[kimmydawn]

I miss you all so much...I'd like to say that first.

I'm just now able to sit and type for short periods of time, and hope to be on for short periods daily. Due to my limitations, I'll still maintain my position but in a limited way. I *will* be able to check PM's again now, though. I'm here and care more than ever.

I'm so blessed to have so many of you caring so much, for me, each other and this community.

Christina, thank you so much for stepping up and helping...without question or hesitation. What a beautiful, giving soul you are.

Many of you know that I've been out for almost 4 weeks now...dealing with miserable pain in left shoulder and arm. It was horrific. By the time I found partial relief, I was sleep deprived and probably heading for a heart attack or stroke with BP. It was through the roof due to the pain, stress from pain and lack of sleep and rest. I couldn't sit...could only pace to get through.

I had a spinal epidural and it gave me about 50% relief, however it felt as though it almost killed me...literally. I felt as though my mind and body went to 40-50% function...my thinking, talking, moving everything was greatly reduced...even vision was really blurry for three days.. The scary thing is that I didn't see it until after it improved, and what I did see I blamed on the pain meds. I realized what had happened when I erupted with thrush and severe facial flushing.

Unfortunately, on a rare outing, a woman pulled out in front of hubby and he had to slam on breaks. It whipped my neck. The next day the pain spread to my chest...full force and as horrible as the first was. It's since calmed to about the level of the other. Pain was a 12 on scale 1-10, but is now about a 5 without meds and a good 1-3 with them depending on position and time of day.

My left leg became involved at one point as well. It didn't want to lift at all. A couple of times my toes drug the floor. It only lasted a few minutes and hasn't happened since, so I pray it won't again. It scared me to death.

I've not been able to sit up and type...at all. Just recently hubby fixed me a table outside that's partially OK to do in a limited fashion so I can be here daily but limited.

I saw the neurosurgeon this past Weds., and I have surgery scheduled for August 12. He's going to be out of the country for a month, but because he's really concerned about the significant weakness in my triceps of left arm, he requested I be put on cancellation list.

I will be having a cervical spine fusion. A bone will be grafted to my vertebrae after the herniations/disks are removed. At that point I'll be in a neck brace for 2-3 weeks and then I should be good to go.

This is going to be a long process because I only want this doctor, so if I can't get in before August, I'm limited for a while. It bites in one respect, but in another I'm just grateful for the relief I have while praying the epidural doesn't wear off too soon because I know I probably can't have another (surgeon said no).

I'm resting alot and the days run one into another. I went through a horrible depression from the steroids, pain levels, being so disabled from it, etc. I've come around now that I've seen the surgeon, the affects of epidural have worn off and pain is manageable. I'm doing better there.

I wanted to let you know that I'm here now in a limited way, as friend, limited admin and supporter of PC.

I love you all and it's so good to see you finally.

KD

(((((kimmydawn)))))

[Christina86]

KIMMY!!!!!!!!!!!!!

*this is me bouncing up and down*

I miss you. All of this surgery stuff doesn't sound at all fun... but I'm glad the pain is somewhat diminished, and I'm glad you're here, and I'm glad that eventually you'll have relief from all of this.

I'm sorry about the pain. I wish I could take it away... nobody as nice as you deserves it.

I'm happy to fill-in while you're away, and I'll be happy to step-back when you get back.

Love ya

[thelostone]

glad you are doing better. my hubby had a very similar reaction to an epideral. couple days after it was done he woke up nearly blind. he could see light and color, but not enough detail to even walk around the house. i think they should warn people ahead of time because while i was rushing him to the eye doc we called his neuro office and was told by the staff that it could not possible be from that. of course when dr found out he was furious, but no more epidurals for him.

lost

[Kiya]

(((((Kimmydawn!!!))))))))

[DePressMe]

KD!!! So great to hear from you, but my heart goes out to you...I truly hope the surgery brings some pain relief. Of course, I wish you did not have to wait for it. You are such a strong and caring woman to endure all of this pain and yet think of us. We are here for you too. I will send you some positive thoughts....hang in there.

