Showing posts with label Mark Seem. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Mark Seem. Show all posts
29 May, 2009
No one likes to be pinched!
I saw the chiro on Wednesday at lunch. The massage and stretching I went through was v. painful, they were trying to loosen up the muscles in the trapezius and neck. Next day still in as much pain though. Went again yesterday at lunch. Went through the same beating up - it was like being on the rack. Still in agony. Icing every hour or more per chiro. Last night went to acupuncturist. He definitely thinks it's the muscles putting pressure on the nerves and my stenosis. He did a lot of needling and hit some majorly tender trigger points and released them. He said not to ice last night but can today. Also suggested Naproxen and as I magically had some lying around I took one last night and another this am. I am feeling very mildly better today but it still hurts a lot and walking is still one of the most unpleasant things I can think of at the moment. I am going back to the chiro in about an hour. The acupuncturist said it would be a good idea as he is hoping after loosening up the muscles last night, the chiro will be able to realign my spine and get the pressure off the nerves. Here's praying it works as it's Friday and I will be s.o.l. until Monday. Also on Monday a friend will be in town for her first visit here and I really don't want to be a misery when she's over. Fingers crossed I am greatly improved in the next few hours!
03 April, 2009
I've been avoiding writing
because I didn't want to just go on a whinge rampage. For the last two months my bottom right jaw has been killing me - aching, throbbing pain that gets so bad it keeps me up some nights.
I went to see my dentist and he took an x-ray but couldn't find anything. Surprise surprise. We tried a week of antibiotics to make sure it wasn't an infection, but no result there. It's amazing how you can WANT something specific to be wrong just so there is a way to fix it (well, hopefully). But when the pain can't be located, as such, it's like looking for a needle in an hay stack!
Next stop was to see the endodontist. I was referred by my parents neighbour - they had gone to dental school together. I find it helps to have some sort of background or introduction to new doctors so they don't look at your chart and listen to you and think you're just an hypochondriac. You'd be surprised how many daft doctors there are out there. Or perhaps you wouldn't be...
I went to the endodontist on Tuesday morning. He looked, banging, made me bite hard things, blew cold air, etc. And again, he couldn't figure it out. It wasn't a failed root canal, it wasn't another tooth needing a root canal. He thinks it's nerve-related, but not "that" nerve type of thing where he would know what to do to fix "that" nerve. He was very nice and not too patronising. He said he would talk to some colleagues to see if they came up with anything. It's Friday and I've still not heard from him, so I'm guessing no one was able to come up with an idea.
Yesterday I went for acupuncture though. I told my doctor what was going on with my jaw, as well as with my hip (it's been wonky and limpish for the last couple of weeks) and knees (they're swollen and not happy). I filled him in on the PT I had been doing and told him I thought my hips were unhappy b/c of the core exercises. He agreed that could be it, even though the PT lady (who was v. nice and good) didn't think it should be a result of that. But he's had two hip replacements and does all sorts of keep-fit things, and he said ever since his hip replacements he's not been able to do core work either as it irritates it. So, yes an answer, but still a new catch - 22 b/c how am I meant to strengthen my core if I can't do the exercises?
Regarding my jaw, he felt it and said - "it could be the muscle there". There's a muscle there, under my tongue, and no one else thought to mention that? This is why it's good to have all different types of people around you - everyone thinks differently. So he shows me his Trigger Point poster - I love this thing because it's like someone who didn't know me drew it and put big X's on all of the parts that hurt me, what a coincidence! :-) And sure enough, on the green part that is the disxxxxx whatever name I can't say muscle, there is a big X EXACTLY WHERE IT HURTS!!! Now mind, is this 100% the problem? Who knows. But at least it's some sort of start and we can try to fix it and see what happens. This time we did more needling on my legs and hips than my neck, but a little on my shoulder and in my tmj. He needled me under my jaw into that muscle and sure enough, there was a trigger point - and a slippery one at that, took a bit to get the needle in (not pleasant) but (touch wood) afterwards I did feel a bit better. He things the trigger point is from clenching my jaw, related to my tmj, which is related to stress, which I've been under because of the world and the pain I've been and not being able to sleep and there goes the never ending cycle. So, as with all acupuncture/dry needling, we will wait a bit and see what happens. I am trying to be hopeful but not overly so because, well, I know my body.
I did feel all over a lot better when I left his office last night though. A combination between him and the treatment me thinks!
So next appointment is 30 April, the day before I leave for England. Fingers crossed!!!
