Third day of my SRA thing today.
I went in feeling pretty stiff and sore. T'ai chi, and the walk to and from, really wore me out. That, combined with changing weather and stress, are a triple threat that takes a lot of willpower to deal with.
I had given the therapist the link to this site, and she checked it in the meantime. Not only did my x-ray help her out immensely, she was both impressed and excited that I've been documenting my story. Hearing that makes me very happy. If this treatment works, she believes that my story will help other people dealing with the same issues as I am. I am more than happy to contribute to furthering knowledge on this new type of treatment and the uses it has.
The pain didn't really come back until about half an hour after I left. Even then, it was fatigue pain for the most part, until about an hour ago. That, though, has a separate cause, since my back hurts when I get stressed, and I was under a great deal of that tonight. Hopefully, a good night's sleep will help that, as will turning in the project that caused the night's stress levels to peak.
Hopefully, I won't hurt much tomorrow. Publication design critique will be pretty much painful even without back pain.
Showing posts with label appointment. Show all posts
Showing posts with label appointment. Show all posts
2008-11-10
2008-11-03
Second Day
I just recently got back from my SRA session.
The second one went about the same as the first one. I felt more relaxed after the treatment, certainly. It's too early to say whether or not I'll have the same pains as last time.
Right now, I'm sore, but I think that's more a factor of t'ai chi plus the appointment today. It's not the muscle cramp pain that I generally have. It's actually more like the pain you'd feel after a workout. Certainly not bad enough to cause too many problems.
I'm going to try to update this more. Especially if there are changes. I should probably try to document what hurts when and where and at what level of pain on a daily basis. In an ideal world, I suppose, but we'll see how that works out with the mountain of stuff I already do.
Update for sure, later.
The second one went about the same as the first one. I felt more relaxed after the treatment, certainly. It's too early to say whether or not I'll have the same pains as last time.
Right now, I'm sore, but I think that's more a factor of t'ai chi plus the appointment today. It's not the muscle cramp pain that I generally have. It's actually more like the pain you'd feel after a workout. Certainly not bad enough to cause too many problems.
I'm going to try to update this more. Especially if there are changes. I should probably try to document what hurts when and where and at what level of pain on a daily basis. In an ideal world, I suppose, but we'll see how that works out with the mountain of stuff I already do.
Update for sure, later.
Spinal Reflex Analysis (SRA)
Spinal reflex analysis, or SRA, is the technique that the therapist is performing. This is the description from spinalreflexanalysis.com:
"Where all other therapies currently focus on simple reflex reactions, Spinal Reflex Analysis (SRA) focuses on the ASR, the root cause of these reactions. SRA is a fast and extremely accurate system of identifying the involved axial spinal reflex and 'turning them off' through specific SRA based treatment programs."
Basically, she's working directly with the nerves to "turn them off". What this means is, my muscles won't hurt nearly as much. I also think that it will prevent them from getting to the pain stage so easily.
I have only had one treatment, which was last Friday. I didn't say too much about it then, mainly because I wanted to have the information in once place. I did find the one site dedicated to SRA, but i didn't find a whole lot of information besides that. This is a new treatment, so I'm really not that surprised. I will post the link in the sidebar and try to describe it as best I can.
She places her finger on a specific nerve, in a specific pattern. To begin with, the pain level is about a 4 or so...just under flinching away stage. She keeps her finger on that place, and asks me to move my eyes in a certain pattern. The way she explained it to me, moving the eyes stimulates the nerves in your brain, and the pain gradually fades to nothing. She continues this through a certain pattern for about an hour. I looked for a graphic of this on the internet, but I didn't find one in the couple minutes that I looked. I will try to get the copy of the one she gave me on here eventually.
When I went in last week, I was really sore and really tense. When I left, I was pretty relaxed. That night, and the next day, my muscles felt okay, but my skin was really tender. I think it might have something to do with the release of lactic acid and other chemicals from my achy muscles. My eyes also hurt a little, I'm assuming since I moved them around so much. We will see if this happens again, and if that reaction is normal.
I have not taken my painkillers for a couple weeks now. Not that I haven't been in enough pain to take them: I have. But I think that my t'ai chi, combined with the SRA is helping me to remain relaxed enough to keep the pain at a bearable level. I hope this will improve over time.
