So, I went for the shot last week. Like most things, my anxiety about it and the fear of the unknown was worse than the reality.... but it was still NOT fun.
My crazy friend Dana went with me and lovingly held my hand during the whole procedure. I kept apologizing for being such a baby; my face was completely flushed and Dana said she could tell I was really anxious. "I can't believe I am being such a baby as I hold the hand of a woman who has given birth to two children!", I whined. But Dana was quite empathetic and felt my anxiety with my needle phobia.
I was on my stomach, unable to see anything that was happening to my back - and thank GOD for that. I kept my face buried in my arm as Dana kept saying, "Squeeze my hand!" She loves medical procedures and a couple times said, "OH, that's cool!", referring to the ultra sound screen which showed the 7 inch needle going completely into my spine. Uggg.
It's been over a week and so far everything is status quo. I've been on a few rides, one was 3 hours, and I dismounted to the same pain/discomfort. It is perhaps slightly better, but not by much.
I'd been told this injection was the magic bullet if there was one. If it worked I'd know it pretty definitively. Dr Mautner is a bit concerned that there have been no improvements. We both agree that we're about out of moves...
Tomorrow I am doing an all-women's sprint in Atlanta. I'm the designated last place finisher, which I LOVE. I love running back and forth amid the women and bringing then in to the finish line, then heading back out for more. I love finishing last for a race like that so NO woman feels like they were last. It'll be a fun race, and nice fo rme to be out there moving with people again.
I'll report in how the back holds up...
3 comments:
Hi Carole,
I'm a friend of Missy's (interestingly, I also grew-up not far from Tim Luchinske) and have anonomously followed your blog for a while. I live my life vicariously through blogs - it's boring in the Alabama wilderness. =) I battled plantar fasciitis for about 8+ years and in desperation went for the cortisone injection (which did nothing, except make me faint in the doctor's office) before getting some relief from Dr. Steve Lascala. My key problems were weakness in some muscles coupled with some severe inflexibility issues in my "calf" muscles. Taking the long way to get to my point, have you ever considered trying yoga? Many people have had success alleviating back pain with yoga, which can drastically increase flexibility and strength. I suggest finding a good yoga teacher at a yoga center and explain your situation. Some actually specialize in back and neck pain. As in my case, the real underlying cause of an injury often lies elsewhere, not where the pain is felt. The body is an amazing, frustrating, perplexing and interconnected piece of machinery - hope things get better for you! Good luck. Tom.
Thanks so much for racing w/us today! It was great for me, a first time racer, to see you out there and hear the words of encouragement from you (and the other racers!)
I hope things go well w/your back and that you are able to get back into racing!
Hello,
I came across your mention of needle phobia. Hopefully you won't be needing additional trips to the doctors but if so i would reccomend looking into emla cream. Second only to a good friend holding your hand Emla temporarily numbs the skin before injections. (It's safe for tiny babies too.) I have had a lot of blood work done and although much of my struggle has been mental, completely erasing the pain had made doctors trips surviveable. It's available OTC in the UK, not sure what the status in USA is.
Hope your recovery continues smoothly and Quick!
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