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I didn't cry (kinda long)!
So a quick note to follow up about my craptastic health issues...
H convinced me to go see a chiropractor, so I called one and got lucky they got me in the same evening (Mon). They did some initial tests, the dr himself took me back and performed my xrays, and they immediately started a course of treatment that night. I spent an hour & a 1/2 there from start to finish. I was scheduled to go back tonight and they asked for H to come w/ me. They again immediately started my 1st adjustment w/ the chiro (which felt awesome; I never realized how much pressure I had in my spine/neck/body), did some other treatments, then sat us down and went through some informative stuff with a small group of people. They then individually reviewed my xrays, what they found, showed them to H & I, and what needed to be done. They even called my insurance co to verify what was covered, how much, and laid it out in a very clear, easy to understand form so I didn't even have to ask what the damage would be. We both felt extremely impressed and genuinely thrilled when the dr said it was their mission to make everyone in the area feel 100% healthy and happy through their course of treatment. You can just tell they really care about their patients. Every single person in their office does and it shows.
After seeing my xrays, I was in shock. They reviewed what health issues are being caused by my poopy spine issues and it was like a light bulb went off. I felt kinda crappy yest (which they said to expect) but I woke up this morning and all throughout the day I couldn't believe how happy, hopeful, and energetic I felt. And that was before the actual adjustment! I feel like I finally have answers as to why things hurt, what's causing it, etc. and I already feel like I have a good direction to go in. I'm going to go ahead and go w/ the treatment plan they have lined up for me, which means 3 visits a week for 3 months. I caught some very serious spinal deterioration just in time going to see them. They feel very confident that I will be restored to 100% health in 3 months as long as I keep up my treatments, exercises, etc. After talking it over w/ H, I'm going to hold off on going to see my PCP b/c the evidence they have shown me indicates that its my spine causing some serious health issues/concerns.
I am happy for the first time in months. I feel like I'm starting to get some levels of energy back already, and that makes me ecstatic! I feel confident that I can get through a day and without pain, severe exhaustion, etc. which I couldn't before. It was such a vicious cycle of feeling like crap, getting depressed b/c I was getting worse every day, which made me miserable, etc. I will keep my progress updated but I fully expect that in 3 months I will feel like a completely new person. I can't tell you all enough how much I whole heartedly appreciate your supportive and encouraging words and thoughts, and just general care. I already feel like I'm getting my zest for life back. I wish I give you all a big hug!!
Re: I didn't cry (kinda long)!
I am just sitting here reading this and going
I am very happy for you and am hoping things continue to get better for you.
Yay, that's such great news!
Out of curiosity, can you tell me how your spine caused all of your issues? I ask because I've had pain since my car accident in 2005, but never really addressed it.
I just read your previous post, and am so happy to hear things are working out!I'm glad you are getting some relief
I wish I had a visual diagram to go along w/ this explanation but since I don't, I hope I can make some sense out of it. hehe
Essentially every nerve in your spine is connected to a different area, organ, function in your body. For example, my C7-T5 (neck) are ALL very degenerated. Your neck is supposed to be at a 43 degree angle and mine is at a -6 currently. Yeah, its bad. That area is forcing pressure on those bones in my spine, which has now caused several very painful pinched nerves in my shoulders. Its also causing my severe migraines, headaches, TMJ, and its forcing my head forward so if I didn't get it corrected I would end up with a hunch back.
I have a spot in my middle back which is my T6-T7 that has something called subluxation which means that one or more of the bones in my spine have moved out of position and created pressure on those spinal nerves. This pressure on the nerves then causes them to malfunction and interfere with the signals traveling over those nerves. This area can cause things like heart attacks, chest pains and some other stuff I can't remember; I was experiencing frequent chest pains. That area is supposed to be at a 38 degree curve; mine is at a 29 right now.
My lower back L5 area, should be level and mine isn't. I'm bearing over 13 pounds MORE weight on the right side of my body, which has caused my right hip to lower 19mm. They are going to correct that back to a level position. He said it was 3/4" down too far on my right pelvic bone. The problems in this area are causing my serious GI issues, bad cramps (both during my period and not), heavy bleeding, and I also have reproductive organ issues (since I was 16).
In a nutshell, I had repeated severe trauma to several areas of my spine for a long time. I lived with it b/c I thought it was normal. We got into things that I never thought at this point in my life would be a result of the stuff I had happen to me over my lifetime. After seeing my xrays, I knew I had to do something. Things that I thought were just normal with age are actually not. There are phases of degeneration and I was flirting w/ a phase 2, which is starting to get into bad trouble. They feel very confident that if I keep my 3 appts per week for 3 months plus do my exercises they will assign me, etc. I will recover to 100% healthy. I'm so thankful, grateful, and just generally happy that I went to see them. What I thought was a small problem was actually very big and troublesome. I've NEVER been at 100% healthy in my life. I'm def feeling a lot of noticeable changes even after 2 visits and I can't wait to see my xrays in 3 months to see how much better everything looks.
For you being in a car accident, I would highly recommend going and getting started. You will prob be very surprised at how much damage there really is that most drs won't see and treat. GL!!
Wow, so fascinating! I had no idea! I do tend to carry more weight on my right side and can even see the difference when I look at my hips. I also get pinched berved in my upper left back and neck area. Guess I'll be making the call! Thanks for the info!
Kel,
I'm a fan for chiropractors. I was in a car accident when I was 18 and was in terrible pain and my doctors kept telling me I was young and would "bounce back." After over a year of that "encouragement" and high doses of Advil many times a day as my "treatment", a friend talked me into seeing his chiropractor and that was exactly what I needed. I have a lovely chiropractor now I see a few times a year when things start getting wacky in my body. She incorporates massage and physical thearapy-type exercises into her treatment.
If you decide to look for a chiropractor, here are a couple other thoughts in case you're interested in other thoughts...
First, I am leary of chiropractors who lock you into an intense three month schedule. Bodies are all very different and sometimes it doesn't take long to get you back where you need to be. For some reason many chiros require you to pay up front for a long treatment before you start anything.
Second, having tried many different chiropractors in the eight or so years between my first and current chiropractor, I have a strong preference for ones that utilize heat and massage treatments before doing the adjustments and who work with exercises you should do at home as well.
Take it or leave it and feel free to ask me if you have other questions!
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This is all soooo true! My chiro does the EMS, ultrasound, heat therapy, deep tissue massages, etc. all before I get adjusted. I will be doing at home stuff eventually, but right now they also have me doing PT in their office. I'm basically there for about an hour from start to finish. I am already starting to feel a ton better. I'm getting sleep (which is huge), its very restful/productive (which I never have), and I'm happy. I haven't been genuinely happy for months. My energy levels were at zilch for the past year. I could barely get myself to do simple tasks that were never a problem. Now I look forward to doing things and I don't feel like its a chore.
They gave me the option to either pay upfront or pay as I go. I haven't decided yet what I want to do, but I know that if I do pay upfront now, I will save almost $200 so for me it might be worth it to go that route for me. Def give it a shot and stick it out. I will bet you will feel a lot better in a relatively short amount of time!! GL Kel!
Sounds like you found a keeper! So glad it's already feeling better for you! Pain is so physically and emotionally exhausting and I'm glad you're feeling some relief!
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