...And the Pain Shall Set You Free ...

 I am sure that is not a direct quote from anything. I know there are several related to it, as I 'googled' the phrase to see. Most were Bible verses regarding truth, and then there were other verses about pain, though the truth one is the closest to the wording. Not that you really care....

But I am in some pain (still). I knew after last Thursday, in going to the rodeo, I may be sore in the legs. However, Friday I wasn't hurting too bad. But after going to the NASCAR race on Sunday - hoo boy! Before we even left our seats, I already was starting to ache in the legs, and we had a long ways to go on foot. Monday, I sat in my office chair, and the only moving around I did was to go to the bathroom. My thighs and knees are just letting me know I overdid the workout. Been taking acetaminophen like it is candy every two hours... In its own way, it does feel good though. Like after a good workout. I just over went the boundary.

The Wife was kind enough on Sunday to pick up my prescription while she was out and about, so I decided to start it that night. Without naming it, this drug was originally for neuropathy, epileptics, and restless leg syndrome, but one of the strong side effects was drowsiness, so is used at times for those with insomnia. From what I read online, it sounded like I was going to have to take it 3x/day, but the order is for 1 pill at bedtime. So Sunday night I dropped one as I headed to bed. I am not sure if it was the pill, or all the exercise from the walking, or a combo thereof, but I slept good, and deep, that night, waking late in the morning. Best sleep I have had in weeks!!! So last night, I wanted to see if there would be a difference. Popped the pill, and though I didn't immediately drop off to slumberland, I did fairly quickly. Let's call it about 8 hours good sleep, and I was up about 6:45a feeling awake and rested. I recall waking a couple times int he night, but only to adjust my CPAP mask. I think this med might actually be good for the insomnia. The downside is I cannot only take 'as needed', and have to take daily regardless. Small price to pay - at least the cost of the medicine is $0 with my insurance.

So today my thighs are still letting me know they aren't happy, but not as bad as yesterday. I will be up and moving to day, as I do have a VFW Aux meeting this evening, and I want to do some errands this afternoon. In my mindset today, it feels like it things are looking up. Now if the Company would get me on a project....

Oh, and RM... it was not me up at 2am for you to worry and pray over (this time).

PeacE

Some Bitching and Moaning

 It has been a whole seven days since I last posted. Typing that, I feel like I am catholic and starting confession. Which is sort of a joke in itself...but to continue.

Nothing much of import has been happening. One of the support "legs" on my keyboard broke. This is a fairly new one I had gotten in just the past few months. I am using a a couple water-flavor packet boxes to give the keyboard the 'tilt' so I am able to type better. I don't see myself spending another $30 anytime soon to replace it. I can be frugal like that.

Last August I believe, I was in the ER due to a severe pain I woke to one morning, that was on the right side of my abdomen. The pain was bad enough, I could hardly draw breath without a stab of pain. After less than an hour, I decided that this was bad enough to go to the ER. After eight hors there, with no food or drink, it was concluded that they had no clue as to what the cause of the pain was. I was given a small dose of morphine early on, to help ease the pain, so I could breath (and bring my O2 level back up). After eight hours, with no diagnosis, I did feel slightly less pain, enough I could go home, so I did. Over the next few days, the pain subsided gradually, and went away.

It showed itself again yesterday, though not as bad as last August. The pain wasn't as bad, or my tolerance was better - not sure which. But it was still bad enough I felt nauseous most of the day, when I wasn't sleeping. By late last night, much of the pain had subsided, yet from sleeping most of the day, I was up til nearly 2:30 this morning. Still no clue what brought this on.

It is Thursday. March Madness starts for the NCAA basketball season. I'm meeting up with a friend to watch a few of the opening games. My beloved Purdue isn't scheduled to play today, but their first game is against FDU tomorrow. They look to have a really good team this year, and I would like to see them go all the way.

Haven't heard anything from the Company about any new projects. This is not a new thing, as it sometimes takes them a few weeks to place me into a new project at times. I suppose I will be sending off another email to remind them of my availability come Monday.

