I went to my PCP today and talked to him about everything. He already knew about a lot of it but I added in my episode and a couple other things. Regarding my "lost time" he said I was road hypnotized and because it was a road I travel all the time that i was just on autopilot. Nothing to worry about, no reason to freak out. Also I am having numbness in my thighs due to pinched nerves in my back. Told him about that and he said, "DEAL WITH IT" - can you believe that? Anyway I'm ok, I go see my spinal surgeon Wednesday so I'll get some answers there.
I always had the same routine. The first day of my visit I’d fly into Salt Lake City, pick up a rental car and drive to my store in Ogden - which is about an hours drive north.
On one particular trip, I had a lot on my mind. Mid divorce, son recently diagnosed with Cerebral Palsy, ex had emptied bank accounts...
So, driving, thinking, driving thinking. Then I just kinda snapped out of a fog and looked around, realizing I didn’t recognize the landscape. I had driven this trip over a dozen times before so needless to say, I was a bit alarmed. I keep driving looking for a sign... then I saw it - “Idaho 35 miles”. I had driven a few hours - blowing right by Ogden.
Becoming road “hypnotized” is easy to do - especially on a freeway. Especially, when you’ve got a lot on your mind.
As for your back and your dumbazz doctor - maybe it’s time to find a new one who has a bit more compassion for the people he treats?
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Maybe a good Chiropractor can help you. I know when I had a plnch nerve in my neck I went to a Chiropractor and it was fixed in just a few visits. It wouldn't hurt to try!
Just a thought!
What worked for me was "traction". Nope, not the type you see in old movies laying in a hospital bed with weights hanging. Just two times at physical therapy being strapped into the traction machine worked. Good grief, why didn't someone recommend that months prior??? That was 20 years ago, and rarely do I get that type of pain again. Once in awhile I will reach for something the wrong way, and ouch, but it will go away in a couple of days. Ask your doctor what he/she thinks about this?
Oh, I also get road hypnotized. I will arrive at home and can't remember if I had stopped for the traffic lights or not :P Since there were no blue lights in my rear view mirror, I had obeyed the traffic signals :)
Telling a patient to "deal with it." OMG.... I don't see how that is helpful or professional.
Thank you, doctor. Er, any suggestions on how?
When you go and see your spinal surgeon, promise me you will investigate every form of exercise and physical therapy before you let anyone near your back with sharp or pointed objects.