Not that anyone is asking

[Murrmurr]

My husband has Parkinson’s and leg cramps are common in the early morning. There was a suggestion to drink a small can of cold tonic water when waking to go to the toilet in the middle of the night. It has helped (knock on wood). It’s the quinine that’s the important ingredient. It can’t be more than that small amount otherwise you could have too much.

My DIL made some quinine tonic for me, and she also gave me a little bottle of the bark it's made from...cinchona bark. I brewed a tiny spoonful of it with my tea once in a while.

I adore her for caring. I think she just tolerated me for a long time because she thought I was a hard-core conservative (I'm not). Then her beloved cat got sick with a rare virus, and there's no FDA-approved medication for it in the US. She had to get it through some covert national network of cat owners.

This medication had to be injected, and I have experience with that, so while she and my son were in Europe for a week, I went over to their house twice a day to give the cat these injections, and I did it once while my son was home and she was at work (she's insulin dependent, so she normally gave the cat its inj.). Apparently, my son was so amazed at how quickly and efficiently I did it, he told her all about it. I've been one of her favorite people ever since (conservatism be damned).

Anyway, after I started using the tonic and the bark bits she gave me, the leg-foot cramps were less frequent and I think less severe as well. They suddenly shot up in frequency and severity after I put up the Christmas tree a few weeks ago. I twisted wrong, or something.

I forgot I still have about 1/2 a bottle of the cinchona bark, so thanks for the reminder, Jules.

 

[dusty]

It started after I put up the Christmas tree and other holiday trappings. The tree's artificial, about 10 years old (but still looks great), and it's kind of heavy and takes a little strength to put together...that's kind of and a little.

So I'm guessing it was the lifting and bending. I'm not supposed to lift over 5 pounds and I'm supposed to only bend at the knees. I've often ignored those limits and it's never caused a huge problem, but apparently this was once too often.

I think my sciatic nerve is entrapped or not sitting exactly where it should; the pain is a couple inches lower and to the right of my usual "sore spot". And the usual pain is there, but this is much sharper and more intense, and the Norco is no match for it. Normally, I can enjoy 2 to 3 hours straight of reasonably tolerable pain after I take my Norco. This stays at just-shoot-me-now level all the live-long day.

I'd try doubling my dosage for a while if my pharmacist wasn't such a prick, but he'd make my life even more miserable. He seems to relish it. I'm thinking of calling my doctor to ask for something for *break-through* pain, but if I tell her where it hurts she'll probly want me to go in. And I hate asking Meesh or my sons to take time off work to give me a ride for an unscheduled visit. (I quit driving)

Anyway, if it gets to the point where I literally wanna shoot myself, I'll call her. And maybe call Uber, too. And yes, I am out of vit-D, and also magnesium. I ordered some.

Thanks for the nonsense.

Please do not self dose on the meds. I am in the same pain as you due to RA and I will not take opoids. Find a nuerologist and let the scans begin. You most likely will be a candidate for surgery. I hope you get some good help soon.

 

[Pinky]

@Murrmurr

I hope you will soon be prescribed a med that helps with your pain.

About Paxton .. I truly hope that the bond you had, is still there, buried deep inside him. I know it must be frustrating for you, not to have any contact. Hopefully, his present home-life is what he needs. though not what it would be, with you.

 

[gruntlabor]

@Pinky

"a lot happened to him after he left my fostership, most of it very bad"...and the thing is, I wasn't there to rescue him. And as far as he knows, I didn't even do anything about it. It kept happening. And maybe he remembers that, too.

That part of it freaking kills me.

Even though he may forget people and events, he will remember the warmth of safety and trust and love that he found with you.

 

[Murrmurr]

Please do not self dose on the meds. I am in the same pain as you due to RA and I will not take opoids. Find a nuerologist and let the scans begin. You most likely will be a candidate for surgery. I hope you get some good help soon.

Thanks, dusty.

My pain is nerve pain, and the main cause is a genetic deformity of a nerve root in my lower spinal column. Surgery can't fix that.

I also had a terrible fall about 30yrs ago from a height of around 60 feet. Among other injuries, I broke a couple ribs, had some spinal fractures, and a lacerated liver. I had emergency surgery soon after, and 2 surgeries since, the last one in 2016. I've been taking a prescribed opioid daily since 2013.

I'd been prescribed opioids before, as you can imagine, but they were temporary prescriptions, and that was fine with me because I was a single dad with a full-time job. I retired in 2014.

The new pain I'm having is caused by a "disturbed" obturator nerve, detected in a recent MRI. I think I probably injured it while putting up our Christmas tree a few weeks ago. The symptoms are horrible, and, for me, the worst is a constant stinging-burning sensation in my right testicle. It's hard to take your mind off that one. (I do sometimes use meditation for my usual pain)

I've kept my pain Rx at a low dose all these years, by choice. I asked my doc to increase the dose earlier this year, and she did, but it's still fairly low compared to other patients complaining of nerve pain. What I need now is a stronger, purer opioid, and my fingers are crossed she'll prescribe it. (what I don't dare cross is my legs)

 

[Murrmurr]

Even though he may forget people and events, he will remember the warmth of safety and trust and love that he found with you.

