Nerve Block #__

I had another appointment with my new pain doc - I know that I have said it before, but I really like him! He takes his time. He listens. He explains things. He understands. He sees me as a person and not just a patient. Both he and his staff are great. And, he is by far, the most committed to helping me with this pain -This is what happened:

• He agreed that the swelling is probably just taking its sweet time leaving my legs, thanks to the Lyrica. He again said that it was nothing to be concerned with, so I will do my best to not worry about it! Just leave the occasional fingerprint!
• We spoke about other medications and realized that I have exhausted most of them. 
• We spoke about the intensity of the pain - on here, I can put down my guard, but in person, I can *nearly always* put that smile on and pretend. Today, that smile left, and I was able to let him know just how tired of this I am. He listened and was an incredible comfort. 
• After a brief belly exam, and because I had no kiddos (thank you SO very much Mackenzie!), the decision was made to start the process of a combination of nerve blocks, while trying to break up some of the adhesions in that lower right quadrant. (I did not even flinch!)

So, all in all, today was a great visit. I am beyond grateful that we have found this man and that he is SO confidant in what he does and in his ability to "fix" me! I return in 2 weeks for the second block. . . until then, my fingers are crossed and my prayers are being said! 

In my last post, I was VERY discouraged. I was at a point of hopelessness. The one thing that I had prayed for and hoped for was, in combination with another medicine, causing adverse side effects. I was completely beyond myself, feeling like everything was crashing down on me. The tears were flowing most of the night. I needed to be alone as I did not want the kiddos or my devoted spouse to see me THIS upset, but once you become a mom, there is no such thing as alone time or privacy. . . and maybe that night, that was a good thing. . .

After talking with the doc, it was decided to take one Lyrica only at night. I began this immediately and at first it helped. Then after a week, the swelling came back and this time, it was MUCH worse than before. I immediately went up the road to have my blood pressure checked (103/68) to make sure that was not the culprit, and it obviously, was not. So, I once again called the doc, but this time I not only called my pain management doc, but also my primary. Pain Management doc wanted me to come in the next morning, and while I was grateful that he did not think I needed to be seen right then, I was scared. My ankles were HUGE. I could not slide my feet into shoes, they were that huge. It was ridiculous.

So, since I was not comfortable, and I am persistent, I knew how to get in touch with my primary when I need to, and I took full advantage of it! I am grateful that I did, as he was able to connect the dots and tell me that it was the COMBO of 2 of my meds that were causing this. He said that although it was not dangerous, that I needed to stop the Lyrica. . .Not what I wanted to hear. It was stopped and within about a week, the swelling was nearly all gone. I still have some residual that just is not wanting to go away, but for the most part, it is resolved. To say that I feel defeated is an understatement. I wanted this to work. I want to be free of this. But, I guess I just need to be patient and trust that this is His will for now. . .

Say it ain't so. . .

I am full of fear right now. Full of anxiety. Full of questions. . .

About 2 days ago, I noticed that I was retaining fluid in my ankles, having some crazy headaches, and my vision was becoming quite blurry. I kind of buried it in the recesses of my mind as there were far more important things happening. Then last night, I noticed that my ankles had turned into 'kankles,' the vision was quite bad, and the headache was very present. I e-mailed a pharmacist friend and she advised to call my doc as it could potentially be a reaction to the Lyrica. When I read her response, my heart sank. I excused myself to the bedroom where I just sobbed. . .

When I began the Lyrica on September 28, I also began a Novena to St. Gianna Beretta Molla. I asked her to intercede on my behalf. To make this medicine the one that I needed. Last Sunday, October 2, when the pain level intensified greatly, I began one to the Blessed Mother. I needed this medicine to work. It had to work. . .

Last night, I decided to not call the doctor and when I woke, I had ankles again! Although they were still a bit fluffy, there were there! Within a few hours, they had disappeared again. This time, I went up the road to my pharmacy and spoke with the pharmacist face to face. He asked questions and looked on the computer and then told me that I needed to all the doctor today. When we came home I did. . .

Now, I sit and wait for the return phone call with the tears running off of my cheeks. Incredibly fearful of what might be said or done. I am praying that this is okay and that I can continue on the medicine. That this is just no big deal. But, the fear has taken hold and I am scared as this medicine HAS to work. . .

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UPDATE:

 I just got off of the phone with the doc and we are going to decrease the Lyrica to once a day. He said that this is a rare complication of the med and so decreasing the dose or tapering off will help. I see him on Tuesday as a follow up to the pain increase from last week and we will come up with a plan then. My emotions right now are all over the place. I wanted and needed this to work, but it looks like my body just will not tolerate it. So, we wait and see. . .

My novena to the Blessed Mother ends on Tuesday, so maybe this is a good sign. . . At least I pray it is!