Freedom1990

Thought I'd jot a few lines and give a brief update. Other than being busier than a one-armed paper-hanger these days, I really can't complain. Grandson Johnathan (11) has been spending his time pretty much equally between my home and his dad's. He spends a lot of time at the pool (I bought him a season ticket), and when not doing that, he's out with the friends he made, or watches cable tv which he doesn't have at home. He's also eating me out of house and home!

Some of my chronic health issues have ramped up, which has increased my pain level significantly. Fortunately we have a new pain management specialist who comes to our hospital several times a month, and I am scheduled to see him for an epidural on August 7th. In the meantime, increases in my Neurontin, and trips to the chiro, plus starting back with therapeutic massages hasn't helped, so for now I am on a fairly strong pain killer, but with a very limited supply and I am accountable to people including my doctor. Even though I am in long-term recovery from addiction, I am never immune to relapse.

Even though my current job is going well in terms of what I am able to do for my client, and he appears to have a much better attitude these days (according to his mental health case worker), his non-compliance on any psychiatric meds can make him difficult to deal with. He was able to easily manipulate his last worker, so he gets frustrated when I don't buy into that game. He has fixed delusions, and there are days it seems he is almost in a manic state where he will talk non-stop for hours. I literally have to tune him out. It is very taxing on my emotionally.

So I have had feelers out there in regard to a different job. I am on a waiting list with SKIL who also hires care workers, and there are plenty of clients needing workers in this area, but all are awaiting approval through Medicare at this time.

I've kept an open mind on any potential jobs because I truly believe life is an adventure! So I put in an application, and subsequently was scheduled for the interview this month. It is for a part-time, on-call juvenile intake and assessment officer. This is determining placement for both juveniles who are in legal trouble, and also for juveniles removed from the home environment for whatever reason. Training is provided.

On an average, there are 4-5 calls per month (this position is for half of the month on-call) and is salaried. It involves my county, and the county to the south (courthouse there is 36 miles from where I live). Where I live is the county seat, so courthouse is in town.

I love challenges, so I am very interested in the position. I have lots of life experience to draw from, and with training provided, what more could I ask for? I'm going into this with no expectations either way. Life is what it is. If I get the job, that would be great. If I don't, well my higher power has something else out there for me...provided I do the footwork!

Okay, so this wasn't a brief update after all.

Blessings to all of you, and I try to get a bit of reading/posting done on SR each morning.

laurie6781

Well well well, sounds like despite the pain things are going A-OK!!!!!

I understand the pain, boy do I understand the pain. I go back to my
neurologist on the 15th for re-evaluation and another MRI. Probably
will have more epidurals in new locations after the MRI. I have to say
the epidurals DO WORK for me and have been a 'godsend' in keeping
me from having to take heavy duty pain killers. I hope they do the
same for you!

Thank you for the update.

Love and hugs,

Freedom1990

Thanks Laurie, the epidurals have been a Godsend for me too. The whole idea when I started them was to get them further apart as time went on. I went from every 4-6 months to a year, and then this last time I almost made it to three years.

I am so grateful for recovery because I apply it to every area of my life. My morning readings help me get the day started, and God is always there beside me.

How are the new four-legged kids doing? We do need some more pictures! *hint hint*

crazybabie

That sounds like a wonderful opportunity I love how your able to say if it is in Gods plans for you. I admire you so very much people like you give me the courage I need too continue my journey in recovery thank you for the update it helped me in more ways than you will ever know.

lightseeker

Freedom!

Awesome post. You are a real example of putting recovery into place...just went to a step meeting and it was on the 12th step - so I'm extra aware of that right now.

I'm really sorry about the ramping up in pain. So glad for epidurals. I am a physical therapist and am very aware of how many different tools are needed to manage the situation.

I love your perspective on your job....I guess that we are simply lucky to have one in this day and time!

Boy...your grandson sounds like typical ALL BOY - especially the eating you out of house and home. He's lucky to have you!!!!! My grandparents meant everything to me.

Thanks for the update!

Ann

Crossing my fingers that this new adventure pans out for you.

And saying prayers that your pain will be managed and lessen.

Hugs

Ilovemysonjj

Good luck Freedom on your upcoming interview.
TT

washbe2

You are strong, courageous, and adventuresome. I admire that!

Pray for your pain management to be exactly what you need!

Impurrfect

Good luck ((DeVon)) and I hope your pain is much more manageable.

Hugs and prayers,

Amy

sevenofnine

you can get an epidural? even if you aren't preggo and in labour? I have chronic pain from fracturing my spine (which I figure is still a hell of a lot better of an outcome than being paralyzed) and I am usually unable to find much relief. Neurontin and tramadol allow me to be productive, but never to escape.
tell me more!

Kindeyes

I love your attitude!
love and gentle hugs
ke

Freedom1990

Yes, you can get an epidural!

My problem area is the lumbar region where I have spinal stenosis and a ruptured disc. I get epidurals close to the tail bone area, and it does take a few days for the epidural to work all the way up the spine. I still have mild to moderate pain in the lumbar area, but the epidurals knock out the excruciating sciatica. The most I have ever had was 3 epidurals, each two weeks apart, to knock the sciatica out, and that was during the course of being a new patient to this type of pain management. It usually takes 1-2 epidurals these days to knock it out.

It's gotten so bad this time around that I fell off the back steps outside with the dogs. I had gone to step down with the right foot/leg and in a millisecond the pain shot clear down to my toes and my leg gave out before I could even catch myself! That was scary, and I've never had that happen before.

See if you can't get a referral to a pain management specialist who does epidurals.

Normally the tramadol and neurontin make things tolerable for me, but not when the sciatica flares up.

Sending you gentle hugs, and I hope you are able to find more relief for your pain too!

sevenofnine

Thanks for sharing- I know I loved the epidural when I had my two kids, so I'm certainly curious and I will ask my doc. I've found using a TENS machine helpful too- have you ever tried it?
You have all my sympathy with the sciatica- I've heard that its really painful. Hopefully all those dogs bring you some comfort too- I know that for me, cuddling my mini dachs (now passed), or my "real dog" an English pointer would be great for my emotions and watching their enthusiasm for life and walks would always be a little contagious.