The decision to attempt a blog journal comes a month or so after some of the more significant events. Therefore, the next entries are "catch-up."
August 28, 2009 marked the first visit to the Arthritis Clinic at the Riverside Hospital. There had been several discussions with my family physician and after 12 months or more, I finally agreed that it was time for the next step. Within two weeks a referral appointment was made.
I saw the x-rays of my knees showing the inside half of each knee rubbing bone on bone. The arthritis specialist said he would refer me to a surgeon and suggested a cortisone shot in each knee.
The shot was wonderful. Within a couple of hours the knee pain had subsided and walking was easier than it had been for months, even with 8 anteric coated aspirins. I had so much energy that on the following weekend I tackled the load of topsoil that needed to be spread over the new perennial beds. That load of topsoil had been waiting since the spring. The work went well and it was a wonderful feeling to be able to move, lift and work in the garden. We need a sense of accomplishment for our well being.
It was interesting that there was a real energy boost because getting around was so much easier and pain free. I hadn't realized how much the effort to walk was debilitating. I've been tired for a year and didn't know it!
Unfortunately, the pain relief was short lived, largely because I overdid it. Clearly my own fault and I should have known better but then we are always prone to exesses in our pleasures. So it is back to the aspirin regieme. It's better because 4-5 seem to do the job.
The specialist said my knees were bad enough that I could have a second cortisone shot in a month. I filled the perscription and am anxiously waiting until the 28th of September. This time with a new resolution of what not to do.
Hopefully the surgeon will call to establish an appointment soon.
August 28, 2009 marked the first visit to the Arthritis Clinic at the Riverside Hospital. There had been several discussions with my family physician and after 12 months or more, I finally agreed that it was time for the next step. Within two weeks a referral appointment was made.
I saw the x-rays of my knees showing the inside half of each knee rubbing bone on bone. The arthritis specialist said he would refer me to a surgeon and suggested a cortisone shot in each knee.
The shot was wonderful. Within a couple of hours the knee pain had subsided and walking was easier than it had been for months, even with 8 anteric coated aspirins. I had so much energy that on the following weekend I tackled the load of topsoil that needed to be spread over the new perennial beds. That load of topsoil had been waiting since the spring. The work went well and it was a wonderful feeling to be able to move, lift and work in the garden. We need a sense of accomplishment for our well being.
It was interesting that there was a real energy boost because getting around was so much easier and pain free. I hadn't realized how much the effort to walk was debilitating. I've been tired for a year and didn't know it!
Unfortunately, the pain relief was short lived, largely because I overdid it. Clearly my own fault and I should have known better but then we are always prone to exesses in our pleasures. So it is back to the aspirin regieme. It's better because 4-5 seem to do the job.
The specialist said my knees were bad enough that I could have a second cortisone shot in a month. I filled the perscription and am anxiously waiting until the 28th of September. This time with a new resolution of what not to do.
Hopefully the surgeon will call to establish an appointment soon.
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