RM goes in for some cataract surgery on one of her eyes this morning. My thoughts are with her. She professes no fears of the surgery, as she has known and trusts her eye doc, but the way she writes about it, I wonder a little. I know I would be worried. Having someone mess with your eyes, even when you need the surgery, is somewhat daunting. You should see me every time I get told I need a root canal... not a pleasant sight to see a big guy like me scared to death.

Anyways, I got a few things to do before heading out to watch some Bball...

PeacE

False Starts

 So, about a half hour before the scheduled time for the start-up meeting for the new work project, I get an email from the Team manager. Seems they were some issues and that they had to delay the start of the project. Everything was pushed back one day. I did receive later in the day, the expected email containing information specific to this project, so as of now, I am guessing we are on schedule with no hiccups today. I actually woke up early today and will be logging in shortly after writing here, to verify I have the access(es) to programs and chat channels needed, and go over any additional information provided there.

Still dealing with some back pain. Though it is decreasing daily, just not as fast as I would like. Same with the right knee. I think if the knee pain would go first, the back pain would go away faster. I think much of the back pain is from change of gait due to this knee hurting.

I posted on social media for Saturday afternoon, to gather those that may want to, for my birthday. I did a select invitation, so it would not be to everyone on my "friends list" as some people I just don't want there. Why am I still friends with them? No clue for some, others are family members that I just don't want there. RM already mentioned that they would probably not show, not because it is at a pub, but it is a little far for them, and they don't know many of my friends. I get that. Right now only a small handful have replied that they may/may not make it. No worries. If no one shows, I still have my tablet to read books on. It looks like Monday evening I will be able to get all the kids together for my bday dinner. Only the Oldest Son has not confirmed as of yet.

Well, I should get other things started to get the day going.

PeacE

The Dog Days of August Are Ending

 Today marks the end of August, but not of the monsoon season here in AZ. That typically runs until the end of September. And this week partially proves why. It is cooling down, but we do expect some rain (residuals from the tropical storm Nora) supposedly today into tomorrow. Which makes for humid weather and upper 80's for the temps. Back up to the low 100's by the weekend. Ugh!

I am officially back to work today. I had emailed Sunday evening to the company (again) asking what is the status of projects coming in, and basically said that they are wasting my talents making sit on the sidelines waiting for projects. Amazingly, I received notification that a project "suddenly" became available for me. This one is to last 2-3 weeks (finally a longer one) and according to what they emailed me, I was requested by the Team Manager specifically. Hmmmm.... are they ass-kissing me after my snippy email? I don't know, but still am happy to get back to work. The 'start-up' meeting is in a couple hours.

Pain. Yeah, I still have it. Today feels better than previously. Seems each day it wants to recede a little bit more. At this rate, it will be another week or more before I am back to what I would consider normal for myself. Better than nothing I suppose.

I feel like I want a Mtn Dew this morning, but don't feel like getting dressed enough to drive up to the store. Wonder if I can talk the Wife into doing it for me....

PeacE

The Fun of Self-Diagnosis

 Well, there really isn't any fun in it at all. Trying to guess why your toe hurts and how it is connected to the hair-loss you have on the back of your head, is somehow comical, but mostly it is weird ... and scary. But that is what I talked about with the Wife tonight. I brought up how my 'good' knee has been pretty painful the past few days, though being off of it has helped a little. I also mentioned the lower back pain that has been starting up, an actual flaring up of my work comp injury. I'm pretty sure it has to do with my knee. Having the knee hurt as mush, I've adjusted my step/gait, and I am confident that that is what is causing my back to flare from making muscle adjustments it is not used to, and it is shifting my spine a bit. Which is also close to where I am feeling some "pulling" when laying on my right side ... all could be muscle related. So what am I going to do about it? Rest. Stay off my feet for the next few days as much as possible. Do a few of the PT exercises for my back that were beneficial when I was injured. I figure that is about all I can do at this point.

