I might be very sick

[Kirsten]

Because of the really bad back pain I have for weeks now, I saw a specialist in Göttingen today and he thinks what also my physiotherapist was afraid of.

It could be that when I got that lumbar punction while I was in hospital a few weeks ago, that some germs have gotten into my spine and caused a spondylodiscitis, which is an inflammation of the vertebra or a disk. Next week I will have an MRI to find out. In the meantime, I have to watch myself very carefully, because when I'm getting a temperature or feel some numbness in my abdomen or legs, I have to go to the hospital IMMEDIATELY. Otherwise, there's a risk of paraplegia.

Times are really hard for me these days as there's so much to worry about. I cannot work, and I have no idea when I will be able to look for a new job again. I can hardly do my own domestic work, everything means so much pain for me, and I can only sit on a chair for a couple of minutes. That's why I'm barely online. It's very very painful for me.

I just thought you should know... :(

Kirsten

[Ally Cat's Mommy]

Kirsten, I am so sorry! PLEASE look after yourself and get straight back to the doctor if any of those symptoms appear. Keeping you in my thoughts and prayers.

(((HUGS))) to you. I know I am on the other side of the world, but if there is ANYTHING I can do, just let me know.

Julie

[Kirsten]

Thank you very much! It's very appreciated! (((HUGS)))

I promise I will immediately go back to hospital if any of these symptoms occur, after all, my girls need me and rely on me!

Kirsten

[popcornbird]

I'm so sorry to hear this Kristen. :( So scary. :( Please take care of yourself. You'll be in my thoughts and prayers. Get well soon, and keep us updated!!!

{{{hugs}}}

[slick]

OMG Kirsten that's so scarey. If I could I would jump on the first plane over there to help you with things.

Please take care of yourself and I'm sending lots of hugs and prayers your way.

I just know that Luna and Lily will be good nurses and make sure you take it easy.

[Randi]

Kirsten, I'm very sorry to hear you're feeling so bad. :( I hope the doctors can do something about it, so you can live a normal life again soon. In the meantime, can you get any help for the cleaning and shopping? I do hope so! Take it easy!! ;)

I'm sure Luna and Lily will cheer you up some! :)

Best wishes for a treatment that works - and hugs,

[catnapper]

Ohj my goodness! I had no idea! Please keep us updated as much as you can. Is ths somethign that they can fix with anti-biotics & medicine or will it require some kind of operation? That sounds so scary. Please let your nurses know they need to be extra good to you - Lily especially! :)

[carole]

Dearest Kirsten,
I am very sorry to hear that you are suffering so much right now, ongoing pain is very hard to deal with, physically and emotionally, I really empathise with you, I certainly hope the Doctors are wrong dear, and that you will indeed pick up soon, take care of yourself and keep us posted, sending HUGE HUGS and positive thoughts your way for a speedy recovery and painfree days ahead.

[Barbara]

I hope if it's what you fear they can kill it with antoibiotics. But I understand that it's scary.

I have a colleague who had a bacterial infection in his brain last year. It was very scary and dangerous but they got it ok in no time. Spinal tissue and brain tissue is very much the same.

The good thing is, in Goettingen (famous university town near Kirsten's place) you will really have specialists!

[Kona & Oreo's mom]

Kristen, I'll keep you in my thoughts. I hope you get well soon.

[sirrahbed]

((((((Kirsten))))) I so rarely peek into General! I am so very sorry that you are dealing with this!!! So sorry about the pain and stress and worry:( I do understand how constant pain can drain you emotionally:( :(
I hope that this diagnosis is wrong and that you can be treated but I can well imagine that your worst fears are always in your mind!!! So sorry. Please try to stay as cheerful as possible but if you are feeling badly, don't stay away because of not sounding cheerful! We want to hear if you are feeling dreadful too, OK???
Love, Prayers and Blessings,

[Corinna]

Sending prayers and positive toughts to you and the girls. Also for the doctors you must see may they have the skills and abiltys to fix you up right.