My second SRA appointment is today. I'll post sometime after that.
"Where all other therapies currently focus on simple reflex reactions, Spinal Reflex Analysis (SRA) focuses on the ASR, the root cause of these reactions. SRA is a fast and extremely accurate system of identifying the involved axial spinal reflex and 'turning them off' through specific SRA based treatment programs."
Basically, she's working directly with the nerves to "turn them off". What this means is, my muscles won't hurt nearly as much. I also think that it will prevent them from getting to the pain stage so easily.
I have only had one treatment, which was last Friday. I didn't say too much about it then, mainly because I wanted to have the information in once place. I did find the one site dedicated to SRA, but i didn't find a whole lot of information besides that. This is a new treatment, so I'm really not that surprised. I will post the link in the sidebar and try to describe it as best I can.
She places her finger on a specific nerve, in a specific pattern. To begin with, the pain level is about a 4 or so...just under flinching away stage. She keeps her finger on that place, and asks me to move my eyes in a certain pattern. The way she explained it to me, moving the eyes stimulates the nerves in your brain, and the pain gradually fades to nothing. She continues this through a certain pattern for about an hour. I looked for a graphic of this on the internet, but I didn't find one in the couple minutes that I looked. I will try to get the copy of the one she gave me on here eventually.
When I went in last week, I was really sore and really tense. When I left, I was pretty relaxed. That night, and the next day, my muscles felt okay, but my skin was really tender. I think it might have something to do with the release of lactic acid and other chemicals from my achy muscles. My eyes also hurt a little, I'm assuming since I moved them around so much. We will see if this happens again, and if that reaction is normal.
I have not taken my painkillers for a couple weeks now. Not that I haven't been in enough pain to take them: I have. But I think that my t'ai chi, combined with the SRA is helping me to remain relaxed enough to keep the pain at a bearable level. I hope this will improve over time.
My second SRA appointment is today. I'll post sometime after that.
2008-10-24
Memory Problems, Too?
I was going to post an entry with links and all kinds of information about my therapy that I had today. I was sort of constructing the phrases in my mind while I was on my drive back to campus, complete with any diagrams I found and information available. One problem, though:
I forgot what my therapy is called, and I left the sheet in the car.
So, pretty pictures later. I'll wait to explain it until I have some diagrams or...something.
I forgot what my therapy is called, and I left the sheet in the car.
So, pretty pictures later. I'll wait to explain it until I have some diagrams or...something.
2008-05-27
Big Traction and Intimidating Equipment
My day started just the way I suspected it would: in pain. I brought it on myself, since I decided to go knee boarding yesterday. I still believe it was completely worth it. Most of the pain has ended up in my arms, which doesn't surprise me in the least.
So, as I proceeded to get up and take some of the usual painkiller, I realized that there was a little pain in my back, but certainly not as bad as the aforementioned arm pain. And not as bad as a usual work day.
So, I had a pretty good idea where this place was that I was going when I left this morning, but apparently, not a good enough of an idea. In true Amy fashion, I managed to get myself lost. The problem was...I went way too far down Ridgeway. Figures. After a phone call to the office and some directions, I managed to find the place. And after I circled the building, I managed to find the entrance. And after I walked down the wrong hallway, I managed to find the right area. I was embarrassingly 15 minutes late for my appointment, but at least I won't get lost again.
They started off my therapy by laying on a heat pad, which felt amazing. The physical therapist came in and started asking me questions, then finally explained what traction really is. I'll get to that later.
They then took me to the traction machine. This is a rather intimidating-looking piece of equipment. They put two harnesses on me, one around my hips, and one that went the whole length of my back. I was then attached to the machine. This is where it all got kind of medieval. Traction works by stretching your back. Which means...the attach the harness to one end of the machine, which pulls with a certain weight. There are padded posts under your arms, which holds your upper body in place. You are then told to relax as the machine pulls for 60 seconds, then releases for about 40 seconds or so. Rinse and repeat.
