Quick Update....I still hate needles.

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That's right! Stay away, needles, or I will have to send Stitch after you!

It has been three days since my injection and I am experiencing a "typical allergic reaction" to the steroid, according to the orthopedist, who I called this morning in a panic when I realized I had three of the "call your doctor if" symptoms. Last night I got an overwhelming, sudden, breath-taking, pulsating pain at the injection site that ran up my spine, to my head, and I've had a headache every since. It also came along with some nausea. I, of course, Googled my symptoms and convinced myself that I was experiencing a "spinal headache" which is caused by leaking spinal fluid, which eventually causes the cushioning in the brain to lessen, thus giving you a pain in your head. When I woke up this morning it was worse, accompanied by chills and hot flashes, so I called out sick and then called the doctor. He was very nonchalant, explaining that it is a very typical reaction causing flushing in the face, hot flashes and nausea, and to simply take Benadryl and it should clear up in a week. 

Easy for him to say. He hasn't been struggling to stay employed for a year! A week on Benadryl and I might as well quit my job, since I'll be sleeping through it! Low and behold, however, the Benadryl totally works, although I am running a very low-grade fever, which is also typical. I should have known, since I am allergic to a steroid (hopefully they didn't use that particular one on me...I hope they checked, because it was on the list of possible options). 

Thank goodness for my understanding employer...she was very nice about it. I still have this panicking voice in the back of my head saying she's just being nice and might fire me anyway, so I'm going to try to go in tomorrow despite the headache and nausea (which I'm sure with a little non-drowsy Dramamine and Tylenol should be manageable). I'm totally paranoid and afraid to trust now, which my one-time therapist pointed out is completely natural but totally irrational... I canceled my appointments with her...realized I didn't need her, I just needed steady employment. I think I just need some time to recover from all the unexpectedness. My job as a nanny is really stable and laid-back, and I find myself really enjoying it. I think I made the right decision, because I can already feel myself being in a better mood....at least most of the time.

Most of the time not including post-injection-allergic-reaction-headaches-and-hot-flashes.

And no, I haven't touched my new sewing machine yet. One thing at a time. :)