Tracking The Problem

One week since the sudden attack. Excruciating pain in lower back and left leg. Take Ibuprofen but intense pain burns off relief. Leg feels like it’s going to explode. Go to ER early Saturday AM (around 2). Wait and suffer. Blood pressure has shot up, indicator of the agony. Finally get CAT scan and painkillers via IV.

Pain is under control. ER doctor says to be mobile as possible to reduce recovery time. Hours after my ER visit I try walking around, slip and fall on snowy sidewalk. Wintertime sucks for getting around on foot (nothing new). Wintertime really sucks for getting around with numb, stiff leg.

Went to see my doctor (general practitioner) Tuesday, Jan 27. Quick examination of left leg: no swelling, warm, but better see specialist. Wait for call back or note from doctor. No response.

Most of the pain is under control but left leg remains numb, 24/7, right down into my toes. I cut back on frequency of pills (Percocet and Flexeril), take every 12 hours or more instead of 6-8. Painkillers cause prolonged sleep, less awake time being mobile.

Now I just wait to see what happens next.

Decided this morning to start tracking my progress – or the lack of it.

Important note: Jan. 30, 2009 was not a good day. Anger and pain.