Central Plateau, North Island

Central Plateau, North Island
View from a friend's farm

Sunday 5 June 2022

When a Shingle is not Shingles

 Firstly, thank you all so much for your lovely comments, caring words  and prayers.

The weeks have passed, and the pain increased.No new blisters, in fact, not one single blister.

So  late last Tuesday evening, I gathered my usual hospital gear, including the large  crossword puzzle book. Crawled, well, walked with great difficulty to Hugh and said " Ring the ambulance" The wonderful men in green arrived, gave me what they call the " Green Whistle" , a  combination of Methoxyflurane, in a volatile liquid for inhalation. Hold your lips to the tube top, breathe in, then out.Several times, and I felt able to walk with a trusty man either side.

Back to the ED, more blood tests, ECG's, X-Rays, and that wonderful IV pain relief.

The same Doctor saw me , and he said there  was no appearance of a shingles rash. 

Lots of painful examinations, and the conclusion, Costochondritis, inflammation of the rib cartilage




Home the next morning, with more pain relief, and a determination  not to try and make Roman Blinds by leaning over the fabric on the floor for 3 days in a row. And this could last, maybe another 2 weeks. So if my comments are scarce or non-existent, I will, for sure,  have eagerly read all your news.

 There is nothing exciting to write about, or even a single photo to show.Life continues, at a slower pace, the fire is lit, a friend stacked enough firewood for a week on the verandah, and TV is on, we have been watching the Queen's Jubilee Celebrations.

Quotation of the day, from William Arthur Ward,

" The pessimist complains about the wind; The optimist expects it to change;

The realist adjusts the sails . "

Greetings from Jean

17 comments:

Susan Heather said...

Lovely to catch up the other day. Hope you heal quickly and well. We enjoyed the Queen's own movies and photos last night. Thought about you when we read about the dog trials.

Marie Smith said...

Hope you feel a bit better every day!

Joanne in Massachusetts said...

Oh my. I guess doing any repetitive motion is just unwise as we age. Hope your inflammation fades away in record time so you can be comfortable once again.

Nancy J said...

Thank you so much,Susan and Marie , and Joanne, you do not have a reply address, are you the Joanne that had a blog ages ago? Please email me if you are. who I think you are . XXX

Yvonne from Quilting Jetgirl said...

Oh goodness, that does sound like it would make movement painful and troublesome. I hope the new diagnosis is correct and you are on your way to a full recovery. Being still and resting can be the hardest part of convalescence. Sending you love!

Carole @ From My Carolina Home said...

So sorry you have to endure this, gentle virtual hugs to you!

Out To Pasture said...

Now that the cause of the pain is revealed Jean, remedy and recovery can't be far away. Sorry you had this ordeal! Like you, I've been so enjoying the Queen's Jubilee. A lot of talent, dedication and planning involved. I love your quotation of the day. We must all 'adjust our sails' from time to time.

Carol Mattingly Photography said...

Oh Jean. I am an expert at costalchondritis. I have had it all my life. I put Salonpas Lidoderm 4% patches on the areas that hurt the worst. I leave them on for twelves hours and take off for a bit. You can buy them at your grocery. The ones I mentioned are the best because they have no smell. Many smell terrible, but not these. Pick them up at the grocery or ask your doctor. It will take the pain away much faster. So sorry you are suffering from this. I just used the patch last night. Take care. Carol

Jane said...

I remember my father had that. So sorry to hear you have it. Hope you heal quickly!

Hugs
Jane

Kathleen said...

Take your time and heal! My broken ankle is 6 weeks out and this week I begin walking and bearing weight on it. So, breathe with me and we'll get through it. No sewing happening here either!

Jenn Jilks said...

I was so glad to see your comments. I hope you get some pain relief. I've been thinking about you! xx

Julie Fukuda said...

I guess the good thing about virtual hugs is that they won't hurt. So sorry you have this challenge to deal with. Be kind to yourself and take it easy.

Sandie @ crazy'boutquilts said...

Oh my goodness! I am so sorry you endured that pain for so long on a misdiagnosis! And very happy they now have an answer. Take it easy, the Roman Blinds will be waiting. ;) Gentle ((hugs))

eileeninmd said...

Hello,
I hope you are feeling better. Great quote.
Take care, have a great day and happy new week!

Sharon - IN said...

I'm just catching up with you, Jean. I hope you have recovered with no rib pain. Take care.

Tanya said...

Living with pain must be so hard. I hope you continue to mend and will not have to spend much time visiting hospitals, clinics and ambulances.

Fundy Blue said...

I'm sorry that you have been dealing with so much pain, Jean! And all those tests are so stressful, especially when you are in pain. Costochondritis sounds awful. At least you received IV pain relief. There is nothing like the feeling when really bad pain stops! It's been several weeks since you posted, and I'm hoping that you are feeling much less pain now. You have been through so much!

Terry and I were in Vegas for a week. After we arrived home, I came down with Covid-19. I'm not sure where I caught it, but I've had it almost a week now. It's no fun, but at least I haven't had to go to the hospital. Terry has all my symptoms, but he still hasn't tested positive.

You have lovely neighbors, and you make everything sound cozy and comfy. I love a fire on a winter day.
I hope that you and Hugh are relaxing and taking it easy. Hugs to you!