[Karen]

Dear, dear Kirsten, you will be in our prayers, I promise. Lily, now, no being nawty right now, just give momma lotsa snuggles and head-bumps, okay? You, too, Luna - give mom lotsa love from all of us.

[Miss Meow]

That's dreadful :(

You've had such a bad time with your health recently. I hope the specialists can help you return to good health and a pain-free life again. Sending lots of hugs your way {{{hugs}}}

[Sara luvs her Tinky]

Prayers on the way Kirsten...
Please keep us updated

[felinefanatic]

Kirsten,I am so sorry to hear you are not well. Please keep us informed about how you are doing. I truly hope you recover soon, and please give those darling little kitty nurses 2 big kisses from me.:) :) :)

[guster girl]

I'm sorry that you're going through so much. I pray at home, I'm not much of a church person. But, I requested that my family pray for you in their church group. There's strength in numbers! Just take care of yourself as best you can, you seem like a strong person! Sending lots of good karma you're way.....

[PayItForward]

Sending prayers & hugs for you Kirsten :(

Get better very soon, so you can keep up with your nawtee girls . ;)

[Tubby & Peanut's Mom]

I'm so sorry to hear this Kirsten! You hadn't mentined much since your last stay in the hospital, so we had no idea you were still in so much pain. :( Hopefully it can be treated and I'm glad to hear you'll only have the best specialists working on your.

Good luck and we'll be sending positive thoughts and prayers across the ocean!

[RedHedd]

Kirsten - prayers going out your way that whatever you have is easily treatable - it sure does sound scary! Be gentle with yourself.

[trayi52]

Kirsten, please take care of yourself! Take it easy and don't do anything that will further hurt you.

You and the kitties are in my thoughts and my prayers.

Willie

[Edwina's Secretary]

A positive mental attitude is so important to getting well! That and a couple of kitties to love you....:D :D :D

Be well!

[Steffi N]

Dear Kirsten, I am sorry that you are still in pain and that there may be an underlying infection. I hope it is easily treatable and that you will be well soon. It eases our anxiety somewhat that you will be very careful and go to the hospital if you have to.
I am sure Luna and Lily will take good care of you. I have enjoyed the recent pictures you have posted of them.
{{Gentle hugs}}

[kimlovescats]

Oh my, Kirsten .... please do keep us up to date ... take care of yourself, and get to the ER right away if you feel anything unusal!!! Praying for you, friend!!!


(((((HUGS)))))

[kuhio98]

Kirsten, I am so sorry to hear this. You are in our thoughts and prayers. Have you tried applying two purring kittens to the painful area?

My husband swears that Kuhio cured his pain when she snuggled up to his hip after he had surgery. Something about kitty purrs and their vibration frequency....

Please keep in touch and let us know how you're doing.

[bluekat]

Oh Kirsten, I'm so sorry to hear that...:( I'll be sending prayers your way. Hope you get better soon!
Please keep us updated.

[tatsxxx11]

Oh no, Kirsten:(:(:( I'm so sorry to hear of all that you are going through right now:( Do you have someone there to help you? I hope so. Please, get yourself to the hospital if any of the symptoms you mentioned appear. I will be saying very special prayers for your recovery. Please, take care and check back with us after the MRI. I wish they could do it sooner:( Hold tight to your precious Luna and Lily and please, take it easy. {{{HUGS}}} Sandra

[Felicia's Mom]

Kristin, I'm sorry to hear you are sick.:( My prayers go out to you. Please keep us updated.

[Laura's Babies]

Prayers and good thought to you and your babies. PLEASE do as you are insturcted and get well soon so you can come back to us...We miss you. ((((((Kristen))))

[leslie flenner]

Fetching things for you, doing errands, feeding the cats, paying the bills? Do you need help from us to get through this (don't be shy- say what you need and everyone will try to help!) Take care of you first and let others help through this period (be postitive- it's just for a while..). And MOSTLY, keep us posted! I am thinking of you...and praying for the best outcome (well, chanting).

