Ever since age 16... bout 13 years ago... I have had low back pain. I think I noticed it when I got my first job, which was making smoothies at a health food store. Standing on my feet for more than a few hours would always cause my low back to hurt and I never really gave much thought to it. School dances, work days, football games... you name it it was a sligh pain in the back. It was never too serious, more like annoying and then would go away and I would forget all about it.
Ok, now skip ahead to college. I waitressed and I also spent a lot of time on my feet walking around the little college town I lived in and I'd say about 2 or 3 nights a month my back would hurt, still just slightly annoying, but nothing I worried about. I was an assistant yoga teacher at my college and I was pretty active overall.
Now lets review that last 4 or 5 years... I have had a "bad spell" about once every year. In 2008 I went to a chiropractor for relief... it helped tremendously. That is until the next "epidode" about 9 months later. In 2009 my course of treatment was to go to Physical Therapy for about 2 or 3 months. It also seemed to have worked, and thankfully was covered by my insurance at the time. I was what I would consider to have been an excellent PT student. I did all my "homework" in addition to my "in-clinic excersises." Problem was that as soon as PT ended so did 90% of the "at-home" exercises that I was prescribed to do :(
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| My Lumbar Spine |
Okay, now we are caught up to "Taylor's Back Crisis of 2010" I have been in pain for a month now, the last week has been the worst. I cannot sit, stand, lie, crouch, bend over, bend backwards or bend sideways without the help of a person or a stationary and sturdy object. Getting into and out of a car I feel as though I am about 102! I was passed today in Walmart my a 90 year old man with a cane! I have been seeing my primary care physician at Kaiser Permanente as well as an alternative medicine doctor. First I'll blog about the exchange I had with the Kaiser MD...
10/15/10
Health Update: X-rays brought no answers, can't be the bones. Could still be disc, muscle or nerves.
Here's how the convo basically went with the doctor today after getting the x-ray results:
Taylor: After hearing the x-ray results, where are we as far as you ordering an MRI?
MD @ Kaiser: " No need for MRI at this time if symptoms persists beyond 2 weeks then we would consider that."
Taylor: I have been in pain for a month already! I'M NOT waiting 2 more weeks. I can't work, and I'm in incredible discomfort all day!
(I'll spare you the rest of the mini rampage I went on... Let's just say that I always maintained a civil tone and pointed out that i was sure he was just trying to follow protocol, but that this situation is different and I stated my case as such)
MD: Oh... ok, I understand, I'll put in for the MRI request right away.
One would think that when a doctor sees a seemingly healthy 28 years old that hobbles into his exam room that cannot get up on the table with out help much less sit or stand up all on her own... (forget about sitting up from a lying position all by herself) ...you would think he would want to help, not prolong my pain for 2 more weeks!
Summary: I wish I had primary health care that didn't force me to be a bully and was really interested in my recovery
Enjoying the lack of gravity on my spine while lounging on the couch,
Taylor
2 comments:
So... nobody knows anything yet? You said this is Part 1. Has part 2 happened yet and you are waiting to write about it or you haven't written about it because it hasn't happened yet? I'm sorry you are still in pain. So many people are praying for you. Love you!
I am so sorry you are going through all of this yet again! Insurance is the problem I want solved in this country!!! No one should go without good coverage... And I can't believe the doctor was not more urgent with the MRI. Have they even mentioned getting an epidural? I think you should maybe demand a second opinion from someone else... YouY have already done this and I just don't know it. I am praying for your recovery And that you can somehow remain comfortable and content, not bored. ; )
You can always read my letter and write me back! You know mom has back problems and eventually needs surgery so if you have any questions for her you can always give her a call. Steve just had 2 epidurals for his in the past 3- 6 months. Seems to help. Love you and hope you're felony better soon! Next time you see a 90 year old with a cane, swipe it and push him over! Lol! Just kidding!
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