Tuesday 9 September 2008

I thought I would be 80 at least


I always knew that I would someday be disabled by my back. I just thought it would be when I was a least 80 for some reason. But no, it's here already. I've had the diagnosis from the specialist, well his underling at least. The problem appears to be that two discs are permanently out, and further pressure is caused by the build up of scar tissue from the two operations I've already had (I actually saw the MRI scan pictures on the screen.) This is what is causing my left foot (wasn't that a book and a film?) and the toes joined to that foot, to be numbed.

Ah.

Apparently, it will never get better unless they operate to remove the offending scar tissue, but that is dangerous unless an emergency. And, it will only return over time. What it will do, though, is get worse anyway over time. They've sent me a follow-up appointment for next May.

Ah.

I felt numb and tearful when the words were used, even though I expected it. But, when all is said and done, this is not life-threatening, is it? No. Life altering it is. So, we just have to get on with it, don't we?

So, the blue badge and DLA forms will duly be filled in and sent off. The DLA at least will be rejected, as par for the course, and then I'll duly appeal and see where we go from there. How this is going to affect my housekeeping work I'm not sure yet, as Mr T and our daughter already help me out. And, I've got new painkilling tabs that I'm changing to.

Anyone for shopping? I hope to be able to park quite close to the shops soon!

20 comments:

Just Original said...

So sorry to here your news Karon, but as you have said it is not life threatening but it is still a concern for you I guess. At Least having a blue badge means you don't get as wet when coming out of the supermarket.

Keep smiling, I know you will

Vanessa x

Roobeedoo said...

Hello there! Thanks for visiting my blog! Sorry to read about your back. Make sure you get all the help you need... and make the most of the parking perks!

Papoosue said...

I'm sorry to hear your diagnosis Karen, but you are so right to take a positive outlook on things - it's the best way to be I think... and of course, free parking is not to be sniffed at ;-)

xx

Primrose Hill said...

Oooh Karen,

I'm really sorry to hear your news, sending you a big hug.

Can I come shopping with you ;) I don't get out very often....!

L x

tea and cake said...

Hello each! You lot are so cheeky! It cheers me up no end. Thank You xxx

Dusty Spider said...

Really sorry to hear your news. I know you'll stay positive, given the chance, and I know you won't give up on yourself either. Big Hugs. Flick xxx

tea and cake said...

Thanks for the hugs, Flick. K xx

Papoosue said...

Hi again Karen, I've nominated you for an award over at my blog.xx

tea and cake said...

Thank you Papoosue! I've put it in my sidebar and promise to send it on to 7 others. Karen x

Anonymous said...

A wee tip, when filling in the forms, tell it like it is on a bad day, not on a good one and maybe you won't need to appeal. So sorry about your back, stay positive.

tea and cake said...

Thank you, lusks, and welcome! I have heard this before, and shall give it my best shot. Interestingly, on my very worst days, I cannot lift a pen! love, K xx

P. said...

I just found you on Primrose Hill.
Sorry to hear about your back. It touched a nerve in me because my back is not perfect either.
I hope you feel better.

alfazema

Jude said...

Well, just popped in to join you for a cuppa and look what's going on!Sorry about the diagnosis, backs eh! what would we do without them? but when we start having problems it's awful. Make sure you try everything,pain clinic, drugs, the lot! I'll be popping in again soon and hope you've cheered up.
Take care
Jude

tea and cake said...

Hello Jude, and welcome!
(Can someone bring Jude a cuppa, please? And some cake?)
I really must post up something else as this makes it look as though I'm unhappy!
Loads of other stuff does happen, honest! K xx

Papoosue said...

You are very welcome! (for the award - lol). You deserve it! xx

Shirley said...

Hello ~ I just stumbled across your blog. If you haven't already, you might try professional massage. I am a massage therapist and have two clients who are holding off surgery -- one for a knee and one for a neck -- with massage. They both have had MRI's "proving" they need surgery, but as long as they get their massage every couple of weeks, their quality of life is great.

Maybe it would work for you, too. Sounds like you have nothing to lose. Best of luck to you!

Anonymous said...

I got DLA on my third attempt. You must tell them about your worst days. No luck with the Blue Badge as I can walk a reasonable distance. I have a bad back though nothing like as bad as yours(herniated disc and sciatica for 14 months). I'm going for a lumbar puncture next week and am wondering whether it will affect it at all. Hoping you get your Blue Badge and DLA. It certainly sounds like you deserve it. Best wishes, Annie

tea and cake said...

Thank you, Shirley and annie, and not forgetting .
It has been my chiropractor who got me walking, Shirley, and she sometimes uses massage. I'm still battling with the form, annie. So sorry to hear about your troubles and, good luck with the lumbar puncture. Karen xx

Anonymous said...

Sorry to hear about your back. It's good that your chiropractor has been doing a wonderful job.

tea and cake said...

Thank you, clara. And, yes, the chiropractor is doing a wonderful job. K x