[NoahsMommy]

Oh Kristen, I'm so sorry things have gotten this bad. :(

I'll be praying that you get some good news with the MRI and whatever it is, they'll fix you all up, good as new. :)

Luna & Lily....you gotta be extra good kitty nurses for your mama!

Let us know how it goes.

[catcrazylady]

Kirsten I am so sorry to hear that things have gotten worse instead of better. Bless your heart. Please know that we are praying for you and even if your worse fears come true maybe the good news will be that it can be treated and you may finally be able to be rid of the pain.
Our thoughts and prayers are with you sweety! You are very loved by all your PT buddies and lots of prayers are coming your way. Take care of yourself and keep us posted when you can. We miss you!

[rg_girlca]

I'm so sorry to hear you are still in so much pain. Please try to have faith and a positive attitude and of course, keep those precious babies close to you.
I hope you have someone who is able to help you out.

Sending prayers and positive thoughts that all turns out well for you.

[manda_moo87]

Kirsten,
Please take care...you will be in my prayers

-Amanda :)

[dukedogsmom]

Your post sure puts things into perspective. I was sitting here feeling depressed because all of my things lost on my now dead hard drive. That is nothing compared to what you've been going through. Very sorry to hear that you've been having such problems. I know it would be very hard to function and try to keep a good outlook on life. We here all wish you well and try to check in when you can.

[krazyaboutkatz]

Kirsten, I'm so sorry to hear that you're still in a lot of pain and that you may be very ill.:( I'm sending prayers and positive thoughts your way. Please take care, keep us updated when you can, and give Lily and Luna some loving for me. Please also remember that we're all here for you.

[shais_mom]

I am so sorry to hear this!!
Please take care of yourself!

[luckies4me]

Kirsten, you are in my prayers. I really hope things work out for the better. Take it easy OK? Please keep us updated too. Your kitties need you and so do we!

[BCBlondie]

Eeek I hope you get better really soon!! *hugs* Keep us updated and take care!

[ChrisH]

Kirsten, I am so sorry to hear this. You are in my thoughts and prayers.

Hugs
Chris

[catlover4ever]

Kirsten, paws, fingers, and toes are being crossed in the Chartier household, as well as positive thoughts and prayers are being sent your way that you get better real soon. Please be careful and take good care of yourself. Have a talk with your two wonderful nurses, Luna and Lily and tell them not to be Naw-Tee and that they need to take care of you for a while.

Please keep us posted. --- {{{{HUGS}}}} Meg and the Cats

[Cataholic]

Kirsten,
Please take care of yourself. You will be in my prayers. May Lily and Luna BEHAVE and take good care of you.
Johanna

[G.P.girl]

how scary! i'm sorry this is happening to you. be very careful and take good care of yourself {{{hugs}}}

[DJFyrewolf36]

I know how hard a long term illness can be...

I pray you feel better and can go on with life again soon!!!! The kitties need you!

Warm thoughts and hugz to you!

[stacwase]

Kristen, you there?

We'd sure like an update - I hope you're not in the hospital.

[Kirsten]

Thanks everyone for this overwhelming response! You're the best! (((HUGS)))

I'm still at home, and I'm okay, more or less. I miss working with the comp or being on the internet.

Strange thing is, as long as I'm in motion, the pain is bearable, but sitting for more than a couple of minutes is very painful.

I try to answer everyone's questions as good as possible:

Yes, Luna and Lily are good nurses, especially Luna is very sweet. Since I got so ill, she would come and lay down on my chest all the time and purr. Maybe she feels something's wrong in my back and she wants me to help with her purring. She's so cute.

I have friends who help me with some errands, for example lifting heavy things like cat litter bags. But I'm doing most of the house work stuff myself. I cannot ask someone to be there for me 24/7. Besides, I HATE the feeling of losing control over these things, so I keep doing it.