I hate feeling like I have the past week plus. I'm used to "little" aches and pains, that go away after a few days. Not these things that make you want to cut the hurt out with a knife and stab it to death. I'm sure it is just age and the body falling apart on me, since I have not been the best caretaker of this flesh. I know, I know ... I sound like a whiny baby, and I am sure I am being one. Just so tired of this.

Speaking of tired, my sleep schedule is all messed up again. Trying to rest as much as possible has led to extra naps, so sleeping all night has been off the table for at least the last three nights. Today I was in bed before ten, now just after one I am up again. Hopefully in a couple hours I will be able to lay down and get a few more short hours in.

Right now my life is pretty boring, so don't be surprised if I don't write much.

PeacE

Is Something Wrong, or Am I Just Broken?

 So, the ER trip a week ago. Each day since, the "stabs" of pain in my side, especially when taking breaths, has gradually subsided to almost non-existent. This morning as I draw a deep breath, as much as I can, I still feel some twinges, but not painful. It's almost like it never happened. But new things crop up to take the place of that pain.

My knees have ever been a problem for me. With the stress I have put them through playing ball, and the numerous bicycle accidents as a kid, it's amazing it isn't just scar tissue that holds them together. Being overweight doesn't help them either. I get around using a cane most days, mostly to keep myself stabilized, as my left knee likes to "fold" without notice sometimes. But in the past three days, my right knee has been showing some pain. Feels like I have "banged" the inside of the knee against something and bruised it. Yet I haven't hit my knee. There is no discoloration, but when walking now, it makes me wonder which side should I use the cane for. With just a little bit of walking around the house this morning, it feels better than yesterday, and again today I will be off my feet as much as possible.

Also noticed yesterday was my right side again. I favor to lay on my right side to sleep, and most of this last week I have not been able to, due to the pain I was having. Yesterday morning, as I woke and sort of laid in bed, I felt like something was being 'pulled apart' just behind where the previous pain had been. It decreased as I rolled to my back, and disappeared when rolled on over to my left side. IT wasn't painful, just very uncomfortable. Add to that that I felt fuzzy headed most of the day, and took frequent naps. This morning I woke way early due to all that sleeping, and still having the new side issue. 

So that's where I am today. Nothing heard about a new project for work. Side pain. Knee pain. I think I may be spending much of the day in bed again, resting and napping.

PeacE

Dying A Little Inside Everyday

 The pain is still there, but once more has lessened in its intensity. I prodded the side, and had to poke moderately to feel some pain. Still feeling a spike when I take a deep breathe. Overall though, less than yesterday, so hopefully by the weekend will be pretty much gone.

Went out to the pub again last night. This sitting around the house doing "nothing" has been really bothering me lately. I admit, I didn't drink any soda. The night before I had so much, it took until about 4am to get to sleep (sugar and caffeine I am sure). So I switched it up to water, and slowed down the intake so I wouldn't be having to use the facilities every 20 minutes. After having a few pitchers, I decided I was going to have a couple drinks, and see how I felt today. Success! Hydrating and very low alcohol intake seems to not bother my side, so that's good to know.

My buddy I spoke about yesterday is supposed to get his test results today. I am sure he will want to get out for a couple beers if he is negative - after being stuck at home the last week plus. Got an update on another older friend yesterday as well. He had had a stroke (3rd, maybe 4th) about 3 weeks ago. He has been in a rehab/hospice setting since. The girlfriend won't let him come back to her home, due to him having a couple psychotic episodes (controlled back down with meds) which worries/scares her. But she is working with the VA and State to get him someplace (he can't live on his own). I guess they are talking about putting him in LTC for a short term, before getting him into a place where he will be able to interact with others in common places, etc. Heck of a thing for one of our veterans.

The Wife just left to go "shopping". Great. She says it some new place she heard of that does discount pricing on stuff. Like Fridays items are $5, Saturday they got o $4, and so on down to Thursday ($.50) but she has no idea of the quality or even what they have as it changes weekly. I wonder how much junk she gonna bring home that we don't need. Sigh. Trade-offs.

