Back spasms

For those of you that aren't aware, I had a very difficult week last week. Friday the 8th, I began having some back pain as we went to bed. Hours later, I was still unable to sleep and it had progressively worsened enough for me to page my doctor and ask what she thought I should do. She immediately asked that I come to the hospital and be assessed. After some urine studies, an ultrasound and exam, I thankfully was told that I only had some musculoskeletal pain in my back that would hopefully clear up with conservative management. Rex followed his usually routine on U/S of moving around significantly, but the doctor said that he looked perfect. The doctor also suggested that I try a 24 hour course of ibuprofen, which is contraindicated in pregnancy but he said would be helpful for a short term course. With hesitation I took the ibuprofen with minimal improvement. I basically was stuck on the couch alternating heat or ice for the entire weekend. Lee was the best and waited on my every need, but it unfortunately continued to progress until Sunday evening when I was screaming in pain, crying, and having excruciating spasms that made it difficult to take inspire fully. After having Lee call the doctor (because I couldn't speak) we again headed to Central Baptist to be evaluated. I knew what the problem was, we just couldn't seem to get it under control. Once at Central Baptist, they realized that I was in desperate need of some pain relief and I was given two percocet and finally was able to rest a bit easier. I was sent home after a couple hours of monitoring with percocet and an ambien to help with sleep. As you all know, I am super resistant to taking medications if at all possible (worse now that I am pregnant) and had to quickly realize that this was needed!

Monday we had to go to the doctor again for followup at which time she put me on a week of leave from school. By the time I left her office I had instructions to take percocet every 4 hours, flexeril (a muscle relaxer) every 8 hours, and ambien at night to help me sleep. Even with these medications and conservative treatment, I was struggling to become comfortable. Lee was able to stay home with me on Monday and Tuesday, but thankfully a phone call to my dear Mommy and she came immediately to assist. She would explain that I likely don't remember much of the week while on medications. Lee apparently has some pretty funny stories to tell about things that I would say. Thankfully, by Friday I attempted weaning of the medication and have been successful with conservative management, a prenatal massage and tylenol as needed. Thank you for your prayers and support during that difficult time.

I have another follow-up appointment today. I'm finally back at school. The Anesthesiology department is so great and accommodating. They are very protective of me and the baby and have said that I will not have to make up any of my time off from last week.