 
 
 
I Went Out Shopping For A BedFriday, May 08, 2009
I just got back from bed shopping this afternoon (don't read that one too fast or you'll get the wrong impression!). My pain management doctor told me yesterday that the best thing for my back would be a Temper-pedic bed. Do you know how expensive they are? They cost more than my first car (of course that was back in the dark ages). She did have a great reason for this recommendation however. It appears that the disk degeneration and arthritis are now all over the entire spine - at least according to my latest MRI. She said that it will never get better - only worsen. Well, I kind of knew that - I'm 15 years into this whole thing so it was no surprise. However, to hear her say it out loud was depressing for a few minutes but then I realized that I'm still the same person that I was ten minutes before so it's really nothing new. That thinking made me feel better right away. We discussed treatment options and I'm going to start with the dye and fluoroscope test followed by six injections in the lower spine. She'll have to spread them out a bit in the hope that they will improve a larger area of the spine. She'll do 3 on the left and 3 on the right. They do a short (10 min.) anestethic; you wake up fast and the best part is that it doesn't make me sick!!! Yea! We will follow that up with a second series of shots in the lower spine in a few weeks. The plan is to then work on the thoracic spine to take the edge off the pain there. At this point, surgery is not an option. So, I have a plan which greatly appeals to me (can't help myself -I'm a retired teacher. I've got to have plans) lol She drew it to my attention that she can't fix most of it, she can only make me more comfortable as the deterioration continues. I said, "Let's do it!" and I will start treatment on May 15th. Then I had to go home and tell my husband what she said. He became very worried and has a whole list of questions that he'd like to ask her. I was pleased about that - pleased at his concern, not his anxiety. He will definitely take me for my treatments and be involved - also will try to get her to make a list of things I can and can't do. So, since I need a more comfortable bed, I went out to shop for a new one. She even wrote me a prescription so the store won't charge me sales tax. That could save me as much at $300+ ! I have several combinations picked out and tomorrow hubby and I will set out on our shopping expedition. At first he only wanted me to do it, but because of the cost, he is now aware that he needs to be comfortable in the bed too. Rolling around on sample beds could be hilarious if I get him in a silly mood which I'm hoping to do! Maybe we'll actually purchase one of the ones that I've pre-selected and we can get finished with it! I've been looking, just to get an idea of the cost, for about 2 weeks now. GASP!! Hubby has all kinds of questions that only the store can answer and although I already asked them, he wants to hear it from them (which is fine with me). I just want to sleep on something that won't add to my pain like our current bed. 
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CINNIEMAY
5/9/2009 10:46PM
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I understand pain! My knees are awful this week! I am sorry there isn't no real help for you but maybe the bed will help you!!!
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SPARKLESSENCE
5/9/2009 5:14PM
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Cyndi, I love the fact that you're exploring all this - experiencing it, too - as someone with plenty of knowledge and a great sense of humor. Here's to happy bed-shopping...and to nights of good, restorative sleep in your new bed-to-be. Your attitude is exemplary, a real inspiration to your fellow travelers with physical ailments. I have some degenerative disk disease and spinal arthritis, but fortunately, it's limited to my lower spine, which is also twisted (call me "Twisted Sister" :). It won't be long until those treatments begin, and I hope they bring you an abundance of relief! All the best, Sara 
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TRAINOF4
5/8/2009 10:04PM
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I'm sorry about your back troubles. My mom & I are both in the early stages. It must be caused by standing on your feet a lot for hours at a time year after year ---like a teacher would do! My mom is a special ed teacher up here ... I worked in a hospital until recently. This may sound mean, but you're lucky - I had my shots under fluoroscopy just as you will, but without any anesthesia except local lidocaine. It wasn't that bad, I got all worked up & it was uncomfortable, but not unbearable. Especially if your back is in a lot of pain! I had shots, but not in a series - just as needed. I guess I have one small area that needs the shot so they don't do multiples. Beds are SOOO expensive, even the "regular" beds - and no matter how careful I am in buying a bed, in 6 months it seems like it's cruddy all over again. If you get a Tempur-predic you MUST let me know how it works for you. I know someone who bought a Sleep Number & swears by it. . .I'm open to suggestion as my usual choices have never worked. But saving almost $300 on sales tax tells me ...well, it tells me that I probably won't ever be getting a Tempur-pedic anyway. Do they come in double size or only queen or king? I bet your hubby will go crzy for it since it sounds like it is "gadgety." LOL! Good luck & keep us updated. Gentle Hugs to you ... And yeah...You're the same person you've always been! What a super attitude! 
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L*I*T*A*
5/8/2009 10:02PM
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so sorry this is happenning to you.................what a wonderful, caring dr and of course can't leave out your supportive husband too...............you are such a strong person with a great attitude.......that i know things will somehow be better once all the treatments are completed.....wishing you well with your injections.................praying for some improvement with your pain and back problems...................blessing s and hugs...................lita Report Inappropriate Comment |
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FLAGIRL32
5/8/2009 4:23PM
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Oh Cyndi, that's awful news, but you have such a great attitude. I hope the treatment (and the fab new bed) make you feel more comfy. Aging makes all conditions worsen, and hopefully you won't see (or feel) any deterioration for a long, long time. I am so glad that your husband is so supportive, he is lucky to have you, and it's a good thing he knows it!  Keep us up to date after the first treatment! Dawn Report Inappropriate Comment |
We had our first team dinner/meeting last night. All I can say is WOW! What a wonderful group of people we have in our Polk County Team! I think most of us felt very comfortable with each other, we had a nice conversation going the whole time and we all ate healthy! We're going to try to meet on the first Wednesday of every month. We've already planned our next dinner/meeting for June 3rd. I can't wait. What a great way of supporting each other on a person-to-person basis locally.
I feel truly blessed by what the Spark People experience has brought to me.
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1AVERY
5/7/2009 2:24PM
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That sounds great. I have an area team maybe I should suggest something like that. We have talked about getting together to walk and it never happens that we have a common schedule. I have met one of my sparkfriends she lives about 3-4 hours away but goes by my neck of the woods to see her grandchildren regularly. I am planning on meeting on May 29th to meet anothe sparkfriend who is coming to Ontario for a wedding. Report Inappropriate Comment |
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CINNIEMAY
5/7/2009 10:35AM
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That is great!!!!
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L*I*T*A*
5/7/2009 10:15AM
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that is so wonderful,how you all were able to connect in such a special way with sparkpeople as the common link....................way to go................have a great day................blessings and hugs..............lita
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on your brunch at the Golden Corral! You filled up on the raw veggies, and the rest of your choices were very healthy, yet didn't leave you feeling deprived. I'm taking furious notes; I do just terrible at restaurants! Good for you! - Sara 