May end up in hospital (slipped disk again, getting worse, #52)

[Kirsten]

My health, the neverending story... :rolleyes:

Today's the first day I'm feeling better after my stomach flu, but what's bothering me now is a bad sciatic nerve pain in my left leg, radiating from my lower back... Been dealing with back pains for a while again, and the sciatic pain started last Monday, but this morning, it became REALLY bad.

All this reminds a lot of the last weeks before my back surgery in 2004, when I had that herniated disk. I spoke to a befriended nurse on the phone this morning, and she said that what I decribed sounds very much like a another slipped disk. She also reminded me that, in case of numbness in my leg, I'd have to go to ER immediately. It's been the same in 2004, btw.

So don't be surprised when I'm suddenly missing, even thought I will try to keep you imformed, if possible. But sometimes this goes very fast, so I don't know if there's any time left.

The bad thing is, I don't have anyone to look after Luna and Lily this time. My mother just had knee surgery, and is still in bad pain. I just don't know how to organize this, especially when there's no time!

So please keep your fingers crossed that the hospital can be avoided! I'm really tired of all this crap, but it never seems to end for me... :( I must have been a very bad person in my previous life! ;)

Kirsten

[wombat2u2004]

Ahhhh Kirsten, you are having a bit of a bad run huh ????
You take care now mate, and look after yourself.

Can you arrange a neighbour or someone to look after the cats ????
Wom

[Kirsten]

Can you arrange a neighbour or someone to look after the cats ????

I would prefer not to. But that's complicated to explain in an open forum... I'll pm you.

[Medusa]

Have you tried acupuncture for sciatica, Kirsten? My son has sciatica and he had acupuncture done and it relieved the pain. I don't think he's had any sciatica since.

[Kirsten]

Have you tried acupuncture for sciatica, Kirsten? My son has sciatica and he had acupuncture done and it relieved the pain. I don't think he's had any sciatica since.

No, I haven't. Accupuncture isn't paid by the health insurances here. :(

Kirsten

[Medusa]

No, I haven't. Accupuncture isn't paid by the health insurances here. :(

Kirsten

I'm not sure what the cost would be there, Kisten, but here it varies. I paid $80 a session when I had it done for arthritis and it decreases if you buy a package. My son needed only one session to get relief. I'm sorry that you're in such pain. I know that sciatica is excruciating.

[Pembroke_Corgi]

I'm very sorry that you may have to go to the hospital!

You don't deserve to have all these health problems (and you seem like such a nice person I'm sure you were in any previous lives, too). I hope things work out- it isn't good to be feeling guilty about leaving your cats on top of feeling bad from an illness. (Though I understand- could you hire a pet service to come a few times while you are gone?)

[happylabs]

:( So sorry you are having back problems. I am saying some prayers for you today. Hope things work out. Maybe you will not have to go to the hospital. Wish I was your neighbor. I would take care of your kitties anyday. And you too! Hugs and prayers.

[Pinot's Mom]

I'm sorry you're in such pain, Kirsten, and hope things work out. Keep us posted if you can.

[Randi]

Kirsten, I'm so sorry about your health problems, I hope you won't have to go to hospital.

I can see it's a problem having Luna and Lily taken care of if anything should happen and I was thinking... perhaps you could start a Meet-up group in your area for catsitting. The group we have here works very well. :) We meet every now and again to have dinner, either in town or at someone's house. That way we can find out who we "click" with and who have the same attitude to cats.

Here's a link to our group. The founder of it is Dagmar Fink and German, by the way.

http://www.meetup.com/cat-sitting

I searched in the Hannover area, but could not find a catsitting group there.

Hope you feel better soon

[Kirsten]

Thank you everyone! I wish I had you all as neighbors, so I wouldn't have to worry about my girls! I know you'd take good care of them! :love:

Randi, there IS actually such a group (at least something similar to that) that was recently founded in my hometown, and I was already thinking about attending one of their meetings (the next one is next Friday, I think). It's a bunch of cat loving people and the idea is to make friends and to help out in cases like this. But of course I've got to get to know them first before I would entrust my precious girls with any of them, and that would take a while. I hope I'm not running out of time now...