I went to see my dentist and he took an x-ray but couldn't find anything. Surprise surprise. We tried a week of antibiotics to make sure it wasn't an infection, but no result there. It's amazing how you can WANT something specific to be wrong just so there is a way to fix it (well, hopefully). But when the pain can't be located, as such, it's like looking for a needle in an hay stack!
Next stop was to see the endodontist. I was referred by my parents neighbour - they had gone to dental school together. I find it helps to have some sort of background or introduction to new doctors so they don't look at your chart and listen to you and think you're just an hypochondriac. You'd be surprised how many daft doctors there are out there. Or perhaps you wouldn't be...
I went to the endodontist on Tuesday morning. He looked, banging, made me bite hard things, blew cold air, etc. And again, he couldn't figure it out. It wasn't a failed root canal, it wasn't another tooth needing a root canal. He thinks it's nerve-related, but not "that" nerve type of thing where he would know what to do to fix "that" nerve. He was very nice and not too patronising. He said he would talk to some colleagues to see if they came up with anything. It's Friday and I've still not heard from him, so I'm guessing no one was able to come up with an idea.
Yesterday I went for acupuncture though. I told my doctor what was going on with my jaw, as well as with my hip (it's been wonky and limpish for the last couple of weeks) and knees (they're swollen and not happy). I filled him in on the PT I had been doing and told him I thought my hips were unhappy b/c of the core exercises. He agreed that could be it, even though the PT lady (who was v. nice and good) didn't think it should be a result of that. But he's had two hip replacements and does all sorts of keep-fit things, and he said ever since his hip replacements he's not been able to do core work either as it irritates it. So, yes an answer, but still a new catch - 22 b/c how am I meant to strengthen my core if I can't do the exercises?
Regarding my jaw, he felt it and said - "it could be the muscle there". There's a muscle there, under my tongue, and no one else thought to mention that? This is why it's good to have all different types of people around you - everyone thinks differently. So he shows me his Trigger Point poster - I love this thing because it's like someone who didn't know me drew it and put big X's on all of the parts that hurt me, what a coincidence! :-) And sure enough, on the green part that is the disxxxxx whatever name I can't say muscle, there is a big X EXACTLY WHERE IT HURTS!!! Now mind, is this 100% the problem? Who knows. But at least it's some sort of start and we can try to fix it and see what happens. This time we did more needling on my legs and hips than my neck, but a little on my shoulder and in my tmj. He needled me under my jaw into that muscle and sure enough, there was a trigger point - and a slippery one at that, took a bit to get the needle in (not pleasant) but (touch wood) afterwards I did feel a bit better. He things the trigger point is from clenching my jaw, related to my tmj, which is related to stress, which I've been under because of the world and the pain I've been and not being able to sleep and there goes the never ending cycle. So, as with all acupuncture/dry needling, we will wait a bit and see what happens. I am trying to be hopeful but not overly so because, well, I know my body.
I did feel all over a lot better when I left his office last night though. A combination between him and the treatment me thinks!
So next appointment is 30 April, the day before I leave for England. Fingers crossed!!!
15 January, 2009
Acupuncture update
Last Thursday, the 8th, was my third appointment with Mark Seem. He said after the third to take a month off and see how I am doing. He does this with all patients but especially with those that have my issues, as your body needs to recover from the trauma of the needles.
The session was pretty intense, he did two smaller needles in my jaw on both sides, and the dry needles he did in my back and shoulder and neck hit the spot. I won't say it was very painful, but I won't say you didn't notice it straight away. It's a strange feeling when the needle hits exactly the trigger point, and your muscle starts spasming. After the treatment I felt sore immediately. He said to go home and use heat, so I did, which definitely helped a bit. I was still pretty sore the next day. He also did another needle in my right index finger which unfortunately seemed to undo the numbing affect from the previous week. Right now it's sort of numb and sort of not, it keeps flip flopping.
As for my neck it is feeling a bit better but when I just turn it sometimes it feels as if it's being sprained and is painful. Other times it is fine.
Since our benefits at work have changed and they finally (almost) sorted the new insurance completely, I was able to locate a PT facility on Dr. Panagos' list that is on the new insurance and make an appointment for next week. I know that will not fix the stenosis but it should help strengthen my neck and I am hoping it won't hurt when I turn it anymore. Trying to be optimistic here!
On the exercise front, I'm still trying to go swimming three times a week but my right knee is not enjoying it at all. It has been killing me after I do some laps and then when I walk home it feels all loose and wonky. I am going to see if there is anything I can do that will not hurt me but will strengthen my quads. Should be quite a challenge. I am also wondering if I could get some sort of knee brace to wear in the water? Don't know if that exists but will check it out.
It's snowing so that always makes me nervous as it's quite slippery outside. I am missing the warm weather today!
