Two Steps Forward, One Step Back

Yesterday, I posted about the wonder chair and the 6 hours I slept in it. Celebration. However, I have also had to cease taking Ibuprofen in preparation for surgery and will not be able to take it following surgery. I also have some lesions on the back of my calves as a result of all the swelling due to not being able to elevate my feet. Those had about gone away.

Skip to yesterday afternoon. I decided to try the recliner again. With no Ibuprofen, I was aching pretty badly. What I did not realize was having my calves on the recliner opened the healed lesions. PAIN!!! I toughed it our for almost 3 hours, then had to get up and return to my old chair. However, the calves were on fire and the joint pain absent the medication was intolerable.

I spent the next 4 hours in absolute misery. I considered going to the hospital, the pain was so severe. However, I needed a shower and at that point that was impossible. So I succumbed to Pure Grain Alcohol. Not really! But I thought about it. Instead, I found one pain pill left from surgery several months ago, I had taken Extra Strength Tylenol (useless) So I finally broke down and took 4 Ibuprofen. On top of that I took 2 Ambian (one is the normal dosage).

I have never abused legal or illegal drugs. In fact, until recently I seldom took even an aspirin or Ibuprofen. However, I have discovered when the pain gets beyond endurance, I will give in and do something that may not be smart, but offers relief.

I soon went to sleep. I slept straight through the night (except for a couple of bathroom breaks) and woke up this morning ready to do some work and with a much more positive attitude. I also called the doctor's (surgeon) office to see what they can prescribe for this joint pain. My Insurance nurse had recommended Vicadin. I am waiting on a return call from his nurse. I have to find something in lieu of Ibuprophen.

Today, I have hope and actually think I may survive this. Late yesterday afternoon I was not so sure and even not sure I wanted to. Pain is diabolical.

Most people diagnose overeating as medicating pain. Maybe it is. I just have never been able to identify the source of the pain. I have spoken with several psychologists, psychiatrists, pastoral counselors, nutritionists, 12-Step professionals, medical specialists, and friends and I still am not able to diagnose the reason for my obesity based on identifying the pain.

However, I know the source of the pain yesterday. Arthritis! I want drugs! Maybe I do have a problem with over-medicating? If I do, send the drugs!