Sunday, November 18, 2012
My flight home on Friday was uneventful - just the way I like it.
Steve met me at the airport with flowers. I am so excited to get home and see my kids.
As soon as I opened the door - there stood Alana & Landon (each one holding one of the cats)
I got hugs, kisses and a beautiful card.
I missed home.
Even though I was so anxious to sleep in my own bed, I did not sleep very well. I am not sure exactly why.
Saturday started off lovely - breakfast with my family, couple quick errands, and a trip to Target.
The trip to Target was a milestone for me -- I walked in without my cane!
After a little bit, I did use the cart to lean on but still no cane. The strange part as Alana kept pointing out - I am not sure where to place my hand. I have walked with a cane for so long - that it felt like my left hand was missing something without it. Not to worry - I will get used to it soon.
I may have overdone it a little; I was very worn by late afternoon.
Tomorrow, will be better I am sure.
Saturday night, I fell asleep within minutes of climbing into bed. My sleep lasted for only an hour and 15 minutes. Then I was up until 6:30am. Grrrrr.
Now, I should report - that my pain level is still down. It has not been eliminated. It feels as if someone has hit the mute button on the RSD pain. I hurt, but there is a lot less burning, stabbing pain.
Sunday, picked up kids from religious school with Steve and proceeded to drive to Costco. On the way over (a 10 min trip) I began to feel sick, very sick. So ill in fact that I could not go into Costco. My family went in, and I fell asleep in the car. After a bit, when they came out of the store and woke me I did begin to feel a lot better.
I am starting to realize that maybe the Doctor was right. I need to take things slowly and not overdo anything. I am going to go slow this week - or at least try to. I have cancelled a lot of my plans for the next couple of days - as to be sure to go easy.
I feel as if I am in an awkward situation now. So many people want to know the results of this treatment. I can not give anyone a full report yet. Without a doubt, the Calmare treatment does something. It did lesson my pain, and at times almost eliminate it. Now I just need to hope that this continues on for sometime.
Sunday, November 18, 2012
Thursday, November 15, 2012
Almost done
Thursday, November 15, 2012 - Day 10 of treatment
Appointment 1:30pm
Well, I have today and tomorrow left. As excited as I am about going home, I am nervous. I have not gotten a full day of pain relief. I do not want this to be for nothing.
Last night, I was able to fall asleep without being in pain - something I never believed could happen. I slept fairly well too. I was able to sleep a few solid hours. Sleep is really a wonderful thing - I highly recommend it to everyone -- smile.
Today after treatment, I did a little shopping. I am guessing that was not the best choice of activities. I was no longer pain-free. Although I do think the weather was playing a part in that - it looks and feels as if it is about to rain. I went back to the hotel and rested for awhile and I did feel better.
I am packing up my suitcase with my clothes, shoes, make-up and such. I am so hoping that when I leave this hotel room I leave with just what is in that suitcase. I do not want to bring the RSD pain home with me. I have decided there is just no more room for it in my life. My suitcase is heavy enough.
My last treatment is tomorrow morning at 10:30am. Then I will be spending time with my Aunt and Uncle before going to the airport and returning home.
I will update you all over the weekend to let you know these last days went.
Appointment 1:30pm
Well, I have today and tomorrow left. As excited as I am about going home, I am nervous. I have not gotten a full day of pain relief. I do not want this to be for nothing.
Last night, I was able to fall asleep without being in pain - something I never believed could happen. I slept fairly well too. I was able to sleep a few solid hours. Sleep is really a wonderful thing - I highly recommend it to everyone -- smile.
Today after treatment, I did a little shopping. I am guessing that was not the best choice of activities. I was no longer pain-free. Although I do think the weather was playing a part in that - it looks and feels as if it is about to rain. I went back to the hotel and rested for awhile and I did feel better.
