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Trying to get to the hospital while in horrific pain

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Chronic Pain
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Posted 10/9/2017 1:38 PM (GMT -6)
So my physiatrist has recommended I go to the ER because my pain is so severe & he is at a conference all week. I hate hospitals to begin with, but trying to go when I'm in such excruciating pain is really not fun. The hospital is 40 minutes away by car. I've decided I will hire a Lyft so I don't have to try to get on and off public transportation, but it still is something I'm dreading. I've taken my Zofran so hopefully I don't throw up all over the poor driver's car, but I'm still so miserable. Moving even just a couple inches hurts like crazy and the room starts spinning.

I'm sure it's nothing that requires an ER. My bad leg gave out almost 3 weeks ago & I fell backwards into the tub, hitting my shoulder on the way down. My mid-back, low-back, hip, legs, neck ... gosh, just about everything ... hurts more and more with each passing day. Ice, heat, PT, Tylenol ... plus the Lyrica & diclofenac haven't helped much. Rest only helps until I have to move.

So I'm trying to get up the courage & strength to walk down the hall, get on the elevator, & walk out to the street to meet the Lyft... and then wait who knows how many more hours at the ER probably only to be told there's nothing they can do for me because I'm allergic to just about anything that could control the pain.
Posted 10/9/2017 3:01 PM (GMT -6)
Tizrah:
Just reading through your post outlining the logistics of getting yourself to the emergency room was exhausting to imagine - navigating stairs, hailing a LYFT driver, the extensive drive.

I will send out a message of Good Will into the universe for your care and pain relief.
Karen
Posted 10/9/2017 5:35 PM (GMT -6)
Hope it goes well,

After a fall , you should gradually recover , not keep increasing pain..at least at the er maybe they can test further and see what is happening..

I like to pray for people drs..to have clarity, so i will send that out

Lj
Posted 10/9/2017 9:28 PM (GMT -6)
Thank you both. I made it to the ER. After a 45 minute drive, 5 hours in the ER & another 35 minutes home, I was able to get some Flexeril & a pronouncement that I definitely have muscle spasms & probably have a few bruised ribs. They did give me a single dose of Dilaudid in the ER, but were super reluctant to even give that in spite of the fact I was dry heaving because the pain was so severe. I do feel a bit better. So sad, though, that pain reduction is no longer considered a goal in the practice of medicine.

I'm going to try to get some sleep tonight & will call my naprapath first thing in the morning to see how soon she can get me in. If I keep throwing up, usually my acupuncturist can work me into his schedule for Saturday. It does nothing for my pain, but has been great in the past for nausea & insomnia.

On an interesting note, the security guards at the ER noted that I wasn't limping on my way out of the hospital like I was when I came in. Amazing what a relatively small amount of pain relief can do for a person. I've walked with a limp ever since October when my former PM decided to take me off of all pain meds (not just narcotics, mind you -- everything, and PT, too). Wonder what my physiatrist will think of that.
Posted 10/10/2017 7:45 AM (GMT -6)
I am glad you were able to get to ER & get a little help. I am surprised they gave you the pain shot. You were very fortunate to at least get that. I just don't know how people are to survive these days. Hopefully things will settle down soon.

Take care.
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