Medication

I really do not like to take medication.  There have been times in my life when I have consistently taken medication, but really would rather not.  I am now advised to take calcium and vitamin D, and I try to remember to take it.  But, I forget.  I really try to take the blood pressure medication I am prescribed.  It helps, but my blood pressure is all over the place, from too high to too low.  I also try to remember to take the medication for high cholesterol.

Last year, I sprained my ankle, and when I went to the doctor, I did not ask for pain medication. I can effectively use over the counter medication for that kind of problem. I did ask for assistance in treatment, and confirmation it was not broken, although, I knew it was not.  Confirmation was what I got.

I did go back to the doctor for my lower back pain and sciatica.  I was given an anti-inflammatory, which made a major difference, and I was sent to physical therapy, but had little results. I gained some strength back, and range of movement, but no pain relief beyond what the non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) provided.

Eventually, I went for pain management, and was sent for an epidural-steroidal-injection.  The first one helped some.  But a few weeks later, the pain returned.  The second injection resulted in my being in horrible pain after the injection, and then not being able to tell there was any benefit after that.

I was sent back to physical therapy, and we did water therapy.  It was like someone flipped a switch.  By the time the insurance was exhausted, I decided, at the advice of a co-worker, to go to an exercise program where I could continue the exercises. The physical therapist thought that was wonderful: he gave me a copy of my regimen, which I had laminated, and started using for my regular routine.

I was on an NSAID, but the insurance company did not want to pay high dollar for it, so, the nurse practitioner that I see prescribed something else that gave me no relief. So, then she suggested something else. It gave me a little tummy problem at first, but as time progressed, the stomach upset became increasingly uncomfortable. I stopped using the medication.

I could call my provider and tell her I cannot take the medication.  I have decided not to.  I am learning to manage my pain in other ways.  I do not want surgery.  I am currently at a point where I can manage my activity and stress and keep the pain to a minimum.  Also, the various physical exercises from physical therapy can relieve the pain.  I will go for that versus surgery. And, I do not want medication if I can avoid it.