I suppose it's time for a little update.
First, an update on Mebsie.
Mebsie, as you know, got her double lung transplant on May 28th, 2015. As many of you know she has not had an easy recovery. She has pretty much been in the hospital since transplant. (with the exception of MAYBE 2 weeks). Her complications range from complete kidney failure to pneumonia to seizures. I stayed with her in the hospital in Philly for 3 months. May 29th - Aug 29th. Then I finally had to come home and take care of my own appointments. It's really hard being away from her, especially when she's unwell. We text everyday and talk on the phone occasionally, I also am in frequent contact with the charge nurse and a social worker at the hospital. But it's not the same as being there. I'm going down for a visit tomorrow, but unfortunately it's only a one night visit because I have a new addition to my family...he's furry, and adorable, and goes by the name of Jaxon Wilson!
This brings me to my next topic, puppy!
Jaxon is 14 weeks old. He's a mini goldendoodle and he's desperately attached to his mommy! (me) He cries when I so much as leave the room. He's very sweet and playful. And he's also my future service dog! (for PTSD, social anxiety & syncope detection)
And finally, spine clinic.
As some of you know, I have been suffering with severe back pain for about 7-8 years. I have been taking pain medications for it but never really having the underlying issues treated, or even examined for that matter. I finally decided I couldn't take it anymore and I wanted to do something more.First I saw a pain management doctor (after waiting 2 months for an appointment) to try to get to the bottom of what was causing it, unfortunately this doctor did nothing for me. He wrote me 2 new prescriptions and sent me on my way. He didn't even fully examine me. He just handed me the papers and told me to come back in 2 months. Also, it should be noted that one of the medications he prescribed, I cannot even take! It's a muscle relaxer that should NEVER been taken in combination with my cardiac medications as it causes drastic drops in blood pressure, heart rate and of course, fainting. Cool, huh?
And before you jump to his defense, YES, he had my medication list in front of him. I didn't get much relief from the other medication he gave me either, so I decided to rethink things. My plan? Acupuncture. I did some research and found a local clinic near my house that does an array of neck, back & joint care. I contacted them and got an appointment 3 days later. My first visit was of course acupuncture. As well as a set of Xrays and a full evaluation. (for free!) Well when the results came in I was a bit shocked. I have a host of back problems. Scoliosis, complete with uneven hips. Compressed discs, pinched nerves, and I've also had whiplash, probably multiple times. So we began a 36 session program of massage, acupuncture, chiropractic adjustments, decompression & physical therapy. All of which is covered under my insurance, up to a point. For example, insurance only pays for 24 physical therapy & chiropractic sessions and the doctor was very confident that I needed the full 36, so what did he do? He waved the fees for the remaining sessions! All $3000!!
Anyway, I'm about 16 sessions into my program and have noticed some improvements. I'm really going to keep at my home stretches. I would love to be able to knock some of the meds off my list!
Okay, well, that's all for today. I'll leave you with some pictures of my spine.
