On the Road Again (Houston to Las Vegas via Dallas)

We sure had a nice visit with Jyn and her family. We really enjoyed playing and talking with the grandkids. They are all very smart and conversant. The 3 year old is a kick in the pants, he played with his grandpa with his legos. He was insistant about sitting on his lap to build and take apart his structures. Sunday afternoon, Morgan played her viola which she does beautifully. She just turned 11 but you'd think she was much older to listen to her play, amazing. Emmerson was pretty artistic for 5 years old. She made several paper dolls with alot of detail like, jewelry, crowns, and high heels. And Kennedy also plays violin, is artsy and does a good job knitting. She also likes to paint and draw like her sister Morgan. Monday morning found us up at 7:15 am with the road grader ready to plow up the driveway where we were parked. We hussled like traumatized ants and got out of "Dodge" in about 15 minutes. We parked in the parking lot and made a breakfast protein drink and double checked the rig for travel. We got the car hooked up and we were off about 8 am. We made a few mistakes on the highways of downtown Houston but finally made it to Dallas by 12:30 pm to visit my Uncle Gordon and Aunt Arlene. I haven't seen them in 3 years and don't know if I will again. They treated us to a very nice lunch and showed us their apartment in a retirement residence. Wow, it was really nice, and all the staff are very attentive. We had a nice, but all too short, visit and headed down the road again. The traffic out of town was very light and peaceful so Paul just kept driving. We made it all the way to Amarillo Texas, 625 miles in one day. We found an ELKS Lodge there and spent the night for $10 with electricity and peace and quiet. Today is more of the same, if the road and traffic are good we will make good progress toward Las Vegas. We're hurrying to speed up doctors visits by a week, so I'll be free in case I need to go to California to my brother's funeral. (If you haven't seen it, his blog is http://www.dennytovey.blogspot.com/ )

In Houston

We made it to Houston today. We made a brief stop in Tucson to play cards with good friends, Barb and Craig Stephens. What fun. We also got to see the little place they bought and fixed up for long stays in Tucson. (They are travelers at heart and will still be on the road in their motorhome.) They have 2 married sons in Tucson so they'll be there often and that's where we'll probably catch up with them.

I've been watching the blog about my (15 months) younger brother, Denny. You might remember that the last time we thought we were going to Houston, my brother had a turn for the worse and Paul and I drove to San Francisco. That was January 31st. Well, things are not looking too good. If you know him or are interested in what's happening, here is the blog address: http://dennytovey.blogspot.com His oldest daughter, Jennifer, keeps the blog updated.

Paul and I will visit Lyn for the weekend and start the 1490 mile drive back to Las Vegas on Monday. (I don't have a doctors appointment till April 7th.)

The Verdict

I did see the doctor today. She thinks that I am sensitive to drugs and medications. She thinks that we should wait 3 weeks before the next injection. Fortunately the next 2 planned injections are low dose shots and shouldn't affect me so adversely. There has been some improvement so we're going to move forward with the next neck and low back injections. The insurance has been notified for approval on the neurostimulator trial, that takes about a month or two. Moving forward.

Friday we have a few doctors appointments and when we're finished we can leave for a few weeks. I think we'll go to Texas to see Lyn and her family. It's been a few years since I've been there (less for Paul).

The Jury's still out

I did have the injection in my neck at C5-6 three days ago. I'm not sure if there's any change. There might me less needle pain in my toes but numbness is still there. I'll see the doctor Tuesday and make a better evaluation then.

She is scheduled to inject my low back again BUT, I'm not sure that's a good idea. I have had a really hard time since the last one. I may not be handling the steroids all that well. I talked to the anesthesiologist because I thought what he was using was causing me so much sleeplessness. He said everything he used was quick and short acting. He did say that the steroid could keep me from sleeping.

I have felt so lousy since Thursday that I called the doctor and asked for a sleeping pill. (any of you that know me, know that's TOTALLY out of character for me) I did take one Ambien on Friday night and slept for almost 11 hours. But, I felt lousy all the next day. (I don't even feel like knitting). So I took 1/2 a Xanax before bed on Saturday night (I thought the Ambien was too strong for me). I slept 10 hours but still didn't feel any better in the morning. I went to church and came home to take a nap. I don't know what's wrong, I have no fever or any other symptoms. The only thing I can figure is, it's the steroids. Maybe I shouldn't have injections weekly? I see the doctor again Tuesday and we'll discuss this new situation and decide.

I'm a Little Down Today

I saw the pain doctor again, today. I'm getting discouraged again. I've had no relief from the last injection. I was so hopeful. She has one more trick up her sleeve. She's going to inject specifically at S1 right and left. (She is going to still inject the neck this Thursday, we'll see what the effect is there.)

She also suggested neurostimulation. That's where they surgically implant wires at the spine and hook you up to a battery operated stimulator. (It sends electrical impulses to the brain so the pain signals can't get through.) There is a trial stimulator first and if it's successful, they do the permanent implant under the skin.

Her last resort is to refer me to the spine surgeon.

You can see why I might be a little down today, right?

Woo-Hoo, progress

I'm getting hopeful again. I saw the pain management doctor yesterdays and made more progress. I'm now scheduled for a low back injection tomorrow. Follow-up on Tuesday. Injection in neck C5-6 bi-laterally Thursday. Follow-up for that on the next Tuesday!!!

Are you seeing a pattern here? Injections every Thursday (as long as they're helpful) and the follow-up for that the next Tuesday!

I don't need as much help in my neck as I do in the low back so it won't take long there. Unfortunately there is permanent nerve damage there, bummer.

Maybe that is daylight at the end of the tunnel, lol.

I sure have has a couple good days recently. Having some of the pain in my low back relieved has allowed me to walk around the RV park for 15 minutes without support. I've had more energy and accomplished more each day too. I'm so thankful to my Heavenly Father for his care and blessings, I AM RICH beyond my wildest dreams!!!