Wow. I sure had a lot to catch up on here. I'll try to make a long story short. Have had leg pain for 8 weeks and finally decided it was not going to go away on it's own. Saw doctor who said she thought it was related to a pinched nerve or hamstring. A week later with simple exercises, it had not gotten any better and in addition I could only walk 1/2 block (mind you I was walking 3-5 miles per day with no problems) without chest pain and getting so winded I had to stop for a couple of minutes. So, emailed my doctor who said it was urgent that I get there a week ago Tuesday. 7 AM blood test, 7:30 AM Xrays of legs and hip, and an ultrasound that they forgot to do at the time. When results were back I had to consult with the doctor (I love her to pieces - she is so thorough). Bad news - the blood test was abnormal. She made me call in sick at work for the entire day to do CT scans, ultrasounds, blood oxygen levels, etc. Now there is some good news because, despite a bad blood test, I have no clots in my lungs or legs, but I do have arthritis of the knees, but not the hips yet. Theoretically, I am walking crooked to compensate for the knees which is causing the muscles to work incorrectly which damages them and makes them painful, which in turn twists the knee and makes that worse. It is a cycle of bad begetting bad. So I had a Physical Therapy consultation, bought the required under desk bicycle, got the Capsaisin cream and the Glucosamine and am doing daily exercises. I went one whole day without pain and was able to get up from a chair without my leg buckling, but it did not last. If the therapy does not work in another week they are considering a cortisone shot - NO, please, not that. From what I hear, the "cure" is worse than the ailment at least for a while. But we shall see.
I have also been really busy at work. The CFO has resigned and we have a lot to do to make up her work, not to mention it is a short month since we get a 2 week winter break (gotta love schools), so have to do our work quickly. I have been taking work home, and staying late, etc. Not much time to sew or shop, but I will get my SP's package out on time if the post office lines cooperate. Maybe this time, I'll print my own postage.
Lori - I soooo sympathize with you and your hospital stay and your latest diagnosis. You worry about yourself, OK? You are top priority, not the Swap, although I suppose it holds a good distraction at times.
Greenini - Your clues so far significantly pertain to me. Be forewarned, I'm really watching you closely!!
Well, time to get dinner and do some decorating which I don't usually do since I generally travel. But, I will be unable to fly to FL to see my Mom this Christmas - doctor recommends waiting for April/Spring Break. It twists my heart that she will be alone for that day. Christmas is her favorite day of the year and she gets very nostalgic. I'll likely end up calling her 3-4 times to check up on her.
Signing off for now. Missing Krystyna's quips, too. She always makes me laugh no matter what.