All of this is well and good, except for the nerve in my lumbar region that got pinched somehow. The pain started about 10 minutes in, and by 15 minutes it was so excruciating that I couldn't take it anymore. They had to take me off of the machine. They think the cause was the lumbar cushion was inflated too much. In my next appointment tomorrow, they're going to lower the pull weight and deflate the cushion a little. I really hope it works.
All of this is for my lower back, which for some reason, they think they need to do this for. My herniated disk has always been a red herring of sorts: a lot of people focus on that and not the more painful scoliosis pain. I brought this up, and as I suspected, they were focusing more on this less painful area of my back.
My session finished with a 15 minute relaxation time on some cold packs and electrodes. It helped a little.
Tomorrow we are also going to start some exercises with a ball for my scoliosis pain, while continuing the traction for my lower spine. They are also going to continue the electrode therapy. We'll see if the traction goes any better tomorrow.
So, as I proceeded to get up and take some of the usual painkiller, I realized that there was a little pain in my back, but certainly not as bad as the aforementioned arm pain. And not as bad as a usual work day.
So, I had a pretty good idea where this place was that I was going when I left this morning, but apparently, not a good enough of an idea. In true Amy fashion, I managed to get myself lost. The problem was...I went way too far down Ridgeway. Figures. After a phone call to the office and some directions, I managed to find the place. And after I circled the building, I managed to find the entrance. And after I walked down the wrong hallway, I managed to find the right area. I was embarrassingly 15 minutes late for my appointment, but at least I won't get lost again.
They started off my therapy by laying on a heat pad, which felt amazing. The physical therapist came in and started asking me questions, then finally explained what traction really is. I'll get to that later.
They then took me to the traction machine. This is a rather intimidating-looking piece of equipment. They put two harnesses on me, one around my hips, and one that went the whole length of my back. I was then attached to the machine. This is where it all got kind of medieval. Traction works by stretching your back. Which means...the attach the harness to one end of the machine, which pulls with a certain weight. There are padded posts under your arms, which holds your upper body in place. You are then told to relax as the machine pulls for 60 seconds, then releases for about 40 seconds or so. Rinse and repeat.
All of this is well and good, except for the nerve in my lumbar region that got pinched somehow. The pain started about 10 minutes in, and by 15 minutes it was so excruciating that I couldn't take it anymore. They had to take me off of the machine. They think the cause was the lumbar cushion was inflated too much. In my next appointment tomorrow, they're going to lower the pull weight and deflate the cushion a little. I really hope it works.
All of this is for my lower back, which for some reason, they think they need to do this for. My herniated disk has always been a red herring of sorts: a lot of people focus on that and not the more painful scoliosis pain. I brought this up, and as I suspected, they were focusing more on this less painful area of my back.
My session finished with a 15 minute relaxation time on some cold packs and electrodes. It helped a little.
Tomorrow we are also going to start some exercises with a ball for my scoliosis pain, while continuing the traction for my lower spine. They are also going to continue the electrode therapy. We'll see if the traction goes any better tomorrow.
2008-03-26
Set in Stone
My surgery is May 23rd.
I will be in the hospital for about a week, then I will be going to stay with someone, probably my mom. After that, I should be coming back to CF. If anyone wants to visit, I will be eternally grateful to you.
Now that the ball is rolling, I feel a bit apprehensive. But you better believe that I'm glad about it. In what seems like a push for the decision, my back hurt today. A lot. Almost unbearably.
This went will change my life. Bring it on, I'm as ready as to can be.
I will be in the hospital for about a week, then I will be going to stay with someone, probably my mom. After that, I should be coming back to CF. If anyone wants to visit, I will be eternally grateful to you.
Now that the ball is rolling, I feel a bit apprehensive. But you better believe that I'm glad about it. In what seems like a push for the decision, my back hurt today. A lot. Almost unbearably.
This went will change my life. Bring it on, I'm as ready as to can be.
2008-02-27
Wheels in Motion
I began my day with a 20 minute drive to get x-rays done. They were long x-rays, to be able to view my entire spine. Not only that, we did flex x-rays, basically with me leaning to the side and back and such. It was uncomfortable, it was early, but at least we got it done.
I had to take hydrocodone at work today, since I've been going non-stop since 7 AM and I'm completely worn out because of it. I'm still feeling some residual effects and it's not that pleasant. I suppose it's better than being in pain.
