The Epidural Shot aftermath

Well, I got my steroid injection in my back last night. Interesting enough, the doctor had a really difficult time with injecting me. For those of you who know me, everything that has to do with my health is never simple. I just went to the orthodontist to have a consultation about getting braces for my teeth...not that simple. My teeth aren't just crooked, I am missing a tooth on the bottom. It never grew in.

I wanted to switch some meds because I was feeling fatigue. Wasn't that simple. Had blood tests and found out I was vitamin D deficient.

And the list goes on.

Here is what happened with the infection. I laid down and the doctor injected the numbing medicine. That was fine (well, it stung a little, but not as bad as I thought it would be). Then she had to insert the contrast so she could see where she was going. She needed to find a spot that didn't have any blood vessels because you don't want that stuff in your blood stream. So she was looking, and looking, and still looking. Mind you, looking means taking the needle and moving it around inside my spine. Even though I had the numbing medicine, I could still feel the needle and I swear it was hitting nerves because my right leg kept twitching. It was painful. She told me, "Wow, I have never seen someone with so many blood vessels here before!". Thanks lady, but hurry up and take the needle out of my spine! It was almost 10 minutes of this and I could tell the Doc was getting frustrated because she was laughing about it when really, on the inside, she was probably saying "Gosh Darn it!" or something to that effect.

After she found the spot, the pain of the needle in my back was gone. She injected the steroid, then I went into the recovery room. Remember how I said everything is difficult with me? Here is another example. I had to stay in the recovery room longer because my Blood Pressure was too high. I think that maybe, just maybe, it was due to the fact that I just had a NEEDLE IN MY SPINE!!! But I am not a doctor.

So the results? So far, the only difference is no cramping and the pain down my legs has decreased. However, it is still difficult to move my back. Putting on my socks is a little painful and walking Bella is still near impossible. Although it has only been 19 hours since my injection. I was just hoping for a quick fix. So, I have a follow up in 2 weeks and I should be starting physical therapy next week. I guess I have to be patient! Not one of my strengths when it comes to my health.

Ciao for now!
Mrs. Knutzen

Wedding

View Project at Shutterfly

Katie is falling apart at the seams

I went to the Bone and Joint center at UW yesterday, had a MRI and here is what is wrong with me. I have a budging disk in my lower back that is causing Sciatica. SO I get to have a very large needle full of steroids injected into my spine on Monday. Yay. Then I have to do physical therapy. Yay again.

The bottom line is....I still can't put on my socks without being in excruciating pain. How come we can't have a quick fix???

WEDDING PICTURES!!

Well, we finally got all of our pictures and we posted them on Picasaweb so everyone can upload the ones they want! Yay! I put the link below...
http://picasaweb.google.com/ngk1101?feat=email

Now for the bad news. I (Katie) have hurt my back...bad. MRI results are not in yet but it is a possible herniated disk and it is causing Sciatica. Boo. So, I am on pain killers, muscle relaxers, and I STILL cannot handle the pain. Tomorrow I go to the Back Specialist to find out what the deal is and what is the next step.

So keep us in your prayers, especially Nick since he is picking up the slack with me basically glued to the bed! He is doing an amazing job with laundry, dinner, Bella...I think I may milk this for a little bit! Just kidding!!! He hasn't complained once. What an awesome husband I have!

xoxoxo
Mrs Knutzen

In memory of Jackie Nance

As most of you know, last Tuesday, my cousin, Jackie Lynn Nance (AKA Quackers), lost her battle with Cystic Fibrosis at the age of 26. It was a long battle and we expected this to happen soon, however, it was still a shock to us. Jackie never acted like she was sick. She came to our wedding, even though she had to be put on oxygen several times a day. I feel truly blessed that God helped her though that day so she could enjoy time with family.

This loss has been a blessing for Nick and I, in some ways. I know that may sound awful to some people, but Nick and I have realized that we do not want to take life for granted, our own or those around us. We want to enjoy every moment. So instead of stressing about our future, we are enjoying the present. I believe that was Jackie's purpose in life. To show everyone that living for the current day is more important then stressing about things beyond your control.

I know that Jackie is looking down on us with a huge smile. She left a legacy on this earth and Nick and I will try our hardest to pass that legacy on.

If you would like to view her obituary, please go here.

If you would like to learn more about Cystic Fibrosis, check out this site.

We love you Quackers!