Mary, if I could be sure that only one session helps, it may be worth a try. But I guess I'd better have that MRI first. When the pain's really coming from a herniated disk, there should something be done about that. But in case they cannot find out the cause for the Sciatica, acupuncture may be an option.

Kirsten

[carole]

Oh dearest Kirsten, i am so sorry you are dealing with this, i know how it feels to be in constant pain, and i am much older than you, it is not fair for one so young to have to deal with so much,i do hope you can find some pain relief that works for you and eases it for you soon.

Can you put the kitties in a cattery if necessary, although not the ideal choice i know, but maybe the only one ,i wish you luck with finding some nice people to help you out with your situation and fingers and paws all crossed you don't even have to go to hospital and that you can get well soon, take care and thinking of you, and yes i would be there if i could to, not only to help with your kitties but you as well,if only someone here on PT lived close by,if only.

Take care and HUGS.

[Randi]

Kirsten, I feel the same way as you do about getting to know people before trusting anyone to catsit Fister. ;) The website of the group I'm a part of, can be rather slow, but when people join, an Excel sheet is sent to everyone with names, adresses and tel. no. - plus the part of town/country where they live. I noticed a girl from Luxemburg who had just arrived and didn't know anybody, so I called her. We're now very good friends and visit each other every so often.

You know, most people are a bit shy to begin with, so we went together to the second meeting I attended and also took her along to meet Dali's mom, which was perfect as they both speak French.

The cat I catsat first was Malcolm, his mom wrote on the site: "Randi is the best catsitter ever". :D I like her because of that, but also because she is a real animal lover. She always adopts older cats. When I was in Scotland, she came to look after and cuddle with Fister and I had complete confidence that she would do a good job.

When I catsat Malcolm, she had a professional service come in morning - it cost a fortune and they didn't do a good job at all! After that experience, she has started her own catsitting business alongside the Meet-up group. See her site here:

http://kattepasser.dk/

Well, what I want to get across is... get to know other catlovers you can trust! :)

[Daisy and Delilah]

Kirsten, I feel so bad for you. I also know what it's like to have constant pain. Sciatica is brutal. I had to have extensive physical therapy and get my TENS unit when I last had a flareup. It is no fun. My thoughts and prayers are going out to you. You have had your share and more of heartbreak!!:(

[Kirsten]

Thanks for your moral support anyone! The good thing is, my physiotherapist made an appointment for me with an orthopedic specialist in Göttingen tomorrow, and I hope that one will get me a quick apppointment for an MRI. My doctor said this morning that - if she would send me - it would take up to 8 weeks until I'll get that appointment, so she suggested to have a specialist involved.

Randi, that catsitting group sounds very nice, and it doesn't surprise me that you've been called "the best catsitter ever"! ;) I wish you'd live closer, so I could hire you!

Kirsten

[Karen]

We'll be thinking of you, thanks for keeping us updated! Were I nearby, I'd even catsit the girls - even though I am allergic, I used to catsit one boy when his folks were away, and he got used to being petted through a paper towel!

[krazyaboutkatz]

Kirsten, I'm so sorry to hear that you're having health problems again.:( I'll be keeping you in my thoughts and prayers.

[catmandu]

I know what you are going through Kirsten as I have back problems aggravated by torn rotator cuffs and bad feet.
Its getting harder and harder lugging home bargains for my Found Cats , but as I am alone I have to do the best I can.
The Found Cats , The Porch Cats , Angels and I are all praying for You Kirsten:love: , Lily^^ and Luna^^ .:love::love::love:

[phesina]

Prayers and good wishes and healing energies and hugs and purrs from us, Kirsten, and a candle: http://www.gratefulness.org/candles/message.cfm?l=eng&cid=10310714

[Alysser]

Kirsten, I am sorry to hear that. Hospitals are never any fun, I hate even visiting someone in the hospital. I hope you're doing a bit better. :love:

[momcat]

Oh Kirsten, I can't begin to tell you how sad I felt reading your post. I only wish I knew what to say or do to make all of this go away forever for you. Please know that you're in my thoughts and prayers. If there's anything I can do to help you through this, pm me anytime :love: :love:

[Kirsten]

Thank you everyone for your support!