My orthopedic surgeon appointment was at 2 today. We looked at my x-rays, and then he talked to me about my schedule for the rest of the year. He then told me to think very seriously about the surgery, and that he's going to begin looking at all of the x-rays to determine the best course of surgery. I will go back on the 26th of March. That is when we will begin to schedule things.
So, at this point, I need to find another surgeon to give me the second opinion that my dad is asking for. I somehow have to get this pulled off in the next two weeks, before spring break.
I don't have copies of the x-rays to post. They're really not anything too special.
Things are starting to finally move forward. I'm glad.
I had to take hydrocodone at work today, since I've been going non-stop since 7 AM and I'm completely worn out because of it. I'm still feeling some residual effects and it's not that pleasant. I suppose it's better than being in pain.
My orthopedic surgeon appointment was at 2 today. We looked at my x-rays, and then he talked to me about my schedule for the rest of the year. He then told me to think very seriously about the surgery, and that he's going to begin looking at all of the x-rays to determine the best course of surgery. I will go back on the 26th of March. That is when we will begin to schedule things.
So, at this point, I need to find another surgeon to give me the second opinion that my dad is asking for. I somehow have to get this pulled off in the next two weeks, before spring break.
I don't have copies of the x-rays to post. They're really not anything too special.
Things are starting to finally move forward. I'm glad.
2008-01-30
Focus Change
Well, I had my monthly appointment with my surgeon today, and we're finally getting somewhere.
The disk pain is almost gone. Now, the focus is, once again, on the scoliosis. In the last month, that's what's been causing me the most pain. Even today. Just another reminder that I really want to get something done about this.
He didn't cover anything I didn't already know. He mentioned that it wouldn't take away all the pain, just 70% at the best. Any amount of permanent relief will be a major help. He also told me the type of procedure: the spinal fusion, and that it would take awhile to recover from. As I have mentioned before. He also asked me to start considering when I would have it done. I already have the answer to that too: Summer. After all of that, he said "It sounds like you've thought a lot about this, which means that it really is affecting your life in a significant way." Also very true.
So, what's the next step? I'm going to get some more comprehensive x-rays done, including a full back, side bending and movement. I'm also going to go back in a month, probably to discuss the x-rays. Another thing: Dad wants me to get another opinion, which I am inclined to agree with. After that...maybe, finally, something will get done about this.
On a bit of a side note, there was a little replica sitting in the exam room. It's of a herniated disk. The disk that it's on is the same one I have, but the side is on the right instead of the left. Take a look:
Just gives you an idea.
The disk pain is almost gone. Now, the focus is, once again, on the scoliosis. In the last month, that's what's been causing me the most pain. Even today. Just another reminder that I really want to get something done about this.
He didn't cover anything I didn't already know. He mentioned that it wouldn't take away all the pain, just 70% at the best. Any amount of permanent relief will be a major help. He also told me the type of procedure: the spinal fusion, and that it would take awhile to recover from. As I have mentioned before. He also asked me to start considering when I would have it done. I already have the answer to that too: Summer. After all of that, he said "It sounds like you've thought a lot about this, which means that it really is affecting your life in a significant way." Also very true.
So, what's the next step? I'm going to get some more comprehensive x-rays done, including a full back, side bending and movement. I'm also going to go back in a month, probably to discuss the x-rays. Another thing: Dad wants me to get another opinion, which I am inclined to agree with. After that...maybe, finally, something will get done about this.
On a bit of a side note, there was a little replica sitting in the exam room. It's of a herniated disk. The disk that it's on is the same one I have, but the side is on the right instead of the left. Take a look:
Just gives you an idea.
2008-01-02
Mind Dump
The appointment today went about as I expected. I waited an hour to see the doctor, and the only thing he decided was further observation. I'm actually happy about that. Hasty decisions aren't a good thing.
I go back on January 30th. The office is moving to the area between the Dome and the Wellness Center, which is great news. That means that it's now on campus.
After my appointment, I went to my storage garage and got my bass guitar out. I plan on learning how to play it. It's in my car until I clean up my room a little more. I was also going to get some wire shelves, but I couldn't find some pieces in the really low light. It was also just a little too cold.
