Laser Treatment Part 2

After closely following the pretreatment protocol for one week prior to beginning the laser treatments, I was ready for my first treatment.
I was taken back to a treatment room where I was weighed and measured. Skin calipers were used to measure the areas behind my arms (Ethel Mermans), around my waist and between my shoulder blades. A tape measure was used around my legs and arms to see if I could increase my muscle mass while working out pain free.
I stripped down to my white underthings as the laser does not penetrate dark clothing. It was important that the laser be able to access my right hip for full pain relief there.
The lights were turned out and a spider-like machine was pulled over me. Red lasers were dancing on the wall. After measuring and arranging the lasers directly over my midsection at a predetermined height, I was left alone for 20 minutes. I would flip over onto my stomach for 20 more minutes directed at my lower back.
I felt a warming sensation but no pain.
After putting my clothes back on, I was directed to a Whole Body Vibration (WBV) machine for 10 minutes. YEA!!! There was one briefly available in physical therapy but, they are hard to find.
WBV was developed by NASA to battle bone loss for astronauts. Since the bones in my legs are now see through, rebuilding bone is a major priority. A small fall can send me to the ER with multiple fractures.
I think the vibration level was set at "stun", my eyes were watering and I couldn't see straight. I just held on tight and stood still for the ten minutes while the machine cycled through different intensity levels. When I got off, I felt very groovy. Who needs 2 glasses of wine when you can work on bone density and feel groovy at the same time???

Laser Treatments Part 1

In an attempt to avoid another cortisone shot, I took to the internet. I spent hours pouring over "knee pain" and "hip pain" results. Zerona popped up in my knee pain search results. What the heck, I decided to give it a try. A Cortisone shot costs almost $700 every 4 months and was costing me plenty in long term bone loss and other side effects.And, while Zerona was developed for knee pain and post op breast surgery pain, a side effect discovered was fat loss. I knew some of my pain was due to the 40 lbs I'd put on over the 4 years since I lost full mobility. Having help getting it off (since traditional workouts were out of the question and weight piles on quickly for the slow moving set) would be a great side effect if it worked.
I made an appointment at a medi-spa near me, plopped down the $1,000 for 6 treatments and received the pre-treatment protocol instructions and supplements. No caffeine, no alcohol, no smoking, tons of water and niacin supplements that made me feel as if I was going through early menopause. (Can we talk about hot flashes and weird rashes all over my face and upper torso?) Patients are also instructed to burn at least 500 calories through vigorous exercise each week. Time to break out the gel seat on the exercise bike and get to peddling to nowhere!
Come back next Monday as I delve into the magic disco lights and brain scrambling bone building aspects of treatment.

Antwerp

Antwerp or, Antwerpen to the Belgians, is a beautiful and busy port city. I loved the market square area located by the waterfront. The gorgeous city hall building was a wonderful mix of architecture and color. The distinguished building was clothed in a riot of color as flags from around the globe were donned like a crown around it's head. (There were many smaller versions waving throughout the square as well. Expats from all over were displaying theirs during the FIFA world cup.)
The square is marked by a large bronze statue depicting local lore; it's of a warrior throwing a large hand. The dismembered hand belonged to a terrible giant who had asked a high price of those who wanted to cross the river. If you couldn't pay, the giant would take the poor travelers hand. The statue shows the brave Roman soldier who fought the giant and won, cutting of his hand in retaliation for the river travelers loss. The hand is now a symbol of Antwerp and may be seen throughout the city.
The cobblestones here are quite rough. The spaces in between are quite large and deep. Move slowly!! There are plenty of restaurants here to find one with a bathroom on the ground floor. Many people here speak English so, just ask about the toilet location. Remember, the English in Europe is English, not American, so ask your questions with that in mind.