Saturday, July 23, 2011

Live, From Euphoria!

I am very nearly pain free. Yesterday, just before noon, the pain specialist doc administered something called a stellate ganglion nerve block via a sizable needle to my neck. Causing some side effects like warmth, swelling, numbness and a slightly droopy right eye. And a weird metallic taste on the right side of my tongue which persists even now. The rest subsided in just a couple of hours. Then, at bedtime, I popped a 50 mg capsule of Lyrica. I also have a topical nsaid gel called Voltaren, which I have not yet used. A three-pronged approach to pain management. At the moment I'm doing dandy with just two prongs. I also feel euphoric and about two steps removed from reality. Just a little out of focus. I definitely should not drive. Fortunately, there is no heavy equipment around to operate, since I probably shouldn't do that either. It is requiring all the concentration I can muster to formulate and type these few sentences. The pain doc warned me that my liver would need a few days to learn how to metabolize the Lyrica. Also that I should not research the drug because I might then think I'm experiencing all of its potential side effects. I have some numbness and pain, mostly in my right hand and thumb but in my left hand as well, but the intensity has backed off. My hands feel a little puffy and tender and my fine motor skills are iffy. Feeling contemplative yet easily distracted. If I call you from Euphoria for a ride, I hope you can find me!

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