Well I suppose near the beginning ...., but sticking to the highlights...
Late September, I went to the doctor’s surgery in some discomfort with my back (and an inability to move sideways or forwards on my modelling chair). The first course of treatment did nothing to reduce pain which intensified significantly. Further medication upped the ante to include pain killers containing opium, and stuff to help prevent the constipation which could develop as a side effect. An X ray was booked and physiotherapy also arranged, though not immediately.
Within about a week or so I was admitted to accident and emergency at a local hospital. Not only was my back ireally bad, but after numerous tests etc and various failed attempts, they removed a significant intestinal blockage which was causing much abdomnal pain. Nothing was done at that stage about my back.
Time for some physiotherapy. Well, actually I lasted two sessions. In the last ten minutes of the second, I was reduced to such agony that I had to be carried off the treatment table and helped to stand before Ena got me home.
And on then to another big day. First an X ray and then back to the doctor with the results; getting to these places was a trial. The X ray showed some degenerative osteo-arthritis. Given the continuing severe pain, the doctor moved on from the opium to painkillers containng morphine, as well as anti-inflammatory tablets and other bits and pieces. He also arranged an appointment with a consultant rheumatologist at another hospital asap.
Well we’ve just got back from the specialist. Yes there is a lot of osteo-arhtritis, but the search is on to explain better the severe, continuing pain and so I will be admitted to the second, nicer hospital for about five days next Sunday, to have an MRI scan and other tests to try and focus any treatment.. One of the intersting questions I was asked was how and when I had broken a bone in the mid spinal column. Even having played rugby till I was 40, I’m dammed if I know
Oh yes, and my back remains very panful.
As to my lovely little Caudron, I hope you understand the lack of further progress reports for the time being
Best wishes
Nigel