Though I slept in this morning, I think I may be taking an afternoon nap. For now though, I'll eave you here as I go off and read some other stuff.

PEacE

Shocking the World (and myself)

 I haven't had a beer, or any alcohol, since last Friday. WHAT?!? Yeah. When that pain started Friday, though it felt minor, I thought it might be somewhat caused from dehydration. I get cramps in the legs when I don't drink enough regular fluids, so thought I should spend some time hydrating. Come Sunday, when the pain started to worsen (though not terrible as of yet) I was still drinking plenty of water. Then of course, early Monday happened, leading to spending the day at the ER.

I know those of you that know me are shocked I have been able to go that many days without some sort of alcohol, and I don't care. I went to the bar today. I was up there a few hours, hanging out with a friend, did some reading of books. Drank WAY too many pitchers of Pepsi. YEs. Pepsi. No beer, no shots, no fancy umbrella drinks with alcohol. Straight-up Pepsi and ice. When I mentioned mid-afternoon to the Wife that I was "Heading out for a bit" (code phrase for 'I am going to the bar') she wasn't happy, and replied something under her breath about whatever, it's my liver. Obviously, with this issue going on, she was not thrilled about me  going out drinking. When I came home this evening, it was later (like I had been drinking) and I pretty much went to bed. She had not said one thing to me. When she came to bed, I told her that I hadn't drank anything but Pepsi, and she was a bit shocked (like I know you were). At least she dropped her pissy attitude at me.

As the day wore on, I don't know if was me, or the body, getting used to the pain, but it seemed to decrease in intensity. Still cannot inhale deep without a spike of pain, and prodding that area I am notified there is still tenderness (or something). I will wait until later in the morning (hopefully after a few hours of sleep) to see if there less pain. If it decreases, I don't think I am going to call any GI. I didn't call today, but will Tuesday to set up this new doctor to see for HBP meds. I kinda want to wait to see if this pain fades over the next couple days, but if that happens, I know I won't call. Need to force myself to do it.

Other than that, nothing planned for the day. I mentioned previously that the work project ended, and I am currently on hold until the next project comes along. I'll give them a couple days before I start emailing them about how "available" I am to be placed on something. Hopefully that will work better than waiting 2-3 weeks until they get around to me. Squeaky wheel gets the grease, and all.

Last Thursday, I heard from a friend that his wife and MIL had Covid. The MIL was in the hospital - her condition wasn't terrible, but enough to warrant it. His wife was at home, and I think only got tested because she had been around her mother. So my Friend had to get tested (I'm sure work required it) and Friday found out he was positive, though no outward symptoms. Tomorrow he is getting tested again, and hoping it comes up negative. Then yesterday I heard another friend and his wife (about 15 years older than me) were both in the hospital for low oxygen levels and difficulty breathing. I reached out to him and found out it was Covid, and as of now they were going to be in for at least 2-3 weeks. I know news reports about the Valley stating that around 2,000 cases being reported daily, and deaths in the lower double digits. I don't understand all that crap, and how they jade the numbers to fit whatever media mumbo-jumbo and party they follow. I still believe that this hype is so politically controlled, whether for or against. If you got it, you got it. Like a cold, or the flu, or pneumonia. It gets worse or it don't. Mask mandates - Bah! Vaccination requirements - Bah! I'm sure for some of you, this will make you want to thump your chest in agreement, or start up the riot act against me. I don't care. This is my opinion, my blog. I respect your opinions/beliefs no matter how different (and stupid) they are compared to mine.

Okay, enough ranting. I should go back and delete some of that, but I won't. Writing is writing. And I am rambling because I want to get tired to go to bed. I think drinking all that soda tonight has given my body way too much sugar, and that is what is keeping me awake. Definitely more than I usually have all at one period of time. So, I guess I should leave off there, and maybe go find something else to do for a bit.

