Re: I'm back and will never catch up so please forgive me...(JO)

[Guest guest]

Jo - Here's the update. It turns out that it was both the pump and my catheter. Apparently the pump but was broken, but then after I returned, the new pump wouldn't work right either. I was at the doc's yesterday and they found that there is a kink in the cath under my skin so I am unable to bolus the pump. They gave me a block through line and now I'm pretty numb ( gotta love numb).

With my doc gone, we have had to come up with a new treatment plan....at least for the next three months. His absence have prematurely pushed me into a situation that I had hoped wouldn't happen for a long time. I will be unable to work at my current pain level and my only hope is to agree to the use of narcotics. I met with the doc who manages narcotic-based treatment yesterday and we arrived at what will be at least a temporary arrangement.....and one that we're hoping will facilitate my working. The question of my being able to work is really up in the air, but I can't work at this pain level. Starting on the narcotics, unfortunately, may also push me into the same situation.

The doc expressed significant concern about the meds that I have been taking, some symptoms that I have that I have perhaps mistakingly attributed to other things, and recent research of a sister syndrome that they have run across in many of their patients. In response, he will be working with my GP to discontinue three of my medications (clonidine, flexeril, and lisinopril) and replacing them. I will continue with the diazepam for the spasms, verapamil for BP elevations due to pain, lasix for swelling and BP, and the lidoderm patches. After much soul-searching, I reluctantly agreed to go on a combination of Dilaudid and Ritalin (to offset the drugginess and focus issues of being on narcotics). I took two of the Dilaudid last night (wants me on three tabs 4 - 6 times daily) and immediately was hit with horrific nausea, cold sweats, and flushing. I see the docs again today and will fill the script for the Ritalin. I'm

extremely nervous about how this will effect my ability to work but I guess I need to give it my best shot. At least I don't have to return to work until Thursday so I have a week to get it all sorted out. Let's keep our collective fingers crossed. If all else fails, Voodoo. Barbarajomal1@... wrote:

Barbara,

Such a shame that your pump had to break down on the way to the airport. It sounds as if you are going to have a difficult 3 mos. with your Dr. away...

I hope you're able to get the right combo of meds to allow you to keep working. Don't let the BAD Drs. push you around (highly unlikely, I'm sure).

Voodoo dolls??? I have been kidding my children for years... that my stabbing pain is due to the voodoo doll they keep passing around! LOL. Whoever is most annoyed with Mom gets the voodoo doll that day!

Wish you could have enjoyed your trip more...

Jo

[Guest guest]

Barbara

Im so sorry that things are so hard for you right now. It has to be

extremely frustrating for you as you seem to be a very hard worker

and you love your job.

Try and keep a positive outlook on things, as with everything else it

seems, sooner or later things begin to improve.

Gentle Hugs my friend

Donna

[Guest guest]

I'm extremely nervous about how this will effect my ability to work but I guess I need to give it my best shot. At least I don't have to return to work until Thursday so I have a week to get it all sorted out. Let's keep our collective fingers crossed. If all else fails, Voodoo. Barbara

Barbara,

Do you have any sick leave that you could take for a couple of weeks, just so you and the doctor you are working with you now can figure out the proper medication. I mean I would hate for you to have to resort to voodoo but in case you have to here is the guy for you.

Good luck,

Lin

[Guest guest]

Here's the bite. According to our personnel policy, you can't extend time that has been taken as vacation by using sick leave. I'd at least have to go back and work a full day. In any event. I'm really trying to stash sick leave for the big stuff (like the two surgeries). But....if I hafta, I hafta. Will see wrote:

I'm extremely nervous about how this will effect my ability to work but I guess I need to give it my best shot. At least I don't have to return to work until Thursday so I have a week to get it all sorted out. Let's keep our collective fingers crossed. If all else fails, Voodoo. Barbara

Barbara,

Do you have any sick leave that you could take for a couple of weeks, just so you and the doctor you are working with you now can figure out the proper medication. I mean I would hate for you to have to resort to voodoo but in case you have to here is the guy for you.

Good luck,

Lin