I am packing up my suitcase with my clothes, shoes, make-up and such. I am so hoping that when I leave this hotel room I leave with just what is in that suitcase. I do not want to bring the RSD pain home with me. I have decided there is just no more room for it in my life. My suitcase is heavy enough.
My last treatment is tomorrow morning at 10:30am. Then I will be spending time with my Aunt and Uncle before going to the airport and returning home.
I will update you all over the weekend to let you know these last days went.
Wednesday, November 14, 2012
A somewhat "normal" night...
Tuesday, November 13, 2012 - Day 8 of Treatment
Appointment began at 1:30pm
I am back to treatment by myself. I was a little worried wondering if I would take a step backwards not having someone with me this time.
No, not the case -- Shelby (doctor's assistant) was able to start up the therapy right away and at a higher level than prior days.
Shelby kept turning the intensity up bit by bit. I was able to much more today and I was not that uncomfortable.
What came next - is outstanding (at least to me).... I remained RSD pain free until I went to sleep.
I even slept for about 4 hours straight! I woke up for a few hours and then was able to return to sleep.
Strange thing is I am tired - how can that be? I slept so much better and I am tired. That does not make sense.
Wednesday, November 14, 2012 - Day 9 of treatment
Appointment 2:30pm
Doctor is very pleased with my reports of yesterday's results. He wanted to try to move up the intensity just a bit more today.
I was able to handle it - my knee was jumping a drop but nothing too bad.
Doctor and Shelby both happy with the progress of my therapy today.
I am hoping that the results last even longer.
I have two treatment left, thurs. and fri
I am anxious to return to my home. I miss my family there.
Appointment began at 1:30pm
I am back to treatment by myself. I was a little worried wondering if I would take a step backwards not having someone with me this time.
No, not the case -- Shelby (doctor's assistant) was able to start up the therapy right away and at a higher level than prior days.
Shelby kept turning the intensity up bit by bit. I was able to much more today and I was not that uncomfortable.
What came next - is outstanding (at least to me).... I remained RSD pain free until I went to sleep.
I even slept for about 4 hours straight! I woke up for a few hours and then was able to return to sleep.
Strange thing is I am tired - how can that be? I slept so much better and I am tired. That does not make sense.
Wednesday, November 14, 2012 - Day 9 of treatment
Appointment 2:30pm
Doctor is very pleased with my reports of yesterday's results. He wanted to try to move up the intensity just a bit more today.
I was able to handle it - my knee was jumping a drop but nothing too bad.
Doctor and Shelby both happy with the progress of my therapy today.
I am hoping that the results last even longer.
I have two treatment left, thurs. and fri
I am anxious to return to my home. I miss my family there.
Tuesday, November 13, 2012
Back to treatment
Monday, September 12, 2012 - Day 7 of Treatment
Appointment time 2 pm
I am very lucky -- today my two cousins, Ruth and Rhonda accompanied me to therapy. The doctor was not in right away, so the assistant, Shelby (who is as sweet as pie) set me up on the machine. I like when she starts my treatment, because she turns the machine on very gently - smile
The treatment is definitely becoming more tolerable. My leg still shakes a bit, but no more "jumping" out of my seat.
We left treatment, went back to the hotel and played a vicious game of scrabble - and I lost! Ruth is a scrabble shark. We then went out for a wonderful seafood dinner. It was not until we were leaving the restaurant, that I started to feel my knee heating up. I quickly (and probably rudely) interrupted Rhonda and asked her what was the time. It had been over 5 hours!!!!!
I was without pain for 5 hours - it is still unbelievable.
Last night, I even slept a bit better. I was able to sleep for 3 1/2 hours was up for only an hour and then went back to sleep for another 2 hours.
As of right now - I am having positive thoughts.
I will keep you posted.
Next appointment - 1pm Tuesday.
Appointment time 2 pm
I am very lucky -- today my two cousins, Ruth and Rhonda accompanied me to therapy. The doctor was not in right away, so the assistant, Shelby (who is as sweet as pie) set me up on the machine. I like when she starts my treatment, because she turns the machine on very gently - smile
The treatment is definitely becoming more tolerable. My leg still shakes a bit, but no more "jumping" out of my seat.