Barbara, that's encouraging that your co-worker got much better after an antibiotics-treatment! This is what they will give to me as well when the MRI confirms the spondylodiscitis. I also might need a punction of the abscess, just in case there IS an abscess already.

Besides, I forgot to mention one thing: The x-ray that have been done yesterday showed that two vertebras in my lower back are "rubbing" against each other; the disk between them is basically missing. Guess this is something I have to live with but I figure that is also causing a lot of the pain I have... :(

Again, thank you very much for your get well-wishes and prayers!! It's very appreciated!

Kirsten

[Killearn Kitties]

All the best of luck, Kirsten. I very much hope a treatment can start soon and give you some relief from the pain.

In the meantime please take it as easy as you possibly can. Let your furry nurses lie around with you as much as possible. All that purring must surely help! I'll be thinking of you.

[sirrahbed]

Originally posted by Kirsten
two vertebras in my lower back are "rubbing" against each other; the disk between them is basically missing. Guess this is something I have to live with but I figure that is also causing a lot of the pain I have

So GOOD to hear from you Kirsten!!!! As for the above situation, I also have that only in my neck and a combination of strengthening exercises and a home traction unit has been a wonderful help!!! Those vertabrae touching is agony! ((((Kirsten)))) Let's just hope and pray that the antibiotics will clear up the other problem that may or may not even exist!! So sorry about the chronic pain - it is awful to live with!!!
Still, so GOOD to hear an update from you!!!
Continued love, blessings and prayers,
Debbie

[Albea]

Kirsten, I only now saw your posting. I'm so very sorry you are in so much pain. Prayers and get well wishes are on their way for your recovery.
Please let us know how you're doing.

[NoahsMommy]

You poor thing, Kristen. :(

I hope and pray your doctors can make you all better and you wont have to have this pain anymore.

((HUGS))

[Kirsten]

Thanks! :) PT is such a wonderful place of comfort and encouragment!!! :)

Debbie, I'm sorry you have to deal with that problem in your neck! :( I can relate to that very well! :( Glad that the exercises make you feel better!

To be honest, I'm glad that I have my girls!! They are such a huge pleasure and comfort, and there's so much positive energy coming from them. Since people in real life have often been a disappointment to me lately, I'm really happy and thankful to have the girls in my life. I love them soo much!

Kirsten

[DJFyrewolf36]

Gotta love furry friends!!! I'm glad they are a comfort to you!

[AmberLee]

Thinking of you, and praying for you. So glad your little furry nurses are so helpful. Purrs and headbumpies from my little crew, too. {{{hugs}}}

[Barbara]

They may even do a punction to define the sort of bacteria that caused the spondylodiscitis. So it's easier for them to find out what meds to give!

Take care and really make sure you notice what's going on! And go to the hospital if notice anything unusual!

[jazzcat]

Oh Kirsten I'm so sorry to hear this. I hope and pray that everything will be okay and you'll be back 100% soon.

Glad to know your little nurses are on the job.

Please take care.

[Kirsten]

They may even do a punction to define the sort of bacteria that caused the spondylodiscitis.

Oh, I hope not, because that would mean I definitely have to stay in hospital again, right? And when I'm thinking of the horrible headaches that I had for 10 days after the last punction - no thanks! :(

Kirsten

[aguu]

Dear Kirsten;
I am so sorry that you have to go through this.
You will be in my prayers and my thoughts.
And special headbupies coming your way from Mishka

~Agnes

[gini]

Dear Kirstin, I just saw this thread or I would have responded sooner.

You can be sure that you have my prayers for your health.
I am just so sorry that you have to deal with any kind of pain at all.

Thank goodness you have your babies with you........I know they are a huge comfort and give you as much love as they can unconditionally.

Sweet lady, please take good good care of yourself and keep us posted on your progress.

[davidpizzica]

I'm sorry that this is a physically and eemotionally exausting time for you. I'm sure that the specialists can figure out what is wrong. So Nikki, Daisy, and myself will be praying VERY hard for you.