Thanks a lot for the candle, Pat, it's very appreciated! :love:

And Karen, that is so sweet of you that you would even care for Luna and Lily despite of your allergies! :love:

I saw the orthopedist this morning, but haven't been sent to MRT yet. They first tried some shots (between the facette joints), and if that's not helping, they will discuss further options. So I still have to wait.

As far as being hospitalized goes... there's another threat hanging over my head now. As you may know, I'm unemployed right now, and since I'm dealing with various health problems for a long time (constant nausea, gastrointestinal problems, and - since last fall - depression), they're going to send me to a medical service that's supposed to find out to which degree I'm still able to work. I have already been told that in the process, I will most likely be sent to a psychosomatic clinic for further threatment and threapy, and usually you have to stay for 6, or even 8 weeks. The thought of that makes me bawl my eyes out, I cannot be seperated from my girls for such a long time!!! In 2008, when I was at the clinic for 6 weeks after my burnout, it's been one of the hardest things I've ever been through, being parted from my girls for such a long time! And now they want me to do that again!! I don't want to go, and I don't even think they could help me in such a clinic!! I'm pretty sure my nausea and exhaustion is NOT psychosomatic, I would think it's related to my thyroid condition! But if I refuse to go, they will cut down my unemployment money, so I'm trapped! :( But I know I cannot leave my girls!!!

I already told the woman at the unemployment office that I have no one to look after my cats, and she said I'd have to give them to the shelter in such a case!!! :mad: Go figure!!

[carole]

Oh kirsten sweetheart, my heart goes out to you,I so wish I could help you, sadly from here i can only offer you my love and support.

Honestly that person who suggested you give your cats to a shelter needs a good talking to,how on earth is that going to help you ,especially when you are feeling so unwell,and low.

Dear Kirsten I know how it feels to feel like hell and not know what is causing it,there is nothing more upsetting than that.

I can see you are caught up in an awful dilemma, I can only hope with all my heart there is a way for everything to work out for you and your precious furbabies ,you will be in my daily thoughts and fingers and all paws crossed for a positive outcome HUGS.:love::love:

[Catty1]

Kirsten - can you meet up with that group of cat ladies soon? I know you want someone you trust to look after your heartbabies...and that may take time...but then again you may find out some great ideas from them. Brainstorm some ideas. :love::love::love:

You aren't at the clinic YET...so you can do some homework on this for your girls. Maybe even a pet rescue would have some ideas, could even find a good foster family.

Maybe a tech from your vet's who might volunteer to come in?

I wish we PTrs were there!

HUGS!!:love::love:

[Kirsten]

Candace, looks like I'm going to meet them tomorrow, so we will see if that's an option. Tomorrow I'll also have the appointment with the medical service of the unemployment office, and I'm really nervous about that. Hope that meeting won't drag me down too much, so I'll still be able to go to the catpeople meeting.

Carole, thanks for your kind words!


Honestly that person who suggested you give your cats to a shelter needs a good talking to,how on earth is that going to help you ,especially when you are feeling so unwell,and low.

Unfortunately, pets don't count for the authorities. I was even told not to mention the cats at all, because that could get me into trouble, and they'll cut down my money immediately.

Kirsten

[carole]

Sweetheart try and think positive, i know it is so hard right now, hoping your meeting goes well and that you make it to the cat meeting, we are with you in spirit, thinking of you and all those fingers and paws crossed again for you, take care.

[Randi]

Kirsten, what's going on? Hope you're OK and didn't end up in hospital.

(((hugs)))


Has anyone heard from KIrsten?

[Medusa]

She's on Facebook a lot so I assume that she's doing ok. :)

[Randi]

Thank you! :)

[Kirsten]

I'm still here, but still in pain. I'm going to have a computer tomography tomorrow to find out what's wrong in my lower spine. Wouldn't be surprised if it's another herniated disk, but we'll see...

