November 17, 2014
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Headaches, Plays and Other Good Stuff
My wife says she wonders sometimes if I'm allergic to her, because I only get my really bad headaches on the days when I'm not working. My headaches are normally related to my sinuses, and since my job is very physically demanding and done, at least in part, in a refrigerated trailer, the cold and effort get my nose running and I think that's what prevents me getting them on the job. That said, I started getting one on the way home from work last night, and this morning it turned into a real big one. I'm just getting over it now,as the sky begins to darken after a decongestant, Aleve, acetominophen, a good nap and running a massage tool on my neck to ease the stress, and on my cheekbone to stimulate sneezing and clear out my sinuses. She was hoping we could go out tonight, on a date, so I'm hoping it's going away for good.
Danny (15) and Samantha (17) finished their last show of the play "Twelve Angry Men", at the high school this weekend. It was done on a simple set, but it was an excellent production, as interesting as some of the more complicated shows they've done. I was a very proud dad to have two of my kids have significant speaking parts in such a small play.
This is Danny, standing.
Samantha is the girl in black and white.
...and the whole jury panel.
Don't know if I've mentioned my physical therapy. I'm in therapy for plantar fasciitis, pain caused by inflammation of the tendons that run across the bottom of the foot from the heel to the toes. I've been in a lot of pain at work, lately, an awful lot of pain, for almost a year, now. That translates into my routes taking a lot longer, which means I'm gone from home several hours longer, every time I go to work. Since I get paid by weight and miles, I get no extra pay for the extra time, and it has been really tough to keep a good attitude. This week, after a couple weeks of therapy, I finished one of my routes five hours faster than what has been normal. Also, I finished my route Sunday and my feet weren't hurting at all. I'm excited that the pain is diminishing, and I'm learning what to do to keep it at bay.
Life's not always easy, but my life is good. Maybe I'd like some things to change or be easier, but I would be ungrateful to ask for anything more than what I have. I truly have a better life than I could have imagined. I think sometimes I wouldn't appreciate what I have as much if it had come without a lot of pain and hard work. I hope you all are having a good week, and I look forward to reading about how it's going.
Comments (7)
Pain is no fun -- I hope your headache is really going away -- and it's good that the pain in your foot is easing as well. A car serviceman moved the lumbar setting in my car, and it has caused some serious muscle pain in my legs this summer -- feeling good now, though! I think we do appreciate what we have more if we've had to work for it in some way or another!
btw -- Congratulations on the kids' play -- it looks like it was a good play, and how great to have 2 of yours in it! Kids grow up so very vast these days!
I can sense the pride in your children's accomplishment at the school play. Kudos to all concerned.
Now, as a physician, may I offer some advise?
1. Sinusitis: You need to get rid of the mucus in the sinuses. Sneezing is an excellent way to get rid of it. I have problem with that too. So what I do is dip a Q-Tip in Eucalyptus oil, ( you can get this over the counter in a pharmacy,) and tickle the inside of your nostrils. That will stimulate the sneezing reflex, and your head will feel so much lighter.
If, you are not able to sneeze much, then get AYR which is a slaine mist, also available otc even in a grocery store. Tilt your head back and direct the mist towards the back of your brain. That will wash the sinuses, and let you get rid of the mucus.
I don't know how old you are, but if you are in your late forties or in your fifties, I would strongly recommend that you do not take Aleve or Advil. You do not want to let your kidney functions go awry later on. Instead, what you need, is something that will make the mucus thinner, so you can blow it out, or spit it out. Anything with Guafenesin, like MUCINEX, is excellent. Not the mist, but tablets, taken twice daily, will help you with your headache, and remove the pressure from your ears.
Now, if you have not got tired of my blathering here, I would like to tell you about Plantar Fasciitis.
1.If you have a shoe repair place in your town, ask the smithy to put heel inserts in your shoes. They should be pretty high. The higher your heel is, the less pressure you will put on your heel. The pain will improve 50 to 60% just by that. If it doesn't then see a good podiatrist. Seriously. You may need a cortisone shot in your heel. I had it done a couple of years back. I had severe problem with PF, and I got that shot. But I have to tell you, that it is not an easy shot VERY painful, because the needle goes almost next to the bone and the periosteum. I took it, and I am sure you are a stronger person than I am. I have given that shot to my own patients and have felt bad for hurting them. Didn't know how much, until I got the shot. But that alone is a curative treatment for PF. You will be so happy that you did that. One minute of discomfort and years of no pain is much better than going through therapy and heat and massage. Seriously.
Okay, now I shall stop. My comment unfortunately is longer than your post! Sorry about that Dan.
@ZSA MD Thanks for the advice. Having fought sinusitis my whole life, your advice on that subject is well received, some even familiar. That said, I had never heard about the Qtip solution for provoking a sneeze. Also, I'm just past 40, but open to any advice as to which pain killers are the least damaging over the long term.
As to the plantar fasciitis, it's good to get perspective, not only from a doctor, but from one who has dealt with the malady. I had stopped wearing my cowboy boots much, because I thought extending the foot by wearing heels, might actually encourage the shortening of the calf and hamstring. I have already visited the podiatrist and had inserts made, but had little relief. The physical therapy is going well, as I had very tight hamstrings and soleus. The podiatrist said he'd administer the shot if it came to that, and he'd do a block at the ankle, prior, because he doesn't wish for anyone to experience that pain. I'll definitely consider the option, though I admit, I don't relish the thought. As to the length of your comment, I always enjoy interaction with my posts. It is what keeps bringing me back to Xanga. Thank you for spending your time giving advice to a stranger.
If the eucalyptus doesn't work try eating a spoon of horseradish for the sinuses...
http://preventdisease.com/news/14/031314_Horseradish-More-Effective-Pharma-Clear-Sinus-Infections-Mucus-From-Respiratory-Passages.shtml
I remember how proud and joyous you were a few time ago to drive your truck and travel This is why I wish your allergy and plantar fascitis linked to the hard work you do , be healed quickly.
I am amzed : your daughters are so beautiful with a rich personality. What a reward for you both.
In friendship
michel
I have often considered drilling small holes into my head to relieve the pressure.