The session was pretty intense, he did two smaller needles in my jaw on both sides, and the dry needles he did in my back and shoulder and neck hit the spot. I won't say it was very painful, but I won't say you didn't notice it straight away. It's a strange feeling when the needle hits exactly the trigger point, and your muscle starts spasming. After the treatment I felt sore immediately. He said to go home and use heat, so I did, which definitely helped a bit. I was still pretty sore the next day. He also did another needle in my right index finger which unfortunately seemed to undo the numbing affect from the previous week. Right now it's sort of numb and sort of not, it keeps flip flopping.
As for my neck it is feeling a bit better but when I just turn it sometimes it feels as if it's being sprained and is painful. Other times it is fine.
Since our benefits at work have changed and they finally (almost) sorted the new insurance completely, I was able to locate a PT facility on Dr. Panagos' list that is on the new insurance and make an appointment for next week. I know that will not fix the stenosis but it should help strengthen my neck and I am hoping it won't hurt when I turn it anymore. Trying to be optimistic here!
On the exercise front, I'm still trying to go swimming three times a week but my right knee is not enjoying it at all. It has been killing me after I do some laps and then when I walk home it feels all loose and wonky. I am going to see if there is anything I can do that will not hurt me but will strengthen my quads. Should be quite a challenge. I am also wondering if I could get some sort of knee brace to wear in the water? Don't know if that exists but will check it out.
It's snowing so that always makes me nervous as it's quite slippery outside. I am missing the warm weather today!
30 December, 2008
Slightly overdue
but it's been a v. busy few weeks.
I left off on my way to see Mark Seem. He was v. nice and patient and took the time to get my history, as well as review all the reports I brought with me. He has a lot of insight into hypermobility and told me some very interesting things about it. One being that the Dutch have a v. high rate because there was a lot of relationships with the Asians when they were a "superpower", and whilst the Asians hypermobility does not affect them in a negative way because they are shorter, when the genes were mixed with the taller Dutch, then it became a problem because size and proportions were all different. Perhaps I'm Dutch??? He also feels that my fibromyalgia is relatively mild and that the polyenthsopathy plays a much larger role. I was impressed he knew what enthosopathy was as most doctors ask me what it means. Poly=many and Enthesitis is an inflammation of the entheses, the location where a bone has an insertion to a tendon or a ligament. It is also called enthesopathy, or any pathologic condition involving the entheses. The entheses are any point of attachment of skeletal muscles to bone, where recurring stress or inflammatory autoimmune disease can cause inflammation or occasionally fibrosis and calcification. (Also see: http://medical-dictionary.thefreedictionary.com/enthesitis ) He suggested because of the hypermobility and fibromyalgia we would work relatively slowly and not leave the needles in for more that 10-15 minutes. The idea was to not trigger my fibro. He used a combination of TCM needles as well as slightly longer needles for the dry needling/trigger point release. Afterwards I was v. tired and thankfully just went home and to bed. I felt a bit worse the first few days but then the pain in the neck and shoulder/upper back area became more localized, which I was told was a good thing.
Unfortunately he had to cancel the next weeks appointment as he was ill, and then last week scheduling didn't work because it was a short week. I went this morning for my second appointment. This time I definitely felt more when the needles were going in. It's hard to describe, originally I wouldn't have used the word painful, more like pressure and a pulling on the muscle - you can kind of feel the muscle "grip" the needle. This time he really got into some trigger points directly which is good, but it definitely felt more intense. He also put some needles in my hand and one in my right index finger. I accidentally moved the finger and that woke me up! It was in a v. sensitive place and even hurt when he took it out. After we finished with my back, he released two trigger points in my TMJ as it's been killing me lately. It still feels like there is a needle in there about an hour later, though not as intense. I was told to not chew or talk a lot. If it brings relief it will be worth it.
Yesterday I went to see a physiatrist as I am meant to get PT to strengthen my neck, but didn't trust anything that daft neurologist said. I went to see Dr. Panagos as Weill/Cornell. He and his resident were very nice and knowledgeable about my various conditions. They told me a horror story about a woman with EDS that can barely function after giving birth, and suggested that I don't do that. Lovely. Although we knew that already, especially as EDS is a 50/50 chance for the kid. I would hate to give this crap to someone else. The doctor said he's sorry there isn't much he can do but the goal is to get me to learn how to help myself, so I don't have to constantly go to PT and such. He wrote out a very thorough and specific prescription for neck PT, saying that I need strengthening but no stretching. I have to say it's so nice to meet doctors that know what is going on, not daft ones like Fatimi who dismiss everything you say and think they know more, when, in reality, they do not have any experience whatsoever. Even Dr. Panagos' resident knew a lot, she said she was surprised I wasn't a doctor. I think I should be given an honorary doctor's degree after all I've been through! Unfortunately our insurance is changing in the New Year, so I will wait to start PT then, so it's less of a hassle.