We left treatment, went back to the hotel and played a vicious game of scrabble - and I lost! Ruth is a scrabble shark. We then went out for a wonderful seafood dinner. It was not until we were leaving the restaurant, that I started to feel my knee heating up. I quickly (and probably rudely) interrupted Rhonda and asked her what was the time. It had been over 5 hours!!!!!
I was without pain for 5 hours - it is still unbelievable.
Last night, I even slept a bit better. I was able to sleep for 3 1/2 hours was up for only an hour and then went back to sleep for another 2 hours.
As of right now - I am having positive thoughts.
I will keep you posted.
Next appointment - 1pm Tuesday.
Sunday, November 11, 2012
My Day Off
Sunday, November 11, 2012
No treatment today. So glad because I am wiped out, I mean completely exhausted. I think it is just been because it has been a whirlwind of a week for me and everything is starting to catch up.
I am going to take it very easy today, rest, relax - visit with my family.
As you are still continuing to read my blog, you have shown some concern in my welfare. I (and my family) so appreciate your support, thoughts, and warm wishes.
I realized that many of you might not know exactly what RSD is - here is a brief overview:
Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy, RSD, is now referred to as Complex Regional Pain Syndrome, CRPS. CRPS is a progressive disease of the Autonomic Nervous System. The pain is characterized as constant, extremely intense, and out of proportion to the original injury. The pain is typically accompanied with swelling, skin changes, sensitivity and can often be debilitating. It usually affects one or more of the four limbs but can occur in any part of the body.
CRPS is ranked as the most painful form of chronic pain that exists today by the McGill Pain Index
There are 4 Main Symptoms/Criteria of CRPS:
1. Constant chronic burning pain (including allodynia - extreme sensitivity to touch, sound, and vibration)
2. Inflammation (this can effect the appearance of the skin, bruising, mottling, etc)
3. Spasms - in blood vessels and muscles of the extremities
4. Insomnia/Emotional Disturbance (includes the major changes to the limbic system such as short-term memory problems, concentration difficulties, etc)
No treatment today. So glad because I am wiped out, I mean completely exhausted. I think it is just been because it has been a whirlwind of a week for me and everything is starting to catch up.
I am going to take it very easy today, rest, relax - visit with my family.
As you are still continuing to read my blog, you have shown some concern in my welfare. I (and my family) so appreciate your support, thoughts, and warm wishes.
I realized that many of you might not know exactly what RSD is - here is a brief overview:
Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy, RSD, is now referred to as Complex Regional Pain Syndrome, CRPS. CRPS is a progressive disease of the Autonomic Nervous System. The pain is characterized as constant, extremely intense, and out of proportion to the original injury. The pain is typically accompanied with swelling, skin changes, sensitivity and can often be debilitating. It usually affects one or more of the four limbs but can occur in any part of the body.
CRPS is ranked as the most painful form of chronic pain that exists today by the McGill Pain Index
There are 4 Main Symptoms/Criteria of CRPS:
1. Constant chronic burning pain (including allodynia - extreme sensitivity to touch, sound, and vibration)
2. Inflammation (this can effect the appearance of the skin, bruising, mottling, etc)
3. Spasms - in blood vessels and muscles of the extremities
4. Insomnia/Emotional Disturbance (includes the major changes to the limbic system such as short-term memory problems, concentration difficulties, etc)
for those of you who may want to learn more about RSD/CRPS, I encourage you to visit:
http://www.rsdsa.org
or
http://www.rsdhope.org
Saturday, November 10, 2012
My "distractions"
Saturday, November 10, 2012 - Day 6 of Calmare Treatment
Slept from 11:30 pm through 1:20am. I was up through 7:30am. Insomnia has become a very annoying friend thanks to RSD. Although, I am very grateful that I now am able to sleep in bigger time blocks (anywhere from 1:15mins - 3:30hours). I used to only sleep on 45 minute cycles. So, I do truly appreciate any step in the right direction.
