Let’s talk pain, and how best to treat it.
On my 11-hour return from New York earlier this month, I didn’t quite find the proper leg position in my first class seat. So several days after getting home, I had an excruciating bout with my problematic right leg afflicted with sciatica.
The lack of sleep, triggered by a family in coach right behind me, added to the horror. Two howling, screeching, screaming and noisy daughters, around 3 to 4 and perhaps 5 to 6, were highly temperamental and agitated, with parents unable to quell the noise to show respect to the rest of the flight. I asked a flight attendant if there was a possible solution, and she rolled her eyes. Interfering to the chaos could put the airliner in jeopardy.
So yes, I tried to find refuge after the flight, but wound up visiting Queen’s ER department, desperate for some kind of relief to halt or at least diminish the worst leg and feet pain I had, even more sore than my chronic lower back pain.
New pain, new treatment, new experience.
I discovered I had severe vascular calcification in my right leg – with soreness that my usual go-to pain relief pills, Tylenol extra-strength, didn’t have the power of healing.
I could not stand on my right leg – I regularly rely on a walker for strength and support – I named the device Mr. Walker, some years ago – but this time, Mr. Walker could not do its trick. When I placed my foot down for the doctor monitoring my discomfort, it was so painful, like stepping on cracked glass.
The only way I could stand up on the painful leg was when the doctor prescribed a lesser-strength (2.5 mg) dose of oxycodone. Within a quick moment, I was able stand up straight, without experiencing the earlier pain.
It’s a pain killer that rarely is prescribed, for obvious reasons. The reality, however, is that it works. I have not taken the remaining minimal prescription Queen’s ordered for me at Longs.
I since have ordered a mail-order magnesium gel that supposedly targets sciatic pain, but it’s hit and miss. I also utilize another rub-on treatment, with on-and-off satisfaction.
Meanwhile, I’ve had blood tests to address the severe vascular calcification, which was not in my vocabulary before, and I have regular physical therapy sessions at Ortho Sport to strengthen the sciatic leg. The PT has been beneficial, perhaps more emotionally that actually, but I don’t expect a quick-fix of the sore leg.
I realize any kind of ailment and treatment have mixed results, just as surgery can be a plus or a minus.
I’m still looking for that magic – and legal – pain killer that would ease the hurt and reduce the aches, perhaps a day at a time. I have a friend in Mr. Walker – who, by the way, has flown first class three times since he entered my life – and no matter what, I treasure his support and confidence.
I’m also at the crossroads to possibly resume acupuncture treatment. Something’s got to work.