And the hoop jumping continues...

(SSD Review Update)

I received a letter today, from the Bureau of Disability Determination, that I have been scheduled for a "mental status evaluation" with a Psychiatrist. WTF!? I didn't think my mental status was in question. I have NO idea what to expect, even after doing a little research online. My bf asked me, "So, are you supposed to fail or pass this?" Great question, but I have no clue.

The appt. is not until Nov. 27th at 2:45pm. Perfect timing, because I almost always crash between 3 & 4.

4 hours since my treatment...

I feel the pain coming back. :-(

The treatment was very relaxing and lasted about 20 minutes all together. (For the life of me, I can't remember the name of the machine. I asked, I swear, but I should have written it down.) Suction cups with these little sponges in them, a total of 4, were placed on my upper back. Electromagnetic waves were sent through the cups. There was a very calming swooshing sound that made me want to fall asleep. There was no pain involved in the process. The degree of waves was set according to my tolerance. When it was 'too' much they seemed to set it back just a smidge. Immediately following the treatment I just felt numbness. The tech said that the feeling of numbness is because the waves are sent deep into the muscles and it's supposed to interrupt the pain sensation. He kept asking, "But do you feel better?" My answer, "I'm numb, so I guess that is better then feeling pain."

An hour or so after the treatment my upper back felt good. I even stopped in TJ Maxx to pick up some shirts. I still felt incredibly weak and pain everywhere else (which is common for me), but not in my upper back.

2-3 hours post treatment I was still feeling the numbing effects in my upper back and I could press in the area of the treatment without feeling pain.

It's now been about 4 hours and the pain has returned. It hurts even without touch, just as usual. I also have a headache.

According to the tech, treatments generally can be done anywhere on the body and 5 days in a row are suggested. Most people have reported immediate relief, but best results are with multiple treatments. My hospital/doctor were doing this as a trial with the possibility to purchase the machine. So, I don't know if/when another treatment would be available. I would certainly agree to more treatments. Any relief, even temporarily, is welcome.

Last night...

If I could have ran away, I would have. Of course, only on the condition that I could leave my pain behind. I didn't sleep well at all and I was absolutely miserable. Every damn muscle in my body hurt and I couldn't find a comfortable position. It was a long night and none of my meds were even scratching the surface of my pain. A night like last, well, I wouldn't wish it on my worst enemy.

Btw, I've been asked to participate in a pain study for Fibromyalgia patients. Apparently, I'm going to be one of a few guinea pigs for some new machine. All I know is not to wear lotion and I heard something about suction cups!?!? I guess I should have asked more questions, but I really trust my PCP and he says there is no risk involved. So, next Wednesday I'll find out what's going on. I'll have to miss swimming, but I guess that is the only day they were taking appointments for this trial run.

Speaking of swimming, I am finishing up my Conditioning class tomorrow and next week I'm back in the Arthritis and Injury class. The Conditioning class, even modified, is kicking my butt. I decided it might be best to really scale back and get in the A/I class again. The focus is more about stretching and pain relief, which is what I really need right now.

On another topic, I still haven't received a response on my Social Security Disability review. I did, however, get an award letter today for prescription benefit discounts. That was good news, but not the news I really wanted to hear. I don't know which was/is worse, the initial application for SSD or this review process? I do know one thing for sure, there is a TON of paperwork and it's extremely stressful. I hope to hear something sooner then later because this waiting is driving me nuts.

Sore isn't enough of an explanation, so I'll expand my vocabulary to explain what I'm feeling after my fall at the YMCA yesterday.

Aching
Annoying
Bruised
Burning
Hurting
Inflamed
Irritated
Painful
Sensitive
Tender
Uncomfortable
Unpleasant

Crash! Bang! Boom!

I fell. First time in a long time and it really wasn't my fault. I was just finishing dressing, after swimming, when I started towards the counter to dry my hair. BAM! Down on my butt I went. I slipped on the wet floor and my legs just went right out in front of me. Two old ladies came running from out of nowhere. They offered to help me get up (lol), but I was able to do it on my own.

My left arm was and still is throbbing with a small bruise. I think my gym bag pulled down on that arm and it slammed into the floor. My bottom and back are extremely sore also, but I haven't looked for any bruising. I had to fill out an accident report, which I couldn't because I was shaking so bad. I think the jolt to my body, plus just finishing my workout, was too much for my body. I just told the Y lady what happened and she did all the writing. My signature looked like an 80 year old woman had signed it!

Well, I'm off to shower and see if any other damage is evident. Otherwise, it's pain pills for me tonight.

Extremely tough* day yesterday, but a GREAT evening (at home) with friends. Back to tough* this morning. IMO, laughing & socializing is an amazing method of distraction for pain. It's a shame it's so exhausting though.

*Tough = Wrecked muscles, pain, weakness, and tired beyond comprehension.

Was it worth it? ABSOLUTELY!