Kiki's interview
Error
How did all start?
Two things - Mowed the lawn for first time (husband out of town) took 3 hours with push mower and then did gardening lifting and hauling mulch. Note - 3 weeks prior I had 2nd Covid vaccine - not sure if related. Started having weakness in my legs and hips walking upstairs. Was used to walking/hiking 3 times a week and could no longer do it for more than 10 minutes because burning in hips and leg pain.
Do you already have a diagnosis? How long did it take you to get it?
Doctors so far do not believe it is the cysts. Although MRI shows two large (2.4 and 3.5mm) located S2 level.
For what medical specialties have you been treated? What has been the most useful specialty for your?
Neuro doc is having me go to see a pain doctor wants me to have epidural.
What has been the most useful thing for you so far?
Neuro doc told me to take two extra strenth tylenol and two Aleeve at same time up to 3 times a day. It helped with pain but made my stomach hurt!!!
What have been your biggest difficulties?
Finding someone to understand what I am going through.
How has your social and family environment reacted? Have your social or family relationships changed?
Yes - they all have their own problems. They do not want to hear about your problems.
What things have you stopped doing?
Walking/hiking.
What do you think about the future?
Depressing because I can no longer be active. I need to do things - I don’t want to sit around and just do stuff on internet.
So far, which years have been the best years in your life? What have you done during them?
Past 15 years Traveling with my family children and grandchild- taking beach walks - hiking and exploring parks and visiting new places.
What would you like to do if you didn’t have your condition?
Just to be able to move easily. Have so many projects I want to do in garden and have 93 year old parents who need help. Travel with grandchild to dance competitions.
If you had to describe your life in a sentence, what would it be?
I am feeling depressed over my future.
Finally, what advice would you give to a person in a similar situation?
Pray. It seems to be the only answer to this depressing disease.
