News from yesterday (and which you may wish to skip):
I was in dire physical stress yesterday and called a physical therapy place in Aiken SC to ask if I needed a referral and what their charges were. With Medicare, they were minimal charges, but to use it would require a physician's referral. The charges were reasonable, otherwise, for one or two visits.
I then called my chiropractor, who had advised me to seek physical therapy, and asked if he gave referrals. He explained that he did not as he does not accept Medicare patients and, thus, cannot refer anyone who wants to use Medicare.
He did urge me to come see him as he thought he could help me. So, I embarked on a journey to Leesville, limped painfully into his office and sat down.
When it was my turn, I explained to him how I was feeling and that I had fallen Monday morning when I stupidly made a turn on my left leg without bracing myself.
He got me on the table and had me stretch my legs out. My right leg was a couple of inches shorter, he said, and that he would need to unlock my pelvis to correct it. He had me put one leg over the other and did something I could not see. Rather, I "felt" it.
He declared my legs to be of even lengths and asked me to stand and walk a bit. I could tell that it was better, but I had a devastating pain in my left knee.
I limped back to my car, sat down and settled into the most comfortable position I could, hoping that the pain would go away.
As I began my drive home, I felt my left leg relax and the pain abated. By the time I reached home, I was able to get out of my car and walk normally -- if slowly -- into the house without my cane.
Suffice it to say, I was coping much more easily.
Next thing: My cousin Butch called to invite me to have Mother's Day lunch with him and his fiancee, Sharon, at the club on Sunday. I told him I would, but that I might be a bit wobbly because I am sure I have a case of sciatica. The VA will see me but not until May 19.
He offered to prescribe prednisone (he's a GP) which he thought would help ease any swelling that might impact the sciatic nerve. He explained he could not guarantee complete success but felt it would help. It's non-narcotic and non-addictive, so he felt it would be worthwhile to try.
Will obviously keep everyone posted.