Still no news re. what the authorities want me to do, but I hope if my back needs to be treated in the first place, I'll be able to do that in a day clinic, so I wouldn't have to leave my girls.

But the entire situation is really frustrating!

Kirsten

[Marigold2]

I am so sorry for your health issues. Sending you good thoughts and many prayers.

[Kirsten]

Thanks Marigold! :)

Had the computer tomography this morning, and like I thought, it's another herniated disk. A massive one, according to the radiologist, so it could really be that surgery is the next option. But that's not sure yet, need to wait for my doctor's decision. Too bad that the neurosurgeon I saw a while ago has passed away meanwhile. :(

Kirsten

[Pawsitive Thinking]

Thinking of you :love:

[Kirsten]

Thanks! :-)

Kirsten

[Anikaca77]

I'll be saying prays for you. I'm so sorry for the pain and all the stress you've been having.

I know what it's like to have the sciatica pain. I get that from time to time, more recently and they did a lower injection but that didn't help too much and the doctor said he would try another one and see what happens so I get to go get another one done at the end of this month and I'm not looking forward to it at all.

Take care and I wish you luck.

Melissa

[wombat2u2004]

Kirsten, have you tried acupuncture for the pain ????
That really works well with some people, but sometimes not at all with others.
Might be worth a shot...eh ???

[Kirsten]

Thanks, Melissa! :) And good luck with your injection!

wombat2u2004, no I didn't have any acupuncture. The health insurance won't pay for it. I'll be getting some kind of epidural anesthesia between my vertebras on Tuesday. However, that may reduce the pain, but not remove the cause.

BTW, the pain is getting worse with each passing day now, today, it's really bad. Since it seems to go downhill so quickly, I have just instructed my neighbor how to care for the girls, as my mother and Reinhold are out of town this weekend; I had no other choice. I just have to be prepared, in case anything happens. If neurological deficits occur, I need to go to the ER as soon as possible, and I cannot wait for my parents' return!

Kirsten

[phesina]

Oh, Kirsten.. I am so sorry you are going through so much pain. I hope and pray some relief can be found for you soon.

[Kirsten]

Thanks!! :)

Well, unfortunately, even with all this pain the herniated disk is the least of my problems. When I'm through with this, I still have to wait for the decision the medical service and the unemployment office have made re. my future. It's a terrible situation, and I feel so helpless and trapped!! :(

Kirsten

[Catty1]

KIRSTEN...team up with a PTr and get something happening with your photos re sales. Or find a good art agent. (I'm not the one to team up with).

You have some stunning photos that could sell from expensive limited edition prints to calendars, etc.

There are talented people here and also where you are. Ask those who make some money at it what they do!

You already have a website...and you could sell on cafepress.com and put that link on your email signatures and website.

You Can Do This. You don't have to be at the mercy of the unemployment people etc. You have the power - own it and be proud!

[Queen of Poop]

I agree with Catty1. You have amazing photos, maybe try selling a few online and see how it goes. Once I have a home of my own I would certainly be interested in some of your photos.

[K9karen]

Kirsten, you have my sincerest sympathy. My problem isn't exactly the discs but I doubt there's a description to describe the agony of back pain that can't be solved by anything but surgery. I can see why people turn to pill popping. It affects your entire life in every aspect. I have a 2nd horrendous ulcer now from all the antiinflammatories I took for 30 years, and can't take anything.

I hope and pray that your docs can help you and send you all your way to a healthy, happy, painfree existence. I'm sending you a gentle, heartfelt hug, my friend.

[Laura's Babies]

I am one that is of the mind "lets fix the cause rather than treat it to mask symptoms". Most doctors today won't "fix" but want to treat.. I don't like taking pills at all anymore.

Good luck with your surgery and hope that it is a permanent fix and solves your problem.