I think that's about it for now. Happy New Years!
I left off on my way to see Mark Seem. He was v. nice and patient and took the time to get my history, as well as review all the reports I brought with me. He has a lot of insight into hypermobility and told me some very interesting things about it. One being that the Dutch have a v. high rate because there was a lot of relationships with the Asians when they were a "superpower", and whilst the Asians hypermobility does not affect them in a negative way because they are shorter, when the genes were mixed with the taller Dutch, then it became a problem because size and proportions were all different. Perhaps I'm Dutch??? He also feels that my fibromyalgia is relatively mild and that the polyenthsopathy plays a much larger role. I was impressed he knew what enthosopathy was as most doctors ask me what it means. Poly=many and Enthesitis is an inflammation of the entheses, the location where a bone has an insertion to a tendon or a ligament. It is also called enthesopathy, or any pathologic condition involving the entheses. The entheses are any point of attachment of skeletal muscles to bone, where recurring stress or inflammatory autoimmune disease can cause inflammation or occasionally fibrosis and calcification. (Also see: http://medical-dictionary.thefreedictionary.com/enthesitis ) He suggested because of the hypermobility and fibromyalgia we would work relatively slowly and not leave the needles in for more that 10-15 minutes. The idea was to not trigger my fibro. He used a combination of TCM needles as well as slightly longer needles for the dry needling/trigger point release. Afterwards I was v. tired and thankfully just went home and to bed. I felt a bit worse the first few days but then the pain in the neck and shoulder/upper back area became more localized, which I was told was a good thing.
Unfortunately he had to cancel the next weeks appointment as he was ill, and then last week scheduling didn't work because it was a short week. I went this morning for my second appointment. This time I definitely felt more when the needles were going in. It's hard to describe, originally I wouldn't have used the word painful, more like pressure and a pulling on the muscle - you can kind of feel the muscle "grip" the needle. This time he really got into some trigger points directly which is good, but it definitely felt more intense. He also put some needles in my hand and one in my right index finger. I accidentally moved the finger and that woke me up! It was in a v. sensitive place and even hurt when he took it out. After we finished with my back, he released two trigger points in my TMJ as it's been killing me lately. It still feels like there is a needle in there about an hour later, though not as intense. I was told to not chew or talk a lot. If it brings relief it will be worth it.
Yesterday I went to see a physiatrist as I am meant to get PT to strengthen my neck, but didn't trust anything that daft neurologist said. I went to see Dr. Panagos as Weill/Cornell. He and his resident were very nice and knowledgeable about my various conditions. They told me a horror story about a woman with EDS that can barely function after giving birth, and suggested that I don't do that. Lovely. Although we knew that already, especially as EDS is a 50/50 chance for the kid. I would hate to give this crap to someone else. The doctor said he's sorry there isn't much he can do but the goal is to get me to learn how to help myself, so I don't have to constantly go to PT and such. He wrote out a very thorough and specific prescription for neck PT, saying that I need strengthening but no stretching. I have to say it's so nice to meet doctors that know what is going on, not daft ones like Fatimi who dismiss everything you say and think they know more, when, in reality, they do not have any experience whatsoever. Even Dr. Panagos' resident knew a lot, she said she was surprised I wasn't a doctor. I think I should be given an honorary doctor's degree after all I've been through! Unfortunately our insurance is changing in the New Year, so I will wait to start PT then, so it's less of a hassle.
I think that's about it for now. Happy New Years!
11 December, 2008
Acupuncture
I decided to try out Dr. Mark Seem, and my first appointment is tonight. I've put together some information about my medical past and I'm sure he'll think I'm a complete nutter with all of my issues, but what can you do? I think it's a good idea for the doctor to have a clue about this stuff, how else can he treat me? My appointment is at 18.30 and I wish it was sooner. My back is a bit better but my neck is still in a lot of pain, though the chiro did say I was much better than last week. I know I'm not supposed to put all my eggs in on basket but I am praying that this work will help, at least a bit. I am being optimistically cautious I guess. Other than that this weather bites. I so wish I was somewhere warm and dry.
