Kevin had the appointment with the surgeon this morning. After being sent down for X-rays on his neck (in addition to the MRI results he already had) he was told this: Basically, it's what he can live with. Surgery is the ONLY thing that will fix it. He has bone spurs and scar tissue on two vertebrae, pressing on the spinal chord. That causes the pain and the numbness. The surgeon didn't want to rule out shoulder trouble, either, so he ordered another MRI. Kevin will go back two weeks from today to see what he says. *sigh*
No 40 year old man should live on pain pills. He doesn't take them unless it's an alternative to suicide, but he takes them pretty often. He hurts. He's a crab-ass when he hurts, so I always know when he needs a pain pill. He avoids taking them as long as he can. We can't live like this. He needs help, whether it's surgery or alternatives. I intend to spend the next two weeks looking at alternatives. There is a place in KC called the Headache and Pain Center, and I want to see if they accept insurance. Plus, you know me, I'll be doing some Internet research. *sigh*
His area manager gave us some good news today. He wanted an update from Kevin, and told him that his job was safe, regardless. He said that we should NOT worry about that, and he would be taken care of. That is a load off. His job is "delivery coordinator" and shouldn't be physical, but it is. He carries 300 lb doors that measure 6'8"x5' 1/2" wide because nobody else there can do it. It's not right, but it's his job. *sigh*
Kevin is worried about losing the house. I believe we won't. Sure, we don't have savings or any kind of parachute at all, but frankly, we've been through this same situation when I wasn't working, and we made it. If he has to stay home for a while to heal, we'll drop insurance on everything but the truck, have no child-care cost, and save on half of our gas money. It can be done. I will be the strong one, until he can be again. And, all of this is speculation. Maybe we'll find a way out of surgery...but bottom line is: He can NOT live in pain for the rest of his life. I won't allow it. *sigh*
5 comments:
Well, just figure if you lose the house, you weren't meant to be homeowners in the first place. I've always asked myself in tough situatioins, "What's the worst that could happen here?" As long as Cliff and I could together survive through it, I've figured it's OK. You did fine before you had a house. You'll do fine without a house again if that's what has to happen.
This does make me appreciate all the years Cliff has worked in pain. That butcher shop like to killed him.
Has Kev been informed about physical therapy at all? I spent so much time last Summer in pain and/or zoned out on painkillers -- until I had physical therapy. Hugs to both of you!
Love,
Russ
Girrrrrl.....I identify with Kevin more than you will ever know. My knee, my shoulder, my neck, my back.....all from the car accident. Sure, I could get surgery, but....ugh...not my first choice. I've got frayed tendons everywhere.... The vicodin is nice, but at some point, it gets old... :-/ I'm thinking of looking at Reiki or accupuncture..... I'm already on Lexapro to deal with my pain/anxiety issues, so checking to see if other stuff might work can't hurt.... oh..and we don't have insurance...so we have to pay for it ourselves. Suckage.
~Amy
I love your "Stand by my man" attitude. I'll add Kevin (and you, and family) to my prayer list. ;o) - Barbara
I hope you can find some kind of alternative treatment to help with the pain.
Lori
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