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Monday, April 28, 2008

Extreme Pain, I Need to call the Doctor

Thursday, I woke up with an extreme stiff neck. However, it finally subsided and although the pain in my neck was still greater then my daily neck/back pain (for as long as I can remember), had been in the past. Then this morning, I woke up around 5 am with extreme neck pain again. So bad, I wasn't sure if I was going to be able to get out of bed.

I know, I know, the neck aren't my legs, but to roll over onto my side, so I could swing my legs over the edge of the bed was so excruciating painful on my neck. I have been using a "contour" pillow all weekend, to give proper support to my neck. However, it seems that it isn't helping much. As much as I hate it, because I don't have the $2,000 to cover the deductibles and co-pays, before my Blue Cross Insurance would kick in 100%, I think I may have to go ahead and try to get into see the doctor today, while I have a day off from work.

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go ahead share your thoughts with me now.

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Posted by Kevin Surbaugh at 4/28/2008 07:56:00 AM
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7 comments:

  1. I'm not sure of your pain level, but let me suggest (I'm not a doctor -but have much experience here) go to the pharmacy and buy a large cold pack. Put it in the freezer, when it is ready take it out and place a small hand towel over it.

    Lay down on your floor with this under your neck. Do this for about 10-15 minutes, before putting the pack back in the freezer.

    Then sit in a firm chair. Try keeping your spine as straight as possible. Relax your shoulders and move your head in one direction at a time, slowly. Example, turn right looking over your right shoulder. DO not force yourself to any uncomfortable position.

    Follow with left, back and forward. Do NOT go in circles. Do Not make sudden moves. Think of stretching your spine up and pulling the vertibra apart.

    You will most likely need to see this doctor, but these steps can provide some awesome relief in the mean time.
    ReplyDelete
  2. Kevin: I am a long sufferer from neck and upper shoulder pain. I finally went and spent almost 3K on a chiropractor, as my insurance didn't cover that kind of care. I was so bad I could not look over my shoulder when turning or changing lanes while driving. There are some things I learned from him:
    1. Get a hand towel. Roll it up to fit right under your neck. Lay on your back on the floor like that for awhile. Or, you can also do this in bed.
    2. Lie on your back on your bed and hang your head over the side.
    3. Sleep with the rolled up towel under your neck for a few nights. I hated sleeping on my back, but for the pain relief, it was worth it.
    4. Stand up straight. Try to arch your neck back to your butt. You'll only be able to do this once you start having less pain. Do this at least 6 times a day. Really stretch backwards.
    5. Go buy a soft neck support at Walgreens or borrow one from someone. I once had to wear one for 3 weeks because it hurt too much to keep my head up.

    Keep on the Motrin or aspirin. I only went to the chiropractor after a year of solid pain. The only thing that would knock it down a notch was a 6 pack of beer, which wasn't practical on work nights.

    Edie
    ReplyDelete
  3. I don't know if Blue Cross is the same in your state as in mine, but with my coverage, there is a free 24-hour advice nurse you can call to describe your condition and see what advice they can give. I've used this service twice and both times I was glad I did. Once they ended up advising me to go to the ER for testing, but another time they were able to accurately diagnose a problem and tell me what home remedies I could use, so I avoided the cost of a doctor visit. If you call your insurer, they can give you the 800 number to call, if you have such a service.
    ReplyDelete
  4. I'm very sorry to hear about this condition. I had something similar once and did exactly what dedicated mentioned in his response. After a couple of days I felt a lot better.

    Hope you get better soon.
    ReplyDelete
  5. are you ok? I am praying for quick healing.
    ReplyDelete
  6. Becky -

    yeah, it is a tight muscle. I was given a muscle relaxer from the doctor, and will begin to see a physical therapist tomorrow morning. The portion, that insurance won't pick up will be about $1,300.
    ReplyDelete
  7. yikes. I hope you have money in emergency fund to cover? Every time I think my finances are good an emergency occurs around here. It is tough, but through it all I always see the hand of God.
    I am still waiting to get $22,000 to have my surgery, but am at peace that this may not happen. You are still in my prayers. -Becky
    ReplyDelete

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