PeacE

The Expensive 'Date'

 Yesterday I wrote about some side pain I was having. It worsened in the early hours of the morning, and by 6am, I was ready to go to urgent care. I was having issues breathing, where I couldn't draw a full breath without feeling pain spike in my side. Had to wait until 8am for them to open, but the Wife and I went. Turns out they could do nothing for me, as they did not have the imaging equipment needed to take a look at my side. So then it was off to the ER, where I spent pretty much the rest of the day.

I know my blood pressure is high. I haven't been on meds for it in years because the doc I had was a dick, and I just didn't get around to getting another doc. So I got that lecture from the staff, but they hooked me up with something to get that down for the time being. Followed by some morphine to get the pain under control. Throughout the course of the day, I had a CT scan of the abdomen, a chest x-ray, 2 blood lab work-ups, a urine sample, and a CT of the chest, all to find out that they could not find anything wrong with me that would be causing the pain. They suggested I contact a GI. I went home with the pain under control, and hoped that I can keep it that way.

The Wife said it was nice to 'spend the day together'.... but damn it was expensive.

Bday dinner plans were screwed up because of the ER trip, so ended up just with the Wife and Youngest at Denny's last night. The ER staff had not let me have any water or food the whole time there (so as to not mess up any readings) and I drank a large pitcher of iced tea over dinner. Then it was home, and straight to bed for me. I was knackered. I think it was about 8pm.

Woke up at 4am, not sure if it was some pain in my side (which is still there) or the booming thunder from the storm raging overhead. Sounds like the rain is coming down pretty good, too. Monsoon season in AZ - sometimes it is good. We are up on our rainfall amounts (above average) which is always good for the desert. Though, this storm is probably not as good for the area. It is coming down hard and fast, so will wash off into gullies, etc, and cause flash flooding, instead of a good ground soak.

Since I am up early, I will probably start work early. Pain in my side is still there - about what it was last night. I rolled onto that side a couple times during the night, which woke me enough to roll off it. Hopefully it will not worsen like it had yesterday morning. Calling a new PCP today, even though I don't have insurance, to get started on some meds for the high blood pressure, once I can get in and get an appointment. Joy.

Edit: Wouldn't you know it .... I go to log into to work, only to find out that the project ended yesterday. A project that I was told would be 1-2 weeks, and I only worked 1 day on. Sigh. Looks like daily emails to the Company requesting to be placed on another project.

PeacE

Pain is Good ... or is it?

 Friday morning, aside from returning to work, I also noticed I had a pain in my right side. I occasionally get muscle cramps since I don't seem to drink enough water, so I kind of put it aside, thinking it was a sore muscle from s aside cramp. Saturday it was still there, and I just thought, well, maybe it is a muscle strain. like I turned the wrong way, or lifted something heavier than I should have - even though I could not recall any of that happening. Sunday it was still there, and not seeming to 'get smaller' or go away. This morning, it is still there in good force. I'm leery of trying to look up possible symptoms on the internet, because you know where that will lead. I don't have health insurance currently, since coverage was with the Wife's employer, that ended back in October. It's not a constant pain, just when I exert outer pressure on that side, or roll over, or take an overly large deep breathe. I still think it is muscle related somehow.

Anyway, up at 1am this morning. Went to bed around 9pm, so got at least 4 hours of sleep in. Might be able to get back in bed after while and sneak in a couple more hours before needing to get up for work.

Tonight the Middle Son has finally arranged his schedule for his Bday dinner (bday was a couple weeks ago) so we are doing that.

PeacE

Happy Memorial Day .... for some

Take that moment of silence for all fallen veterans, whether it be while in the service, or not. Normally I get out early in the morning on today, to visit a couple friends that are buried at the National Cemetery here in town, but this year I am not able to do so. 

Time has a way of taking hold of a person, and spinning them into a whirlwind of things that need to get done, places to go, people to see to, and no time to sit down and catch one's breath. At least, the past couple of months have seemed that way.

