The nurse came in and attempted to put an IV in, but she couldn't manage to hit the vein because it rolled . . . I tried warning her about the vein she was attempting. She left the room and another nurse entered - I figured here's the person they call when there's difficulty. . . yes . . . finally some pain relief.
I couldn't believe it, I was happy I was going to find relief through drugs. I consoled myself with the thought, when I left the hospital I would find a way to get a handle on the pain naturally, this was just a minor set back.
My nurse came back in with the meds in hand, and pushed the morphine in . . .
Whoosh - a warm sensation fell over my entire my body like an avalanche. I closed my eyes and thanked God my partner forced me here and could find some relief almost instantly. I opened my eyes and watched as she she pushed the valium in . . .
I felt the tension in my neck muscles relax rapidly, all of my anxieties disappeared, as well as my mind. I began having trouble thinking. There was a time delay from what I was thinking to what I could comprehend. This is when I remembered what I hated so much about pain medication - I couldn't think.
About 15 minutes rolled by as I slipped in and out of sleep and reality, and my hand finally stopped squeezing the muscle that was tightened. I could finally adjust my neck so my face wasn't shoved into the bed . . . the pain was finally bearable and my mind was gone.
The doctor came back in and ordered a CAT scan of my neck to see what was going on in there. I'm not sure how long it was before I was transported to imaging because I couldn't evaluate the lapse of time.
The lady in imaging was kind, quick and tried not to make me anymore uncomfortable then I already was.
I was back in my room before I knew it and continued to roll in and out of consciousness until the doctor reappeared.
"Your CAT scan revealed a bulged a disc at c4 and c5. I am referring you over to neurosurgeon. Did you have one in particular you want to see?"
I replied, "I don't want a neurosurgeon - they are a surgeon and get paid to operate. No one is cutting me open."
"What about an orthopedic?"
"Do you mean an orthopedic surgeon? They're the same as a neurosurgeon. Do you have an any other suggestions other then surgeons? How about an osteopath? I've heard they practice natural medicine. I need options and alternatives and am open to any other suggestions, other than surgeons."
The doctor left the room, but returned quite quickly with another doctor. "I'd like to introduce Dr. Triplett, an osteopath."
I smiled and felt relieved - I talked with Dr. Triplett about his practice and what he does, soft tissue manipulation. I explained my personal view on medication and explained how I prefer to do things naturally and that I hadn't opted to come here, but rather my body forced it upon me.
At times I have been faced with excrutiating pain such as this occurance. Are there any clear cut options and alternatives when it comes to emergencies? I'd be more than happy to hear of other people's thoughts and views as to how we can deal with pain - emergency or not.
It's important to weigh all of the options, listen to other people and their stories of how they overcame pain - emergency or non emergency pain - it's all the same. It's about we handle our day to day lives struggling, living and feeling exhausted from dealing with any type of affliction.
Unfortunately the pain medication I left the hospital with rendered it impossible for me to do any of my graduate course work. I couldn't read, comprehend, write, or make anything. I went off the medication early and switched to ibuprofen, went back to my crazy tea concoction and set up an appointment with the osteopath.
The other day I had my first soft tissue manipulation by an osteopath . . . the mobility in my neck has improved, the tightening of muscles has lessened. I have been working on the stretches she gave me and have been resting (this is hard for me to do because I have so much to do between graduate school, dog, kids, and partner). I had to let things fall behind, and am attempting not to stress out and just do the best I can do.
That's it . . . just doing the best I can everyday, with what I have to work with. Always looking for alternatives, and working to the best of my ability with all of my obstacles I have to deal with, but I will never give up.
I will keep on trying . . .
Part I to this post: The Battle: Human versus Pain
I couldn't believe it, I was happy I was going to find relief through drugs. I consoled myself with the thought, when I left the hospital I would find a way to get a handle on the pain naturally, this was just a minor set back.
My nurse came back in with the meds in hand, and pushed the morphine in . . .
Whoosh - a warm sensation fell over my entire my body like an avalanche. I closed my eyes and thanked God my partner forced me here and could find some relief almost instantly. I opened my eyes and watched as she she pushed the valium in . . .
I felt the tension in my neck muscles relax rapidly, all of my anxieties disappeared, as well as my mind. I began having trouble thinking. There was a time delay from what I was thinking to what I could comprehend. This is when I remembered what I hated so much about pain medication - I couldn't think.
About 15 minutes rolled by as I slipped in and out of sleep and reality, and my hand finally stopped squeezing the muscle that was tightened. I could finally adjust my neck so my face wasn't shoved into the bed . . . the pain was finally bearable and my mind was gone.
The doctor came back in and ordered a CAT scan of my neck to see what was going on in there. I'm not sure how long it was before I was transported to imaging because I couldn't evaluate the lapse of time.
The lady in imaging was kind, quick and tried not to make me anymore uncomfortable then I already was.
I was back in my room before I knew it and continued to roll in and out of consciousness until the doctor reappeared.
"Your CAT scan revealed a bulged a disc at c4 and c5. I am referring you over to neurosurgeon. Did you have one in particular you want to see?"
I replied, "I don't want a neurosurgeon - they are a surgeon and get paid to operate. No one is cutting me open."
"What about an orthopedic?"
"Do you mean an orthopedic surgeon? They're the same as a neurosurgeon. Do you have an any other suggestions other then surgeons? How about an osteopath? I've heard they practice natural medicine. I need options and alternatives and am open to any other suggestions, other than surgeons."
The doctor left the room, but returned quite quickly with another doctor. "I'd like to introduce Dr. Triplett, an osteopath."
I smiled and felt relieved - I talked with Dr. Triplett about his practice and what he does, soft tissue manipulation. I explained my personal view on medication and explained how I prefer to do things naturally and that I hadn't opted to come here, but rather my body forced it upon me.
At times I have been faced with excrutiating pain such as this occurance. Are there any clear cut options and alternatives when it comes to emergencies? I'd be more than happy to hear of other people's thoughts and views as to how we can deal with pain - emergency or not.
It's important to weigh all of the options, listen to other people and their stories of how they overcame pain - emergency or non emergency pain - it's all the same. It's about we handle our day to day lives struggling, living and feeling exhausted from dealing with any type of affliction.
Unfortunately the pain medication I left the hospital with rendered it impossible for me to do any of my graduate course work. I couldn't read, comprehend, write, or make anything. I went off the medication early and switched to ibuprofen, went back to my crazy tea concoction and set up an appointment with the osteopath.
The other day I had my first soft tissue manipulation by an osteopath . . . the mobility in my neck has improved, the tightening of muscles has lessened. I have been working on the stretches she gave me and have been resting (this is hard for me to do because I have so much to do between graduate school, dog, kids, and partner). I had to let things fall behind, and am attempting not to stress out and just do the best I can do.
That's it . . . just doing the best I can everyday, with what I have to work with. Always looking for alternatives, and working to the best of my ability with all of my obstacles I have to deal with, but I will never give up.
I will keep on trying . . .
Part I to this post: The Battle: Human versus Pain
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