I'm guessing most of you don't even know what or who a 'physiatrist' is (not to be confused with a psychiatrist. A physiatrist is a doctor who specializes in your muscles and bones, in other words your muscular/skeletal system. Sounds like a natural for someone who is paralyzed, right?
A physiatrist is also a doctor who knows more than most about pain, since most injuries to muscles or bones produce pain. In fact pain is usually the main symptom of muscle injuries. As you would quickly guess a physiatrist deals with a lot of athletes and sports injuries.
We saw my physiatrist last week and he suggested two major changes to my pain medication and my exercise routine, and I'm encouraged to hope these will help. I saw a respirologist, a urologist and a cardiologist soon after returning home from the rehab hospital, and they all set me up with the appropriate routines, medications, and equipment to maintain those parts of my health. I think that package is all working well.
So I've changed my pain medication as he suggested, and so far I think it's working. All these medications just take the edge off the pain, so I find it hard to judge how much they're helping. But he will call after 2 weeks and we'll adjust it as needed until we get it right.
He also suggested adding some cardio to my exercises, so I'm doing that the only way I know how - by following a video on my phone. Obviously I can only ever do upper body movements, so it's limited but I move my arms steadily for the 7 minute video and I certainly feel worn out. I'll have to build up to more. All the rest of you have no idea how many calories you burn just doing your normal daily walking.
So overall I'm encouraged. After being locked down for so long, I hope I can re-engage with this stuff and take more responsibility for my own health. Wish me luck!
********
In memory of the 215 children discovered in unmarked graves on the grounds of the Kamloops Indian Residential School, I join with many other Canadians in wearing orange today. I don't have an orange shirt, but I do have my orange hat.
It is good to get medical advice. You will build up even though it exhausting at first. I am working back from a stroke and I don't think doctors spend enough time addressing my change in movement. I am so much better but not a one seems to care about it. I have one drug that is suppose to make it all better.
ReplyDeleteI must be waiting to see a physiatrist although the title is new to me. I have been waiting on the pain clinic for more than a year already. TG I am not a major case, but I am a case nevertheless. I have orange shows. That is all. I hope to remedy this oversight.
ReplyDeletePain is not a very pleasant 'friend' to have visiting all the time.
ReplyDeleteSounds encouraging with the new medicine and exercise program. Hope all goes well.
ReplyDeleteI sure hope the new routine and meds help you.
ReplyDeleteI couldn't find any article of orange clothing to wear today but was pleasantly surprised to see on my walk just how many people had.
Kamloops, our family stayed there on a skiing holiday in January and early February a few years ago, and then went on to Kelowna. A tragedy we cannot imagine, and I don't have a teddy bear, as one friend suggested, or anything orange, but some of the flowers in my garden are orange , so they will serve as a stark reminder of all those lives sadly taken. I hope the new pain regime will work, we have tried so many different tablets and patches for Hugh, nothing eases it totally.
ReplyDeleteHopefully your new exercises and meds make a difference for you. There have been similar discoveries in residential institutions for children all over the western world (and I would assume the rest of the world is no different). What a tragedy those places were and in most cases the staff is well beyond judgement.
ReplyDeleteA new term for me too.
ReplyDeleteI definitely share your hope that the new meds and exercise routine will give you some relief.
ReplyDeleteSadly, I think we've only see the tip of the iceberg in relation to the children who were lost in the residential school system. I'm grateful to the hear that the federal government in partnership with the First Nations leaders will be working together to begin the process to scan the grounds of those places. I had no orange to wear but will leave the front lights on in honor of the lives lost.
MY late husband broke his back due to a work place accident. He saw a physiatrist and an orthopedic specialist.
ReplyDeleteI have an orange shirt to match your orange hat. So many atrocities around the world. So many cover-ups. Here's hoping your physiatrist will provide you with the exact help you need. Every little bit of help has the potential to go a long way.
ReplyDeletePhysiatrist is rarely heard of but I understand why that would be a Dr to help people who have continuous pain. I hope it helps you. Leg I injured last July is finally getting better as I had a knee contusion. It started hurting on our way home yesterday due alot traffic due holiday. Stomping on break a few times upset it. Its better today. Glad hubby was with me so he could drive last bit home. 🇺🇸 sorry to read about children being found in a grave. That's sad. Your orange hat looks good!!Take care.
ReplyDeletegood luck to you, i hope this new routine and the new meds help. in this day and age, no one should have to suffer with pain like we do. nothing helps the nerve pain for me so i just have to deal with it!! i really hope you feel better!!
ReplyDeleteI hope all goes well with the new medicine and exercise programme.
ReplyDeleteAll the best Jan
I do hope you will be able to reduce your pain level permanently. I'm so glad there is such a thing as your new doctor the physiatrist!
ReplyDelete