Since Easter, The Wife and I celebrated our 25th Anniversary. We took of work for three days and went north to Sedona for a little get-away. It was nice to get away and not have to worry about pets, kids, work, or anything else. We also exchanged silver rings (because the 25th is silver anniversary. 

Once we returned to the Valley, it became a period of increased hustle and bustle. The Boys (all three of them) had concerts for the Spring, plus the oldest had Jazz concerts/competitions. The Middle had a trip to Disneyland with the 8th grade wind ensemble (the Wife went as a chaperone for that one). The middle of May brought the Oldest's birthday around in which he turned 18. Last week, had me taking another day off work (Monday) as we had to attend the Middle's 8th Grade Promotion in the morning, and the Oldest's high school graduation in the early evening.

This past Thursday I was injured at work. At first, I thought it was a muscle strain in my lower back. I hadn't lifted anything heavy, but was sliding it on the floor (it was a washer tub piece). I didn't think much of it at the time, other than I must have strained a muscle. Friday I took some ibuprofen to help, as it still felt sore, but not as bad as the day previous. I worked a regular day. Saturday found me having painful difficulty rising from a seated position, to standing. All in that same lower back area. As Saturday progressed, the pain grew worse.

Sunday came around, and when the Wife returned home from church, I informed her we were going to the ER. Once there, they IV'ed me, hooked up the ecg/ekg, popped the oxygen meter on the finger, then looked at my vitals. BP was high (212/100-something). immediately the gave me some BP lowering med and some morphine in the IV. From there I had a chest x-ray, then a CAT scan done of my abdomin (to make sure the aorta was okay) and the lower back. I think I went in about 2pm, and by 7pm the ER Dr. was back to let me know what they determined.

I have a protrusion in my lower back, and another spot that is "narrowed" near it. Around the L4 & L5 discs. The protrusion is causing the inflammation and irritation of the nerve there. I guess it is similar to a herniatic disc. Fortunately, this is only causing extreme pain for me - no tingling along the legs, or numbness anywhere. However, it also means I am barely able to walk (with cane assist) and sitting/laying in most positions hurts. Small adjustments to sitting/laying send spikes of pain. They released me with a small prescription for some BP medicine, and some Percosets, as well as orders to contact my PCP Tuesday morning first thing as I need to get an MRI set up to find out more details. My PCP will be adding/adjusting to my BP meds I am sure, as well as any pain management needed going into treatment(s) once we find out more.

My main worry now is about work. Obviously, I am not able to climb into my work truck, let alone carry/lift/deliver parts to the technicians. Also, because it is work comp, I don't know what kind of hornets that will be stirred up from that whole ordeal, since it wasn't discovered the extent of the injury until later. Top that off with my boss is out of town until Thursday this week, and he is the one that covers when I am on vacation days. Basically, it was not the best time to have this happen (though, no good time for something like this).

First thing this morning I emailed my boss the details of what happened, starting from last Thursday. Then I sent a text to him, to let him know I was injured and definitely would not be there tomorrow, and maybe most this week, pending the results from my PCP, and that I had emailed him the details of what happened/is going on. I feel bad bringing this bad news on his vacation ... but what else should I do? He needs to know ASAP.

For now, I am just waiting until tomorrow to get in to see my PCP and go from there.

Happy, happy, joy, joy to me .....

PeacE

Summer Time

It is the eve of Memorial Day weekend, and things are just weird. The normal temperatures for AZ this time of year (average normal) is like 98. Today it is to be in the mid 80s (if I remember what I heard correctly). We hit 100 on May 1st and 2nd, and have not been over 100 since. Note: I am not complaining, just stating fact. This has got to be one of the most mild springs I have ever seen here in the last 29 years.

The boys finish up school next week. No major plans at this time for any summertime getaways. The oldest Son has a couple weeks of band camp, usually one week at the beginning and the other at the end, of summer.

Work is work. I still have a few days of vacation to use up before the end of August, but no clue as to when to use them yet. Might be coming up soon. The tendinitis in my arms is flaring up (the past couple days anyways) and I feel like I could use a break. Will see how it goes with this three day weekend. The Wife has to work Monday, so we have no major plans.