I'm optimistic about that.

 

[hearlady]

I hate you're going through any of this @Murrmurr .
May 2025 bring you some comfort and joy. You deserve some, kind sir.

 

[Murrmurr]

I hate you're going through any of this @Murrmurr .
May 2025 bring you some comfort and joy. You deserve some, kind sir.
View attachment 390904

Want a laugh? Because of this relentless groin pain, I switched to boxers, then boxers a size too large. Didn't help.

A few days ago I made myself a pair of bloomers.

They actually help a bit. I made 2 more.

 

[Pepper]

Is this you, Frank?

I love you.

 

[Murrmurr]

Is this you, Frank?
View attachment 390915
I love you.

I wish...I could stand the snugness.

 

[Pepper]

This better?

 

[Murrmurr]

This better?
View attachment 390918

That's more like it.

I'm telling you, aint nothin touchin these bad boys right now.

 

[hollydolly]

Want a laugh? Because of this relentless groin pain, I switched to boxers, then boxers a size too large. Didn't help.

A few days ago I made myself a pair of bloomers.

They actually help a bit. I made 2 more.

get yourself a kilt or a David beckham skirt... and wear no pants underneath..

orrrr. what about a full length kaftan...

 

[Murrmurr]

get yourself a kilt or a David beckham skirt... and wear no pants underneath..

orrrr. what about a full length kaftan...

I own a kilt. They're not made for sitting around the house.

I tried free-balling it under a men's nightgown - they do make those and they're pretty comfy; mine's red, fitting for the holiday - but I don't like free-cheeking it. Just doesn't feel right. Too much freedom, even for an American.

I'm not sure wearing the bloomers is less painful in reality, it might be psychological, but I'll take it. I also tried my relaxed-fit longjohns and they're not bad. Not quite as good as the bloomers, butt better than my sports briefs, so sometimes I wear those.

 

[gruntlabor]

... Too much freedom, even for an American.

There is never too much freedom for an American.

 

[Pepper]

There is never too much freedom for an American.

We have the freedom to be stupid which we do quite generously. Just wait and see.

 

[Murrmurr]

We have the freedom to be stupid which we do quite generously. Just wait and see.

Well, after all, few people are as generous as the Americans.

 

[Irene]

We sure had a beautiful evening. The cabin has a small front deck out front, just big enough for our rocking chairs and a little table. We sat out there after dinner and had some tea and looked at the stars. Michelle looked so pretty.

We took a hike today, but not too far. Broke bread with a neighbor on the way back - an 83yr-old guy named Merle - and we gave him the big bottle of Aleve and 1/2-dozen Krispy Kremes he asked me for. I met Merle when I lived here years ago, and he was my foreman at the mill for a couple years.

He built his cabin when he was 19 and he's lived in it ever since. Him and his cabin are both showing their age. He has a big garden and always shares his harvest with the neighbors, goes fishing a few times a week and shares whatever he catches. He's got a large portrait of his wife hanging above his dinner table, in an ornate gold frame that dominates the kitchen. The portrait was taken "by a professional," Merle always points out, when she was 16, soon after they were engaged. She was a real beauty. She died about 40 years ago.

My back bothered me off and on, as much from the ride up here as anything, I'm sure. But my legs have been working ok, aside from some cramping.

We're gonna spend a little time at the lake soon as it warms up tomorrow, and then head home. Meesh has school and work on Monday.

I get relief from tingling or numbness with electrolytes water -- magnesium, sodium, potassium. I take the powder a couple of times a week, mixed in water and it works really well.

 

[Murrmurr]

I get relief from tingling or numbness with electrolytes water -- magnesium, sodium, potassium. I take the powder a couple of times a week, mixed in water and it works really well.

Thank you, Irene.

The problem here is that I have a genetic deformity of a spinal nerve root, and, separate from that, spinal nerve damage from an accident. I'm fortunate that my spinal cord wasn't completely severed, and I was able to walk again within a year after the accident.

The leg and foot cramps I get do cause numbness and tingling, but the symptoms often go way beyond that, because the issue isn't a depletion of fluids in muscle tissues. The issue is in the nerve roots of my lumbar spine, from which major nerves run down to my ankles, and branch off into my feet and toes.

Due to damage and deformity, the nerve roots (which are directly connected to your spinal cord) send crazy signals to my legs and feet, and that causes extremely painful spasms and nearly bone-breaking contortions, and, occasionally. even temporary paralysis of one or both legs.

I've had spinal surgeries, but now, years later, they're causing new problems with new symptoms. I've also had a few RFA procedures with very good results, but that wears off, and you can only have it done 2 or 3 times. Any more than that causes permanent damage.

 

[Murrmurr]

I've been doing this exercise that's supposed to release an entrapped obturator nerve, and it's helping a lot.

The nerve is still disturbed, but the stinging, fiery groin pain I was having is way milder...like, barely perceptible. My snug undies aggravate it, so I still have to wear the home-made bloomers or free-ball it under a pair of droopy sweatpants, but man, what a relief!

