At Last!

Today’s post is medical stuff. Not disgusting, but feel free to skip. I just need a record of it for myself.

After a couple of years of various diagnostic procedures, X-rays and MRIs, today I had a Radiofrequency Ablation to my lower back. The doc says it could take 3 to 6 weeks to kick in, but she says if it works, I should get relief for a year or two. I should be able to stand at a Free Palestine or Welcome Immigrants rally, visit a museum, or go shopping in a brick-and-mortar store instead of online: without bursting into tears. I’ve been able all this time to walk as far as a mile (that privilege) if I don’t have to stop any length of time, but It has been nearly three years since I could stand for as much as ten minutes without entering a zone of searing pain.

I was injected with a splendid cocktail of Versed and Fentanyl, and it left me euphoric. I had a conversation during the entire length of the procedure with the X-ray guy (who was an art student in college, specialized in glass sculpture before he realized he needed medical insurance) about arts education and capitalism. Then while I was in Recovery, I felt like humming, and I kept trying to remember the lyrics to “What a Wonderful World,” which I heard Louis Armstrong perform live in 1968. I got a Lyft ride home with an elegant Somalian man, and although it was only an $8 ride, I tipped him $5. I am that grateful. 

I just ate a sandwich of almond butter and Marionberry jam, and it might as well have been food of the gods. 

The doc warned that when the Fentanyl wears off, my back will probably feel WORSE for a few days, but eventually. In 3 to 6 weeks. I might be able to stand again. Fingers crossed.