Small Successes

Yesterday was my first visit to Dr.Wang (our local traditional Chinese herbal medicine and acupuncture practitioner) since May. When I last saw her, I was frustrated at my inability to lose weight... acupuncture can be very helpful in restoring/invigorating metabolism.

When Dr. Wang and I locked eyes yesterday she took a double-take and then looked like she might cry. My heart sank, knowing that she had no idea what I had been through. For the better part of twenty minutes we talked about the ordeal. Nancy had to do most of the talking because I totally lost it. I find it incredibly difficult to talk about what was done to me in order to keep me alive.

I had been worried about going to acupuncture because usually when she works on me, I am on my side and she fills my lower back and shoulders with needles. Yesterday though she kept me laying on my back. Apparently my "life force" was severely depleted by the month and a half long sedation. Yeah... I would have to agree. I have no stamina, no strength, and everything hurts all the time.

During acupuncture though, my body floated. No pain, no sensation. I wish sleep brought such relief. I am sleeping like shit. I might get 3 hours uninterrupted. Then I either am in too much pain to fall asleep or I have to go to the bathroom, or I simply cant get comfortable. Any one position too long just aches.

Sorry to bitch and moan.

The good news is that our friends Carol and Gordon loaned us their battleship of a recliner... this MONSTER Barcalounger. Finally I was able to get comfortable downstairs! This means we can get rid of the loaner from the rental place in town.
And it means I can nap without having to climb stairs to our bedroom.

Nice.

Midway through

We are half the way through Sunday already. Most of it I spent sleeping in a recliner after waking up at 6am and was unable to get comfortable in bed again. I am really looking forward to the medical recliner than is supposed to arrive here tomorrow some time after noon. I need a lot firmer support than most cushy recliners feature.

It does seem like some of this increase in pain is due to opiate reduction. My Fentanyl patch is a lot smaller this changeover. Another 5 days and then I am off the patches.

The great news is that I get to go to acupuncture tomorrow morning! I am a little nervous because I cant lay on my stomach, and getting onto my side takes a lot of effort... but we'll figure something out. For now, I am just excited to know I can get help to stem the waves of pain my back is going through.