As for now, I'm going to take some hydrocodone and deal with the high while I'm home. We'll see if I feel better tomorrow. If I do, I need to clean up my apartment more.
I go back on January 30th. The office is moving to the area between the Dome and the Wellness Center, which is great news. That means that it's now on campus.
After my appointment, I went to my storage garage and got my bass guitar out. I plan on learning how to play it. It's in my car until I clean up my room a little more. I was also going to get some wire shelves, but I couldn't find some pieces in the really low light. It was also just a little too cold.
As for now, I'm going to take some hydrocodone and deal with the high while I'm home. We'll see if I feel better tomorrow. If I do, I need to clean up my apartment more.
Appointment Day
I go to the surgeon today. I'm actually leaving in about 10 minutes.
It only figures that I hurt on the day of my appointment. It's not terrible, but I'm not so happy about it. I took one hydrocodone, because I don't want to be too high to drive. It's taken the edge off, but I still hurt.
I'm not sure what he's going to say. I will certainly post after I get back.
It only figures that I hurt on the day of my appointment. It's not terrible, but I'm not so happy about it. I took one hydrocodone, because I don't want to be too high to drive. It's taken the edge off, but I still hurt.
I'm not sure what he's going to say. I will certainly post after I get back.
2007-12-05
The plot thickens!
So, I had my ortho appointment today. I was expecting x-rays. I didn't even have to take off my clothes.
The doctor came in and told me the news. I have a herniated disk. Right at the base of my spine. That basically confirms my suspicions about my terrible and unusual back pain lately.
So, what does this mean? Well, it's certainly a more pressing issue than my scoliosis. I have an appointment in a month, so until then, I have orders to take it easy. That means...no lifting, no coughing, no strenuous activity. That means, once I finish out this semester, I'm not going to find a job for break. I'm going to basically lay around and rest. It will give me a great chance to work on my websites and portfolio, at least.
The magic day is January 2nd. I will continue to update daily with my pain level, but know that I'll probably be taking hydrocodone every day. The surgeon gave me a prescription for more, so I'm really not in danger of running out anymore.
I will add links to info on herniated disks soon, and I'm planning on getting my MRI sometime this week.
The doctor came in and told me the news. I have a herniated disk. Right at the base of my spine. That basically confirms my suspicions about my terrible and unusual back pain lately.
So, what does this mean? Well, it's certainly a more pressing issue than my scoliosis. I have an appointment in a month, so until then, I have orders to take it easy. That means...no lifting, no coughing, no strenuous activity. That means, once I finish out this semester, I'm not going to find a job for break. I'm going to basically lay around and rest. It will give me a great chance to work on my websites and portfolio, at least.
The magic day is January 2nd. I will continue to update daily with my pain level, but know that I'll probably be taking hydrocodone every day. The surgeon gave me a prescription for more, so I'm really not in danger of running out anymore.
I will add links to info on herniated disks soon, and I'm planning on getting my MRI sometime this week.
2007-12-04
A new experience
So, I'm done with my MRI. I might as well give a play-by-play while it's fresh in my mind.
So, I woke up at 5:30 with a lung-full of phlegm and a little bit of pain. The congestion was mostly taken care of with my inhaler, but I held off on popping pills right away. I arrived at the place with no trouble, but I did manage to walk in the wrong door :-/. After filling out paperwork and having a complimentary breakfast, I was soon taken back and put in a room where I had to change half of my clothing. The pants they had me change into are VERY comfortable. So, with everything metal stashed away and the rest of me ready to go, I went and sat in their little recliner in the second waiting room. They gave me a list of XM radio stations to choose from, ran over basically what would take place, then left me in the chair for about 5 minutes to doze. When they were finally ready, I went in to the imaging room. The MRI is basically a big tube. I laid down on the sliding platform, and they gave me headphones with my choice of radio station, a blanket, a panic button, and instructions not to move. Then, they slid me into the machine.