Appointment - 2:00pm
We started basically at the same trigger points as yesterday. Everyday I have been trying to find something to distract me during therapy. Today - was the best!!!!!! My cousin Steva was there chatting with me the entire time and surprise ---- my sister came to Connecticut as well. So, three girls catching up and being silly - really helped even when it felt like the doctore was trying to set me afire.
I do not think I had any change in my right shoulder today. However, after treatment, I was RSD pain free for 3 1/2 hours. Still, the first rection I have when the therapy session is over is one of oddness. My knee feels as if it is not mine. It is so hard to descibe what I am feeling. I wish I had the words.
Today, I felt the pain coming back on slowly. It was a bit better than the past few days when the pain just came back full force. I am thinking these are all good signs.
I take a break from treatment tomorrow. Yay.
Slept from 11:30 pm through 1:20am. I was up through 7:30am. Insomnia has become a very annoying friend thanks to RSD. Although, I am very grateful that I now am able to sleep in bigger time blocks (anywhere from 1:15mins - 3:30hours). I used to only sleep on 45 minute cycles. So, I do truly appreciate any step in the right direction.
Appointment - 2:00pm
We started basically at the same trigger points as yesterday. Everyday I have been trying to find something to distract me during therapy. Today - was the best!!!!!! My cousin Steva was there chatting with me the entire time and surprise ---- my sister came to Connecticut as well. So, three girls catching up and being silly - really helped even when it felt like the doctore was trying to set me afire.
I do not think I had any change in my right shoulder today. However, after treatment, I was RSD pain free for 3 1/2 hours. Still, the first rection I have when the therapy session is over is one of oddness. My knee feels as if it is not mine. It is so hard to descibe what I am feeling. I wish I had the words.
Today, I felt the pain coming back on slowly. It was a bit better than the past few days when the pain just came back full force. I am thinking these are all good signs.
I take a break from treatment tomorrow. Yay.
Friday, November 9, 2012
The weekend approaches
Friday, November 9, 2012 - Day 5:
Appointment - 11 am
I will get right into it..... leads (electrodes) went on my knee and shoulder. The Doctor was able to start me off on a higher intensity level right away. The shocks of the treatment definitely still hurt but maybe I am just learning to tolerate it more with each day of therapy.
Therapy is over after an hour as usual.
I am now back at the hotel -- I can report to you I remained without any pain for almost 3 hours.
The doctor has decided to add an extra treatment (in addition to the scheduled 10), so he will meet me and open the office for me tomorrow afternoon.
My cousin, Steva is driving down from Maine tonight to spend the weekend with me here in Connecticut. I am so looking forward to spending time with her - I am also going to get to see my cousin Zachary, who is asked us to pick him up at college so that he can visit as well.
The weather is warming up, my pain-free experiences seem to be getting longer, I get to visit with my family ---- I am thinking that things are looking up!
Appointment - 11 am
I will get right into it..... leads (electrodes) went on my knee and shoulder. The Doctor was able to start me off on a higher intensity level right away. The shocks of the treatment definitely still hurt but maybe I am just learning to tolerate it more with each day of therapy.
Therapy is over after an hour as usual.
I am now back at the hotel -- I can report to you I remained without any pain for almost 3 hours.
The doctor has decided to add an extra treatment (in addition to the scheduled 10), so he will meet me and open the office for me tomorrow afternoon.
My cousin, Steva is driving down from Maine tonight to spend the weekend with me here in Connecticut. I am so looking forward to spending time with her - I am also going to get to see my cousin Zachary, who is asked us to pick him up at college so that he can visit as well.
The weather is warming up, my pain-free experiences seem to be getting longer, I get to visit with my family ---- I am thinking that things are looking up!
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