I'll see my PCP in a few weeks, and I might not have to ask for a stronger pain medication...that's how well the exercise is working. Meanwhile, I'll keep doing the exercise, and hope it actually releases the nerve at some point.

 

[Murrmurr]

Michelle will get her Bachelor of Science in Nursing this year. She already got her Associates, so, theoretically, because she also completed courses in child development and child psychology, she only needs courses in mental disorders of childhood and childhood trauma to move directly into a doctoral program in child psychology. Then she could earn a Masters in 3-4 years instead of 4 to 6.

She's still not sure if she wants to keep pursuing a career in child psychology, or stay in medical nursing. Helping me take care of Bonnie got her very interested in hospice nursing, and her BSN can get her into a hospice and palliative care program right away. (after passing the exam)

She's also considering being a pediatrics hospice nurse. Sounds really tough to me, but she says she can do it and I'm sure she can. It's actually a good fit, imo.

I'm still feeling really shiddy, but it's nice having these good vibes in the house.

Last Saturday, Michelle took me out to dinner at this fairly up-standard restaurant called Bennett’s American (my steak was freaking perfect!). So anyway, she asked me to "dress nice" - no sweats or joggers, no t-shirt or ball cap, she didn't even want me to wear sneakers. All I have is sneakers, but I've got this one pair that's entirely black and made mostly of real leather, and I've only worn them maybe half-a-dozen times, so they look new. So I wore those and grey slacks, a black pullover sweater, and a Herringbone-like grey and black sport coat that hasn't been outside my closet for about 15 years...well, except when we moved, and it just went from that closet to this one.

It felt nice, being "dressed up". Plus I trimmed up my face hair and got my edges all neat. In fact, it felt so nice, I insisted on driving. I didn't really have to insist...I just said "I'll drive" and Meesh said "You sure?" and I said, "Yeah." And that was it. But it's been like a year, I think. It's been a while.

But anyway, it felt good. I felt pretty snazzy. I downed an extra pain pill with 1/2 a shot of 5Hr before we left, but it was mainly the clothes and stuff. And the restaurant was very, very nice, and the service was great...and, again, Oh My Dude, that steak was so awesome!

Maybe we should do that more often.

 

[hearlady]

Oh, good for Michelle! Sounds like whatever she chooses she'll be great at.
I'm glad to hear you got out and had a nice time. Too bad your steak was terrible.

 

[Pinky]

Michelle will get her Bachelor of Science in Nursing this year. She already got her Associates, so, theoretically, because she also completed courses in child development and child psychology, she only needs courses in mental disorders of childhood and childhood trauma to move directly into a doctoral program in child psychology. Then she could earn a Masters in 3-4 years instead of 4 to 6.

She's still not sure if she wants to keep pursuing a career in child psychology, or stay in medical nursing. Helping me take care of Bonnie got her very interested in hospice nursing, and her BSN can get her into a hospice and palliative care program right away. (after passing the exam)

She's also considering being a pediatrics hospice nurse. Sounds really tough to me, but she says she can do it and I'm sure she can. It's actually a good fit, imo.

I'm still feeling really shiddy, but it's nice having these good vibes in the house.

Last Saturday, Michelle took me out to dinner at this fairly up-standard restaurant called Bennett’s American (my steak was freaking perfect!). So anyway, she asked me to "dress nice" - no sweats or joggers, no t-shirt or ball cap, she didn't even want me to wear sneakers. All I have is sneakers, but I've got this one pair that's entirely black and made mostly of real leather, and I've only worn them maybe half-a-dozen times, so they look new. So I wore those and grey slacks, a black pullover sweater, and a Herringbone-like grey and black sport coat that hasn't been outside my closet for about 15 years...well, except when we moved, and it just went from that closet to this one.

It felt nice, being "dressed up". Plus I trimmed up my face hair and got my edges all neat. In fact, it felt so nice, I insisted on driving. I didn't really have to insist...I just said "I'll drive" and Meesh said "You sure?" and I said, "Yeah." And that was it. But it's been like a year, I think. It's been a while.

But anyway, it felt good. I felt pretty snazzy. I downed an extra pain pill with 1/2 a shot of 5Hr before we left, but it was mainly the clothes and stuff. And the restaurant was very, very nice, and the service was great...and, again, Oh My Dude, that steak was so awesome!

Maybe we should do that more often.

I bet you looked hot, Murr .. as you are a good-looking man! I wish you had a photo of you and Michelle from that night. I agree - you should go out on the town more often

Whatever route Michelle takes, she will, no doubt, excel at.

 

[Murrmurr]

Oh, good for Michelle! Sounds like whatever she chooses she'll be great at.

She's done little else but study the past couple years, and seems like the more she learns, the more interested she gets, and wants to learn more.

I agree; whichever career she chooses, she'll be an asset.

I'm really proud of her.

 

[Jules]

Michelle will accomplish whatever she decides upon. Look how she made you feel extra special by dressing up for an evening out. Cheers to both of you.