if you feel better. You can't heal if you're in pain.
ReplyDeleteFor the anonymous person who just left a comment, I will add a contact email to the main page, but for now, you can find it on the PR Friendly Reviews page.
ReplyDelete