Guess that is about all I got today.

PeacE

The Sound of Dentistry

This morning I am actually looking forward to going to the dentist. My regular check-up is not scheduled until later this month, but I had to schedule an emergency visit due to some pain. I am a bit worried about it, as the pain was pretty solid since Friday, though was able to be minimized a bit by ibuprofen, until this morning, where it doesn't seem to be bothering me at all. But still, I will be going to attempt to find out what the problem is. The location of the pain seems to be centered around a tooth I recall the dentist saying he was "keeping an eye on", though, the one behind it just had a crown put on it in July, I fear that the seal (of crown against tooth) is broken and now requires a root canal. That would be my luck. More expensive, and where a preventative measure did not work Sigh. I am getting all down int he dumps about it.

Even worse, being an emergency type scheduling, I will be later getting into work today, so will be rushing around all afternoon trying to get somewhat back onto my normal schedule. Doubt it will happen, which will make me be later in running my route tonight. Joy. But maybe the tooth issue will be fixed ... I hope.

Still having some back pain. I did pick up a new pair of shoes with support on Saturday, and yesterday my back seemed to hurt not as bad as before. I know it will take several days to get things back to normal, if it was the shoes causing the problem. By the end of the week I should know for sure.

At This Rate ....

I've never been in any type of accident, vehicle-wise or other, where I can remember hurting so bad, as I have the past 24 hours or so. Seemingly millions of bicycle crashes/wipeouts, and the scarred knees and elbows, are no match in memory for what I am experiencing. And today, that is a bit diminished than it was yesterday, though, it doesn't feel like much. I have been on a steady ibuprofen regime every 5-6 hours, sleep or not, as I usually wake up when it is wearing off and ready for another dose. I am thinking it is brought on by having clenched my jaw in sleep and the steady pressure, add in an irregular bite, has "shifted" the regular position of m teeth, and that is the cause of this all. Reminds me of when I had braces, and the 3-4 days after a visit to the ortho doc, would leave me feeling similar (though, in my recollection, never this bad).

I think back prior to my root canals, and crowns, and how bad I had let my teeth get over the previous 20-odd years.... Abscessed tooth, and all, must have been a gradual pain I learned to tolerate, until I got them fixed. I remember the first few weeks after the root canals, that I was happier than I had been in months. I think it was the constant pain, though I was more used to it then, that made me so crabby, etc. It's a good theory if nothing else. Because I know right now, I am not the happiest person around these parts.

Yes. Another day of pity-party for me.

PeacE

Feeling Discomfort

It's 3:30am here. I was awakened about an hour ago with some pretty intense discomfort in my mouth. I'm waiting for the full effect of the ibuprofen, hoping it will alleviate the discomfort enough that I can crawl back to bed and get some more sleep. It's coming from where I had had a couple crowns done about a year or so ago. I am not sure if the tooth furthest back along that side is having issues, and throwing the pain forward a bit, or if maybe I inadvertently "bruised" the gum/bone area under the crown by some unfortunate amount of pressure (ie. teeth clenching, or accidentally biting extremely hard on something - though I can't recall doing that). Either way, I know my regular dentist is on vacation until the 6th - next week. I am going to try to get through the next few days using ibuprofen, and see what happens. I am hoping it is only the "bruise" and it will decrease in discomfort over the next day or so. If not, I will struggle through to next week, and see how fast they can get me in to check for possible other factors. I cringe at the thought of yet another root canal and crown..... All I know is it started being a bit of problem yesterday early evening, shortly after having a nap. I sometimes grind my teeth (I'm told) at night, so maybe did this while napping.

Sunday I watched the Indy 500, or at least the most interesting last 30 laps. I should check later today to see what the final results are, if they are out. I heard there was an issue about who gets the actual win, due to the possibility of a caution, and the passing of the car. Afternoon I went up to the pub to watch Nascar with some friends. As the race ended, my Sis calls and turns out my brother was up at her place for the night, and they were going to play some poker, so I went up there for the night as well. Drank more beer, played cards, and ended up catching up with Stuman for most of the night. Family came over later in the morning, and we had a good family day.