[Kirsten]

Well, to be honest, I do not think that I could make a living of my photography. I've sent photos to magazines and contests several times, but they were never chosen, and everytime I'm posting my pictures in a photography forum, I'm getting discouraging comments... I have currently registered with a German animal photography forum, and when I posted my favourite pics of Luna and Lily, I got comments like "sorry, but I don't like them at all"... Let's face it, there are countless photographers out there who are so much better!! Besides, I haven't taken any good photos for many months!!


My problem isn't exactly the discs but I doubt there's a description to describe the agony of back pain that can't be solved by anything but surgery. I can see why people turn to pill popping. It affects your entire life in every aspect. I have a 2nd horrendous ulcer now from all the antiinflammatories I took for 30 years, and can't take anything.

That sounds horrible! Is there a way for you to have surgery instead?


I am one that is of the mind "lets fix the cause rather than treat it to mask symptoms".

I think so, too! Last night, I had to start taking pain meds because the pain became unbearable, but I do not plan to live like that for months! If the injection on Tuesday doesn't bring any relief, I think I will ask for the surgery.

Kirsten

[wombat2u2004]

I think so, too! Last night, I had to start taking pain meds because the pain became unbearable, but I do not plan to live like that for months! If the injection on Tuesday doesn't bring any relief, I think I will ask for the surgery.
Kirsten

May be the only way to go mate.
But you have to sort out what's going to benefit you pain wise in the long run. Meds or surgery. Not an easy decision I know, especially where your back is concerned.

[Kirsten]

May be the only way to go mate.
But you have to sort out what's going to benefit you pain wise in the long run. Meds or surgery. Not an easy decision I know, especially where your back is concerned.

Right, but I've just spoken to my physiotherapist and showed him the x-ray shot. He seriously doubts that surgery can be avoided, and at this point, the pain is too bad to even consider physiotherapy, so he hasn't done anything today, it was just not possible. We agreed to give it another try in case the injection tomorrow will bring some relief. If not, I think I'd prefer to have surgery as soon as possible!

Kirsten

[wombat2u2004]

Right, but I've just spoken to my physiotherapist and showed him the x-ray shot. He seriously doubts that surgery can be avoided, and at this point, the pain is too bad to even consider physiotherapy, so he hasn't done anything today, it was just not possible. We agreed to give it another try in case the injection tomorrow will bring some relief. If not, I think I'd prefer to have surgery as soon as possible!

Kirsten

Yes, back pain can be terrible, it sort of never goes away.
Well I hope that you can get something done about it soon, the sooner the better ;)

[Kirsten]

Well, I had that pain med injection yesterday, right between my vertebras, done under radiation, but I was told it takes at least two days until there's an effect. BTW, the doctor, a pain therapist, recommended NOT to have survery, especially since I already had one. He got kind of mad at those who have told me that the hernia may be too pogressed to be treated with physiotherapy (like my physiotherapist, the radiologist who made the CT shots, and the orthopedist I saw). Now I'm really confused. :confused:

Another bad thing, this morning I noticed a huge swelling in that area where I got that injection, it has the size of an egg! Just called at the doctor's office to ask if this was normal, but obviously it isn't because they told me to show it to the doctor. Will go there later this morning.

Geez, all this is getting really frustrating!! :(

Kirsten

Edit: I saw the doctor meanwhile, luckily it's just a hematoma!

[Anikaca77]

My prays are with you, I know how difficult back pain can be. I have slipped disc that luckly hasn't moved so hopefully it won't move any further and I'll be ok for the rest of my life without back surgery. It scares me so bad. I also have degenerative disc disease so that doesn't help things either but I just had an injection I'm thinking it was the last week in Feb. and I noticed no relief at all. They told me he would try another one and see what happens. I've been trying to respect my back and rest but it's hard when I have to sit in a chair for about 8 hours (I'm a secretary) but hopefully this next shot will help.

I wish you luck and I hope the injection helps.
Melissa

[Kirsten]

I'm sorry the injection didn't help you, Melissa, I hope the next one will!