03 December, 2008
Spaghetti joints
That's what I have. After I went to the chiro today, I was walking down the street to get lunch. As I took a step off the pavement into the street, my left ankle completely gave out, and the next thing I knew I was on my left knee facing the street. Thankfully no cars were coming, and a very nice woman gave me her hand to help me up. Roughed up my pants a bit a little knee damage, but more scared than anything. I was able to walk it off with my ankle. I have had weak ankles for as long as I can remember. Whenever I run my ankles give out and I go crashing to the floor. One time when I was about 15 I was running down the hallway at home and my ankle gave out, and my other leg was mid-air and since I couldn't put the other foot down, my foot crashed into the wall, hitting a beam of course, and smash went my little toe. I was on crutches for a few days. It's always fun being me! My ankle hasn't given out that blatantly in a while, so I was definitely caught off guard.
Other than that, my chiro/massage was nice, and I'm going back on Friday because my neck and back are still so tight. I heard back from Mark Seed ( http://www.tsca.edu/site/about/faculty/ ), the acupuncture college guy, and I have an appointment on Thursday, 11 December at 6.30pm. I didn't speak to him directly but he said on my VM that it is an hour for first visit, and $135. Subsequent appointments are $120. He is located on WEA and 79th Street so it should not be too difficult to get there unless traffic is v. bad, as there is a bus that goes along 57th Street.
I am still not sure which person to go to, him or the other lady I had spoken to yesterday. I think I will try him first and see how he is. He does sound like he knows what he's talking about since he runs an acupuncture college and has written text books and articles. I will keep you posted.
Other than that, my chiro/massage was nice, and I'm going back on Friday because my neck and back are still so tight. I heard back from Mark Seed ( http://www.tsca.edu/site/about/faculty/ ), the acupuncture college guy, and I have an appointment on Thursday, 11 December at 6.30pm. I didn't speak to him directly but he said on my VM that it is an hour for first visit, and $135. Subsequent appointments are $120. He is located on WEA and 79th Street so it should not be too difficult to get there unless traffic is v. bad, as there is a bus that goes along 57th Street.
I am still not sure which person to go to, him or the other lady I had spoken to yesterday. I think I will try him first and see how he is. He does sound like he knows what he's talking about since he runs an acupuncture college and has written text books and articles. I will keep you posted.
02 December, 2008
Pain in the neck...
Wednesday was good, I went to the pool after work, then my SIL came in with my nephews. We went to see the balloons being blown up. Thursday we went to the parade, thankfully we had nice weather and it wasn't v. cold out. The only other time I have been to the parade it was FREEZING - I kept buying hot chocolates not to drink, but to keep my hands warm! I was feeling the same as I had been feeling, nothing hugely different, until Friday night when my back and neck started to tighten up. By Saturday I was in lots of pain and it just kept getting worse. Sunday afternoon I actually took a muscle relaxer when I got back to the city. Since I am so sensitive to drugs, and also b/c this particular drug had given me hallucinations in the past, I only took one pill, though the label said to take two. It was a good thing too, because it wiped me out. At least I made up for the lack of sleep I had the previous nights. I was passed out within half an hour, and completely zonked out. It definitely helped, but I can't possibly take that and think I can function. My neck and back are still killing me and unfortunately the chiro wasn't in on Monday. I can't go today but am going tomorrow. I hope I make it. It feels like someone has put a vice around my spine and is tightening it. Lovely, I know.
I did speak to one of the acupuncturists yesterday. She seems to think she can help me, and also works with a lot of other techniques other than dry needling (aka trigger point acupuncture; aka acupuncture physical medicine (APM). The other guy I heard back from only just graduated and I'm thinking I need someone with more experience. Another person I had emailed me responded saying I should see Mark Seem, who started the Tri-State College of Acupuncture. I left a message on his vm so we will see if I hear back. Otherwise I will see about the first lady, Roberta Mittman. She does seem a little more pricey than what I've been seeing, but I may not have a choice. It's incredible the amount of money you have to spend to feel better, even with bloody health insurance. Drives me batty to just think about it! I just really, really, really need to sort out my neck and back right now, it's absolutely killing me.
I did speak to one of the acupuncturists yesterday. She seems to think she can help me, and also works with a lot of other techniques other than dry needling (aka trigger point acupuncture; aka acupuncture physical medicine (APM). The other guy I heard back from only just graduated and I'm thinking I need someone with more experience. Another person I had emailed me responded saying I should see Mark Seem, who started the Tri-State College of Acupuncture. I left a message on his vm so we will see if I hear back. Otherwise I will see about the first lady, Roberta Mittman. She does seem a little more pricey than what I've been seeing, but I may not have a choice. It's incredible the amount of money you have to spend to feel better, even with bloody health insurance. Drives me batty to just think about it! I just really, really, really need to sort out my neck and back right now, it's absolutely killing me.
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