Mar 29 Pain is Real. So is Hope.

I returned to Mishawaka yesterday for more prolotherapy. I have been struggling with my first ribs, neck pain, jaw pain, and headaches lately so I was relieved it was time for shots again, as twisted as that sounds.  I worked all the way there in my benefit planning world, knowing I would not be able to move much the rest of the day.

When Brad and I arrived, they took us straight back for vitals. I was weighed first.

I do not understand it. The nurse quickly pointed out that I weighed 10 pounds less than I did when I was there in January. I think back to my pre-sickness days and I would have been ecstatic about this. Now, it just freaks me out. The last time I lost that kind of weight so quickly was when I was at my sickest. I know I have been stressed, but I HAVE been eating, and working, and functioning okay overall. The only thing I can think of is my heart rate must be up because of POTS, which has made me lose weight in the past.

Anyways, after vitals, Dr. Cantieri and a student he had with him came back to get me.  We chatted about the last two months, talking about the need for me to pace and slow down. We also talked about me returning to Mishawaka when things calm down to see a specialty dentist about my jaw, neck, and back pain. Dr. Cantieri commented that I have been diligent about strengthening and when I’ve had other areas prolo’d multiple times, they have healed. Dr. Cantieri explained that this makes him think that there are more issues going on that stem from my mouth and jaw. He told me he has sent patients to this dentist in the past, and the other patients have experienced good results. So, the plan is that the next time I return for prolo, I will be coordinating my appointment with this dentist for a consult to see what he has to say.

Anyways, after talking, it was shot time. This time, I had the front of my shoulders, my neck, jaw, and upper back done. The student just kept saying, “Wow. That’s a lot of shots.” I loved it because he asked questions about EDS along the way. I am always eager to help people understand when they are truly interested in learning. He already knew quite a bit about POTS, which was encouraging as well.

Afterwards, I had a reaction to the pain that I sometimes experience. I became pretty dizzy and shaky, so I laid with my feet up for a bit until it passed. I drank some apple juice and took the usual Tylenol before I was able to stand and get back on the road for home.

As we speak, I have my feet elevated, and I am pretty content on my fortress of pillows and heating pad. By Monday I should be back at it on the treadmill.

I do have to say that the possibility of experiencing long-term pain relief with my jaw and neck makes me excited and hopeful. Time will tell. But for now, I am thankful for the stability and relief that these prolotherapy treatments do provide…

I’m not sure where I would be without them.

The first treatment I ever had in 2011.

Yesterday. See the improvement? Sometimes it takes a little perspective.