Blog Post 9250
This gentleman was passing the time by scrolling on his phone outside the hospital when I went for my MRI on Monday. I don’t know whether he was waiting for a ride or perhaps waiting for someone who was inside.
The MRI took half an hour and was noisy. The staff was helpful, so I can’t complain. The results showed that there was a severe compression fracture in L1, subacute but healing. This is why I haven’t been able to walk with my back straight since falling four months ago. Physical therapy hasn’t helped much, but I’m going to try it a little longer. The MRI also showed spondylosis in L2-L5, but that had showed up in the CT scan that I had in June.
I met with the orthopedic doctor yesterday and there isn’t much else we’re going to do right now. An epidural is a possibility, but needs to be given while I’m actually in pain, and usually the pain doesn’t hit until late in the day when I’m tired, or after I’ve been driving too long. I guess it’s a good thing that it doesn’t hurt all the time, but I sure would like to be able to walk without feeling bent over. And I’m still having pain in one knee when I walk. (Sigh!)
I’m glad I retired early rather than later. I was able to do things that I’m not able to do now. Maybe someday?
“Enjoy yourself. It’s later than you think.” --Herb Magidsen, Lyricist
je te souhaite un bon rétablissement, et que la douleur te quitte.
ReplyDeleteYou caught great patterns - the wall, his coat - well done!
ReplyDeleteI'm so sorry for your pain. Backs can be very difficult.
Hi, very nice blog, I am new here. I follow you 306, maybe follow back?
ReplyDeletehttps://fashionrecommendationss.blogspot.com/
Constant pain is difficult. I hope they can do something for you.
ReplyDelete...I had my first MRI this summer, yes a noisy affair!
ReplyDeleteI think it’s good to have answers but am sorry to hear these conditions are causing you pain. I hope PT offers some options with relief. You are right about retiring early…to get to enjoy time doing what you wish. I keep telling younger friends to do things now while their bodies are more capable!
ReplyDeleteIt really makes you wonder about the stories happening just behind the camera, which seems fitting for a hospital setting.
ReplyDeleteI'm truly sorry to hear about the findings from your MRI. A severe compression fracture in L1 explains so much about the trouble you have been having walking straight. It is a relief that the subacute fracture is healing, but I completely understand your frustration with the slow progress and the knee pain.
It is wise to be grateful for the time you had to enjoy things before this happened. I'm keeping my fingers crossed that the remaining physical therapy helps ease things a bit more, or that you find a good moment to try that epidural. You are right, those good phones are expensive, but investing in your health and comfort is absolutely worth it.
Yes MRI scans are noisy aren't they.
ReplyDeleteAt least you have answers, and I do hope that a little more physical therapy gives you some more relief from pain.
I do like the b&w photograph at the start of your post.
All the best Jan
My own experience with physical therapy is that it often does take time. Hope it works for you.
ReplyDelete