Big Set Back

[ouch]

Ouch here. Well, as if his back wasn't giving him enough trouble he has now started having panic attacks. The one Thursday was so bad, we thought it was a heart attack. Called 911 and they admited him into the hospital for two days and ran every test imaginable (except nothing on his back, which he did say was his chief complaint). Good news is, everything came back normal regarding the heart and they put it down to panic attacks. Now besides the pain pills, he is on Xanax, plus he takes a sleeping pill. If his back and knee ever gets better, he will have to go into rehab to get off all the drugs. I am totally besides myself. I'm a nervous wreck everytime he gets anxious - I get sick to my stomach. He has had no P/T for 2 days - they would not let him get out of bed in the hospital, did nothing for his leg while there. AND he goes back to the OS this Thursday, who is expecting a lot more from him. He did see a back neurosurgeon (the same one who did his original surgery in 06), but now we have to wait for referrals and authorizations to come through, which could be another 10 days.
Is it ever going to get better?

 

[Judles]

YES!!! It HAS to get better Ouch!! But you MUST take care of YOURSELF! Do you have any family members to help you?

 

[Texas]

I am so so sorry. I know it is tough. This is a suggestion only. This is me. I would work on getting the back better. This whole thing with the knee seems to be getting to him. I would work on the back and get him straight there . If he is having problems and cant do rehab because of the back then get that fixed. Once he gets the back straight and is comfortable then go back to the knee. poss manipulation then, but it seems to be getting worse for him with his back. Im just saying maybe one at a time. And since he cant do PT because of the back, then get that straight. He can get the MAU at a later date. I really dont know. Thats just what I would do. I sure hope things work out soon. You guys have been thru alot. Im so sorry. I know its hard for you. I wish there was something I could do for you all I really do. Maybe just let him rest. You as well, till the appt on Thurs. Explain everything to him....You will both be in my prayers. Please both of you take care. Just take a lil break from all of this till thurs so noone goes back to the hosp. Hang in there.

 

[brs0660]

Hang in there. It so sounds like the docs are no listening to you (him). Seems like the pain and pressures have really gotten unbearable. Unfortunately men are not very willing good at 1. advocating for themselves, 2. taking care of themselves before thing are aweful, and 3. allowing themselves the freedom to express their emotions generalizations here). Not much we can do but be supportive and take care of ourselves as we care for others. I will be prayinug for both of yo

 

[ouch]

Yes, I agree, getting the back straight first is the most important thing. But with our HMO, it takes time for referrals and authorizations. Then once I get the authorization, I have to make the appt. for the MRI. Were talking about 10 to 14 days down the road. It's valuable time he looses and he is very impatient, I think that is a big part of the anxiety. I am going to try and get him out of the house a little bit each day. Seven weeks in the house is too much for anyone, the knee is willing, but the back is not. Tomorrow is another day. Thank you all for your kind wishes.

 

[skigirl]

Ouch, my husband has panic attacks as well. He finally uses Klonapin for them---less sleepy than Xanax--which made him into a zombie.


Bob was able to do some therapy for them and it really did help him. I think your husband will be fine--but, what about you? As a patient---and you all know that I am a whiney, negative, patient, I would not want anybody--least of all my husband hovering over me; giveing me ice on the hour, doing pt with me,etc, etc.


There is so little privacy with illness--Bob and I are stuck in this house together, so we try to make the best of it and use separate rooms for hours at a time so that we both have a little space. I know that you want to be the best wife ever for your husband--but maybe you need to check out the local movies and take two hours off in the middle of the day and enjoy a comedy. Or get a massage; or go to lunch with your girlfriends.

Frankly you can see that I am loosing my grip on my sanity with all of this---having anyone HELP me all day would be the last straw. I really think that for your husband's sake and yours, you need to take some time for yourself. This might be my last sane thought-ouch, so quick take this advice and run for your life!!!! Kelly

 

[Texas]

I know I wish there was an easier way for ins. Try to hang in there. Just a thought. I know it may not work, if you called the ins and explained and tried to get it faster. I know Im just pulling at straws...Im sorry.....It is another day tomorrow and for both of your sakes, I hope its a good one....

 

[loggon]

Ouch
Have to say you are having a time of it. Have you thought about having your husband talk to a professional about his feelings.

I agree with getting the back fixed first if that is the problem with his not being able to do PT. Was not sure from your post if he has seen his old doctor for his back yet. Why does it take so long for a referral? You need to call your insurance company and talk with a supervisor and let them know what is going on.

You do need to take some time and I am going to repeat some time
for yourself. Just sitting out side with a cup of coffee or what ever by yourself or call a friend or relative and talk while having a cup of coffee an try and relax.

I do hope things get better for you. If you are going to the OS tomorrow, you need to make a list of questions that you want answered. Then perhaps you need to leave the room and let
your husband talk to him. However, your husband may be more
secure with you there, but do have him to ask questions.

Don't forget to tell the OS about the new meds and the trip to the
hospital.

 

[JudyS]

Ouch
I read some really good advice here for you. do take some time for yourself. I did have a HMO understand the whole HMO referral process of 2 weeks. Those referral people knew my name and face, I would call every day and check on them!! Not anything you can do if the doctor doesn't put a rush on it.
I'm here praying for you both, I understand totally the back pain as well.
judy

 

[Texas]

Morning Ouch, I sure hope its a better day today..........

 

[Judles]

Hope you and hubby are having a much better day today,too!!!

 

[Sticker Lady]

Ouch--
I hope you are taking the advise of all the friends here who have sugested that you take time for yourself--it's so important to care for the caregiver. You and hubby will be in my thoughts and prayers.
Blessings,
Irene

 

[Jamie]

Ouch, so sorry you and hubby are still going through so much. Your BoneSmart friends have given good advice, though. Take it one day at a time to get to the bottom of the pain and obtain some relief AND take care of yourself by allowing yourself some "ME" time. I pray that things will improve soon and hope that today finds both of you feeling better.

 

[ouch]

Hello All: Today was much better. Took him for a little outing and that seemed to lift his spirits. He even said he would like to try and go to Church this evening. So a good day so far.