Aside for the issues of my discomfort, this week doesn't appear to hold alot of interesting things. I take Daisy in for her next series of puppy shots, and schedule Rusty, aka Spawn of Satan and Crack Kitty, for his yearly.

Ibuprofen has seemed to start kicking in. I am going to head back to bed and see if it is enough to at least let me get some more sleep.

PeacE

A Weak Relapse

Gee. I hadn't realized it had been a week since I last updated. You'd think I would notice these things more, but I don't. What's happened in that week? I mean, besides all the hoopla about the N1H1 (or whatever numbers and letters) vaccine and other BS from the Gov't.....

I was sick. Yep. Arizona had a nice little cool down last week where it dropped to 60's during the day (one day prior being in the 90's). The wind had kicked up bad for the whole day before the temp drop, and I think between allergies and the common cold, I caught it. The cold that is. I was out about Thursday through the weekend. I am feeling much better now though.

The daughter had a marching band competition Saturday and received an 'Excellent' rating, but no captions. Tonight the HS district had all 9 HS bands perform their shows for free. It was a nice family night to watch them all play and brings back memories of my high school days. This coming Saturday she has State Competitions going on. I need to find out where to see if we are going to attend or not. If they place high there, the following weekend may send them going the big game representing Arizona.

And see... that's about all that happened. Oh yeah. Exciting.

Tomorrow morning, I once again return to the dentist chair. I have been having some pain near where the last bit of dental work had been done. I shrugged it off as residual pain - I mean, I had had 2 root canals and a tooth rebuilt plus 2 visits for 'planing and scaling' my teeth all within like 5 weeks of each other. I figured it was my mouth adjusting to sore gums (and would lessen as they healed) and the teeth being a bit more temperature sensitive. But after the last week living on ibuprofen every chance I get, and waking up with a major pain at early hours of the morning.... no. So tomorrow the dentist gets to play exploratory dentistry as he dives in to find out what the problem is. I am hoping it is just a bad cavity and easily fixed.

That's it for now. Try to post some Halloween pics of the boys tomorrow.

PeacE

It's a Little Distracting

So Thursday morning I went in to visit the dentist again. I was concerned about some pain I had been having, feelinglike it was coming from the general area of a 3rd tooth we had discussed about crowning. Thought it was going to be another root canal, and mentally psyched myself up for the possible pain like last time. No root canal - YEA! Instead, about 1.2 the tooth was removed (decay) and they did a build up. This one will need a crown as well.

The worst of it is I still hurt. Later that day when the novacaine wore off, I had a severe pain from the teeth in front of where he worked that morning. Needless to say, ibuprofen had been a regular part of my diet prior to the visit, but that was supposed to have been fixed. Well, now it is Saturday, and I wake up (early of course) and I am in discomfort again. Notice I didn't say in pain. ?But I still popped a couple ibuprofen.

I think I figured out what happened. In rebuilding the tooth (which was the furthest back of molars) he had to put a band around the area. I think the rebuild has added some pressure against the tooth in front of it, causing the chain effect of moving my teeth just slightly forward. Similar to how braces are used to the same effect. I noticed the pain isn't as severe as it has been, and hopefully if this is the correct explaination, it should be okay come Monday. It's just very distracting right now.

So "Stargate:Universe" started last night onthe SyFy channel. I don't have cable, so I called in backup (Sis) and asked her to Tivo it so I can see the 1st episode. I enjoyed the other Stargate series, and have a feeling I will like this one as well.

Sis also brought over last night the last of my Bday stuff. It had been ordered and late in arriving. It's a cool shirt made for my WoW character! I love it! A friend had ordered one for my son, and now I have one!

Guess that is it for now. I haven't been doing much since the teeth been bothering me. Maybe next week will be different.

PeacE