The machine itself wasn't intimidating, unless you're claustrophobic. The only thing I could see was the edge of the machine above my head. Needless to say, I closed my eyes. The only sensory input was sound. And there was lots of it. Not only did I have the swing music I had chosen, the machine itself makes lots and lots of noise. I knew I would find it impossible to actually sleep, but I entered what I like to call "turning inward". Basically, it's a type of meditation where you become semi-aware of your surroundings, but become completely aware of your internal thoughts. I think the rest of me slept, though, because when I "woke up", I felt like I had gotten some restful sleep.
It was a good experience. I was warm, comfortable, and relaxed. I had taken my hydrocodone shortly before the procedure, so my back didn't hurt. The only thing I really had trouble with was my congestion in my nose, but fortunately, I didn't have any real problems with that.
I will see the results tomorrow at my ortho appointment. They said I can also have a CD copy of my images, so I will be sure to post both my x-rays I get done tomorrow, and the images from my MRI when I get them.
Now, I have work.
So, I woke up at 5:30 with a lung-full of phlegm and a little bit of pain. The congestion was mostly taken care of with my inhaler, but I held off on popping pills right away. I arrived at the place with no trouble, but I did manage to walk in the wrong door :-/. After filling out paperwork and having a complimentary breakfast, I was soon taken back and put in a room where I had to change half of my clothing. The pants they had me change into are VERY comfortable. So, with everything metal stashed away and the rest of me ready to go, I went and sat in their little recliner in the second waiting room. They gave me a list of XM radio stations to choose from, ran over basically what would take place, then left me in the chair for about 5 minutes to doze. When they were finally ready, I went in to the imaging room. The MRI is basically a big tube. I laid down on the sliding platform, and they gave me headphones with my choice of radio station, a blanket, a panic button, and instructions not to move. Then, they slid me into the machine.
The machine itself wasn't intimidating, unless you're claustrophobic. The only thing I could see was the edge of the machine above my head. Needless to say, I closed my eyes. The only sensory input was sound. And there was lots of it. Not only did I have the swing music I had chosen, the machine itself makes lots and lots of noise. I knew I would find it impossible to actually sleep, but I entered what I like to call "turning inward". Basically, it's a type of meditation where you become semi-aware of your surroundings, but become completely aware of your internal thoughts. I think the rest of me slept, though, because when I "woke up", I felt like I had gotten some restful sleep.
It was a good experience. I was warm, comfortable, and relaxed. I had taken my hydrocodone shortly before the procedure, so my back didn't hurt. The only thing I really had trouble with was my congestion in my nose, but fortunately, I didn't have any real problems with that.
I will see the results tomorrow at my ortho appointment. They said I can also have a CD copy of my images, so I will be sure to post both my x-rays I get done tomorrow, and the images from my MRI when I get them.
Now, I have work.
2007-12-03
A small bit of relief works wonders
I'm happy to say that I feel a lot better. This is mainly because of hydrocodone, but relief is relief.
By the time I got to the clinic today, my pain was nearly unbearable. A great example that the doctor knew who I was: he came in with the prescription already written. He talked to me a bit, and said something along the lines of "Don't get down on yourself about this. Enjoy whatever you're able to do, and don't feel bad about not being able to do some of the things others can do." He said other stuff as well, but that's the gist of it.
After the health clinic, I went to a friend's dorm room that was close by and let the hydrocodone take effect. Even with the highest recommended dose, I was still in some amount of pain. Still, it was nice to have the pain reduced.
My MRI is at 7 tomorrow morning, and they want me to be there by 6:30, so I'll be heading to bed soon. I'll be sure to post an update on my appointment tomorrow.
By the time I got to the clinic today, my pain was nearly unbearable. A great example that the doctor knew who I was: he came in with the prescription already written. He talked to me a bit, and said something along the lines of "Don't get down on yourself about this. Enjoy whatever you're able to do, and don't feel bad about not being able to do some of the things others can do." He said other stuff as well, but that's the gist of it.
After the health clinic, I went to a friend's dorm room that was close by and let the hydrocodone take effect. Even with the highest recommended dose, I was still in some amount of pain. Still, it was nice to have the pain reduced.
My MRI is at 7 tomorrow morning, and they want me to be there by 6:30, so I'll be heading to bed soon. I'll be sure to post an update on my appointment tomorrow.
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