Yep, Sue. Thumbs hurt so much that the thumb injections were almost welcome, but not quite.
The lower back shots are definitely the worst! I'm pretty tough re pain, usually, but they made me scream, cuss if I was so inclined but didn't!, and tell the doc how much I loved him! I'm so glad not to be getting any steroid shots now. Steroids saved my life re sarcoid when I was 40, helped me breath, increased my energy, helped chronic asthma and bronchitis, kept me going in many ways through the years. But, I had a plethara of side effects, as well.
But, my hands/fingers/wrists do hurt a lot still. I'm using them more and shots would help. I have a new hot wax treatment machine I got for my hand therapy...got it last year when in PT for hands and shoulder. Haven't felt like setting it up until now....even to help me feel better. Dipping them in later today, wrapping up in plastic and towels and wallow in the warmth and relief!
I'm finding back pain is helped more from THC/CBD than anything else. Fibro, also, but it's a combination of help for that. Interesting how different issues are better helped by different approaches.
Hmmmmmmm.........guess that's part of what I'm learning as I'm aging. Would have helped if we'd known some of this stuff when first going through the issues. Interesting, I went into the pain issues.....'cause I'm hurting more w/this set-up. So, must figure out how to best use my toys.
Well, thanks, Chris, for the update. I see now why you've been so quiet about the surgery. You're in the middle of dealing. I'm so sorry you're in pain, but the soon to come outcome is so promising. I do wish I could have had your options.
Blessings to you and all!
elizabeth
@sueinmn, @ess77, How delightful to hear from you two. You understand so much. Sometimes I just want to "listen" to all of you about similar issues that I have. I no longer jump to conclusions. One thing for sure @sueinmn, thumb injections are pretty dicey.
And here is my other "bad memory" from the surgery on the left thumb. If you recall, I lived in a small valley at 6000 ft up on the mountain. My friend Janice told me to make sure I told them about the altitude so that they allowed room in the bandaging for swelling. I did my best....he is a very good hand surgeon and I was personally introduced to him by my shoulder & knee surgeon. He kind of told me that he was the surgeon and would definitely know how to bandage the thumb no matter where I lived.
Are you ready for this? When I awakened I thought the bandage was pretty tight and so I reiterated my request to the "check out" technician. After being reassured, I jumped in the car and headed up the mountain along with a supply of Percocet which I knew nothing about.
Within an hour I was vomiting and unable to find relief from the pain. So back in the car, I went, with my friendly driver who had warned me. As soon as we arrived (1-hour drive) the surgeon's PA met us and completely redid the bandaging. When I asked, he did tell me that the medication sensitivities were listed on the chart but nothing about altitude.
Unfortunately, that memory is pretty vivid right now and I am turning chick, chick, chicken. Give me another week or so and I will see where I am emotionally. I know this quality of life issue is still on my list and it needs to be done.
Thank you for your kindness and attention.
May your life be one of ease.
Chris