Trapped in my own body (6/25/22)

Trapped in my own body.

After my treatment on Monday, when they pulled off 9 pounds of fluid, my right leg, especially the lower quad right above the knee, has been extremely sore. For a few hours after treatment yesterday, my leg returned to its normal size and it was a beautiful sight to behold. But today I wake up, and once again my lower right quad is swollen and the kneecap is inflamed.

The pain was so bad on Monday after treatment that I went back to the emergency room where they diagnosed me as having a gout flareup in my knee. This was a strange development as my uric levels have been within range and my diet has not had any trigger foods. Guess I’m just prone to attacks now.

My mobility is being severely impacted by this awful disease. I have every desire to go to the gym today, just as I did yesterday, but if I can’t walk, how am I supposed to get there? I hate feeling like my body is slowly atrophying away.

In the meantime, I’ve taken my 4th oxycodone dose (5 mg – the smallest amount) this week to manage the pain. I’m aware of the addictive nature of this powerful drug. The recommended dose is 1 pill every 4 hours as needed (so up to 6 per day) and I’ve only taken 4 total the entire week. Definitely trying to keep in moderation. I can see how people get addicted to the euphoric & relaxing feeling.

I may start considering medical marijuana to help with pain. Apparently it has many benefits for end stage renal disease.