Pain in the....Back

I must admit...anytime I ever hear or see someone coming to the hospital for back pain, some of my first thoughts are "drug seeker" or "wimp" or "really?". Never did I think I would be one of those ones who has a "back problem". Boy was I wrong. Saturday I was working a 12 hour shift in the er. The first 6 hours I felt a dull lower back pain that eventually kept getting worse and worse as the hours went by. The last 6 hours involved me trying to unsuccesfully stand up straight and hid at my cubicle as much as possible so people did not have to see the funny faces I was probably making. I drove home and complained that my back hurt. I went to bed thinking it would just go away by Sunday morning as Tony said I probably needed some rest.

Was I ever wrong....I woke up in such extreme pain. I could hardly move at all. I rarely take pain medication. In fact, I don't even pop a tylenol when I have a headache unless it starts becoming a migraine or it won't ever go away. Tylonel is my extent of the pain medication I take. However, when the pain got so bad that I couldn't even hardly get out of bed I decided I might make an exception. I took 2 tylenol. 4 hours later.....no changes. Tony then insisted I take a vicodin. Nothing. Another Vicodin...nothing. Then we moved on to percocet.. Nothing. Then another percocett. Nothing...except for a very stoned Kari by this point. My pupils were the size of pinpoints and I felt like I was floating. But nothing was killing the pain. Then a muscle relaxer, and still no relief. Something is seriously wrong if all these pain meds and a muscle relaxer was not providing any relief.

Then came Monday morning. Surely I would feel better by then. 6 am came around and had to call in sick. I still could barely move. Tony was considering on taking me to the ER but of course everyone knows my fear of needles so I refused to go. I knew that they were going to jab a needle into my arm and give me some iv pain meds and run a bunch of tests I feel I didn't need. After all, I figured it was a strained muscle (even though I have not fell or lifted anything heavy). Tony called the doctor so I could go see our primary care physican. I couldn't get in until 4:30. It didn't matter though. I was soooo sleepy from all the pain meds I could not stay awake for more than 10 minutes yesterday. So I slept and then TOny took me to the doctor. He did decide it was just a strained muscle and I was hurting so bad I let him give me a shot of Toridol (some sort of muscle relaxer). Today I still hurt but am walking without any assitance. Horray. Moral of the story....back pain is a serious issue and should not be taken lightly.

In other news...I am still waiting to start my hormone therapy. I will provide updates if there are any. Were hoping for some sort of action.

Things I've Learned This Year

Since this year is almost over I thought I would post some life lessons I have learned this year:

1. My man is definitely here for the good times and the bad
2. Puppyhood is a lot harder than I thought it would be
3. I DO NOT miss the snow.....nope not even a little tiny bit
4. I hate insurance companies....I got a call from my doctors office on Friday informing me that my clomid and pregestrone are not covered. Thank God they are not that expensive.
5. I really miss a handful of people who I now live far away from
6. I enjoy my job
7. I'm glad I have supportive friends and family because I need it right now. I love you guys!!

Happy Holidays everyone!! I have not started any medication yet but I will keep you updated on how things are going when I do.

My results.

I know some of you have been curious about my doctors visits. I did not post from the one I had last week because we did not find anything out. I did have a bunch of blood work done to test all of my hormone levels and was sent for an ultra sound.



Today I was told I have PCOS (polycystic ovarian syndrome). For those of you who don't know what it is, PCOS is an endocrine disorder that affects women's hormones levels and causes things like infertility, diabetes, heart disease, and weight gain. In my case, I have lost the ability to ovulate. I must say, I always knew something wasn't right as my cycles have been irregular and have even considered the possibility of PCOS. I did become emotional when I got the diagnosis though. I know its not life threatening in itself but now I have to really pay attention to things like my glucose levels and be aware that it can lead to other medical problems such as high cholesterol and ovarian cancer (though it is rare I believe). Not to mention, we can't have a baby without the assitance of hormone therapy. My NP has found that my testosterone is high and will now have to follow up with an endocrinologist to make sure I do not have any tumors or other complications with my endocrine system.



My treatment plan will be as follows:

1. I will have the first few days of my period

2. Around day 4 or 5 of my cycle I will start a round of Clomid (helps produce ovulation and balance hormones)

3. Around the 12-15th day of my cycle is supposed to be my most fertile days

4. Then will start a round of progesterone

5. Go in for blood work to see if I have ovulated.



Thankfully, my husband was with me and asked questions. I felt like I was being told a million things at once and was trying to keep my composure. It sucks to find out what it is but at the same time glad to know so we can start doing something about it.



I will keep everyone posted as to how the treatments go. Please feel free to ask any questions.