[QueenScoopalot]

Kirsten, Hoping the MRI brings some good news, and that you get over this latest hurdle quickly. Back problems are so hard to deal with, and I'm glad you have some help at least lugging heavy stuff around. And also glad Lily & Luna are there to give you little kitty massages and love! :) Hang in there!! Jan

[jenluckenbach]

Dear Kirsten, I am so sorry to hear about your illness ::(:(

Sending you all the healing prayers that I can muster.

Get better REAL soon!!!!!!

[cloverfdx]

Kirsten i am so sorry to hear you are not well. :( Prayers and hugs are on the way for you. I hope you are feeling better soon.

[aki]

Kirsten,

I'm sorry you are going through this right now. I just saw this thread as I hardly ever go into the general section. I am praying for your speedy recovery! :cool:

[Kirsten]

Thanks a lot! :)

Here's a little update:

I don't know why, but actually I'm feeling a bit better these days (maybe all the PT prayers have helped :)). I'm not pain free, but the pain has kind of changed, if you know what I mean. It's easier for me to sit and move now, and I was out for a walk today - 8 kilometers, and it went very well. I hope it continues improving.

Maybe I'm lucky and the doctors are wrong about the spondylodiscitis. However, I will have the MRI on Wednesday to find out. But I hope it's something else! My theory is that when I had to stay in bed for so long when I was in hospital, that the muscles around my "touching" vertebras have gotten weak so that the entire area got so sensitive that it has affected a nerve. Well, at least I hope it's something like this.

I'll keep you updated! :)

Kirsten

[Steffi N]

Kirsten, I am glad to read that you are in less pain and were able to get out and walk today and build up your back muscles.
I hope the news from your MRI shows you don't have something as serious as spondylodiscitis. But whatever it is you will have the benefit of knowing and be able to plan the best course to take.
{{HUGS}} and pets for the nursing staff. I hope your improvement continues.

[catnapper]

I'm glad to hear that you are feeling better. I'll keep you in mind for your MRI on Wednsday!

[Felicia's Mom]

I have been thinking of you. I'm glad you are feeling bettter!

[Kfamr]

So sorry I didn't respond sooner. Somehow, I missed this thread.
i'm VERY sorry you've been through so much pain, but glad to hear you've been feeling better lately. Lets hope it keeps that way, and the only changes are for the better.


Gentle {{hugs}} for you and those precious kitties. :)

[davidpizzica]

Kirsten, I'm really happy to hear that you are feeling better! I hope your MRI goes real good. You have two feline nurses in Lily & Luna to help you along.

[Ally Cat's Mommy]

Kirsten,

I'm really glad that you are feeling better. I will be keeping you in my prayers for a GREAT result on your MRI on Wednesday.

(((HUGS)))

Julie

[smokey the elder]

Good luck with your back troubles. My BF had a ruptured disk, no fun. A combination of physical therapy, chiropractic and shiatsu seemed to keep it in check. I hope it's not an infection! If motion makes it feel better, that may be a good sign.

{{hugz}} and head bumpies from Peekskill, USA.

[kimlovescats]

Glad you are feeling somewhat better, Kirsten. Thank you for the update, hang in there!!!;)

[krazyaboutkatz]

Kirsten, I'm so glad to hear that you're feeling a little better.:) Hopefully you'll be able to become pain free again and that the MRI doesn't show anything seriously wrong with you. Prayers and positive thoughts are still being sent your way. Please take care. {{{HUGS}}}

[lynnestankard]

Kirsten so sorry to hear of your illness - it sounds so painful for you and I'm sending thoughts and prayers across the miles to you. {{{Hugs}}}}

Hopefully the easing of the pain could be a good sign and maybe your beginning to heal - I'll be keeping you in my thoughts on Wednesday and hope it's good results from the MRI scan.

Lynne

[anna_66]

Kristen,

I'm sorry I've missed this thread:(

I hope that your still feeling better and I will be keeping you in my thoughts and prayers.

{{{HUGS}}}
Anna