I was also working as a secretary, but I could never sit on a chair for 8 hours right now. Even half an hour is painful!! Keeping my fingers crossed that your disc won't move!!

Kirsten

[Marigold2]

I am so sorry for all the pain you are going through. I understand you are getting different opinions from different specialists. Why?
Well surgeons always want to operate, that is what they do.
Physical therapists do therapy and believe in that form of treatment.
Pain managements doctors follow the theory of blocking pain.
They all think their speciality are the best, that is why they choose that field. It is up to the patient (this is the difficult part) to read and educate themselves on what is the best for them. Dr's are after all sales people selling their brand of treatment and medicine, that is a after all how they make their living.
I too have a lot of back problems, pinched nerve, bone spurs, arthritis and went to different specialists. What helped me the most was physical therapy, what helped the least was a Chiropractor, he was a total sham artist and quack. My neighbor and friend is a retired Othropedic Surgeon and he gave me a lot of facts, the Chiropractor lied through his teeth, I am so mad I spent money on him, my back never got better till I went to PT and strenghtened the muscles in my neck and back. It's on going, I have pain often and have to be careful not to over do. But if I keep doing my PT I have a normal life and can do almost anything. No bungy jumping or real heavy lifting but otherwise I am good and I am wishing and hoping you will be as well.
My husbend and I love your pictures so much talent.
Most of all we just want you to be well and free of pain.

[Kirsten]

Yes, you're probably right about that. Well, I tried pain medication and physiotherapy now, but as it seems, the effect of the injection is already fading. I'm in pain again, sciatic pain primarily, and I'm getting weird sensations in my left leg now. I'm pretty sure I'll be ending up in hospital sooner or later! I only hope I won't be gone on April 22, Luna's 10th birthday! :( I want to be with my girl on her special day!! :(

[Anikaca77]

I'm so sorry to hear your pain is worse. I know how frustrating back pain can be. My knees have been starting to bother me now. I will say a big pray for you. Melissa

[Kirsten]

Thanks, Melissa! I saw in your thread that you also have a lot of things to deal with at the moment. (((HUGS))) I'm sorry that I don't post much these days. :(

The nerve pain is getting almost unbearable now, and I just packed a bag for the hospital, just to be prepared. My feeling is that there's not much time left; besides, I just don't WANT to bear this pain, I'm almost helpless here at home! I just want this to be over, and now I almost hope I will soon have surgery!! And I want to be back home with Luna on her birthday!!!

Kirsten

[pomtzu]

Kirsten - I had similar back surgery about 10 years ago - and it went relatively easy. I had fragments that had broken off the vertebrae and were pressing on nerves, causing a lot of pain, and then numbness in my leg and foot. All the pain killers in the world won't get rid of it, and the only permanent solution is to have the fragments removed. I don't wish surgery on anyone, but getting injections is just putting a band-aid on something that won't get better without surgical intervention.
I hope your doctors soon do something to help you. There's not much that is more miserable than back pain or a toothache!
Good luck - and keep us posted.

[Kirsten]

Yes, I also think it's better to remove the cause, but these days, doctors here are reluctant when it comes to spine surgeries, that's why I was told to try alternative treatments first. They said that 90% of all disc hernias are treated without surgery. But my personal feeling is that I'm beyond the state where physiotherapy helps. :(

I had a back surgery in 2004 after my first herniated disc had been diagnosed, and it wasn't as bad as expected. In fact, I felt much better after that, and was immediately painfree. The bad thing is that they keep you in hospital for a long time here in Germany, in (2004, I stayed for 10 days), and after that, they usually send you to rehab for three or four weeks. In 2004, I could avoid that, but I don't think it will work this time, because the health insurance has already called and suggested rehab as soon as they heard that I have a herniacted disc. I hope I can do that in a day clinic, I don't want to leave my girls that long! :(

[Catty1]

Kirsten - what about that group of women you mentioned who are cat people? Did you ever contact them?

Are there volunteer organizations where you are? I am sure there is a cat lover or two who are members who would give your girls loving care.

I can't see rehab being totally in the hospital...it would cost the health system way more!