[MyBestKids2]

((((KD))))

sending healing thoughts and kind vibes during the tremendous time. I wish you a very successful surgery as well as a rapid healing!

Dee

[gimmeice]

((((((((((((((( kimmydawn )))))))))))))))))))))

[jbug]

(((((((((((((((kd)))))))))))))))))))

You have always been real special to me and this hurts me to see you in this much pain. I am hoping this surgery will make you 100% better.

Jbug

[bebop]

kimmy I am glad you are in a tad less pain. I get all red in the face too with steriods. you take care and we will pray there is a cancelation soon so you can get this taken care of. we love you and miss you here.

[sarahlilianne]

(((((((kimmydawn))))))) Take really good care hun, I will pray for you . Thanks for thinking about us even if you are in great pain .
Lily

[sabby]

((((((((((((((((((((((( Kimmy )))))))))))))))))))))))))))))

I'm so very glad that you have received some relief from the pain...some relief mentally and emotionally after seeing the surgeon. I can only imagine the sigh of relief that came out of you when you saw him...

While we all miss you terribly, please please please don't push so hard that you have a relapse in horrible pain. We don't want that to happen. Yet we love that you are back even if in a limited way.

Many prayers and healing thoughts sent your way my friend, not to mention much love.

xoxoxo
Jean

[jacq10]

(((((((((((((((KD))))))))))))))

So sorry to hear about all of this pain, and everything that you've had to go through (and are still going through). Know that you are missed and loved VERY much here.

Sending many warm thoughts and prayers your way

Jacq

[sujunew]

((((((((((kd))))))))))
thanks for the update. I hope so much for you that things stay manageable until the surgery, and that the surgery brings the relief you need.
Take care

((((KD)))))

You are truly one of my heroes.

[Timgt5]

I will keep you in my prayers, I wish you the best on all you have in front of you, thanks for letting us know what is happening, I for one have missed you.

The best to you

TJ

[Rapunzel]

I am sorry to hear of all that you have been going through. Just when you think your plate is full, something happens to force you to stop and focus on taking care of yourself. I know I wouldn't want to get that kind of wake-up call.

(((((((((((kimmy)))))))))))))))))))))))))

[selfy]

take care kimmy. it doesnt sound fun being in that much pain. i hope you get better soon.
*hugs*
dot

[pachyderm]

(((((kimmydawn)))))

Eeeeek.

[nightbird]

(((kimmiedawn)))

oh dear person, what a incredible experience.

i had depression hit me hard after being on steroids for months, so i understand that aspect as well as cervical herniations.

did they tell you that your adrenal glands go on vacation when on steroids? it takes awhile to get things moving again, like you were before, as you are probably making the connections for the adrenals to get back to work for you w/o steroids ... might explain a few things you have experienced.

i hope the procedure works out well for you.

in my thoughts. pm if you want to exchange info anytime.

peace and love,
night

[TaintedGoth1]

(((((KimmyDawn)))))

Sending you lots of love...this must be so hard...

[kimmydawn]

THANK YOU ALL SO MUCH.

I'm maintaining more often than not now.

I can't go longer than four hours without my meds, but am so grateful for them because I can partially function again...still there are some things I can't do. Typing is hard.

I'm so thankful to y'all for understanding and sharing your experiences so that I don't feel alone or nuts about those bad affects of the steroids. I swear it feels they almost did me in. That's over now, though.

I just pray they keep working while I'm waiting for a cancellation. The meds don't half work without the steroid affect.

I'm here in a limited way...supporting my co-workers and members as I can, and trying to stay in the loop.

Love to all and I'll keep you posted.

KD

[sujunew]

((((((((((kd))))))))))
thank goodness the meds are keeping the pain under some sort of control (annoying about the side affects tho!).
It's great to see your updates when you are able to post them.
Take care.